Natural Products as Sources of Therapeutic Agents and Functional Biomolecules

Natural products have long served as a foundation for the discovery and development of therapeutic agents and functional biomolecules. Derived from plants, microorganisms, marine organisms, and other natural sources, these compounds exhibit remarkable structural diversity and biological activity. Historically, natural products have played a pivotal role in traditional medicine and continue to inspire modern drug discovery, contributing significantly to the treatment of infectious diseases, cancer, metabolic disorders, and inflammatory conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of natural products as sources of bioactive compounds, emphasizing their classification, biosynthetic origins, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic applications. Advances in analytical techniques, biotechnology, and computational approaches that enhance natural product discovery are discussed. Additionally, challenges related to sustainability, standardization, and clinical translation are highlighted, along with future prospects for integrating natural products into modern medicine and functional biomolecule development