Background and Aim: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from marine sources. This compound has found applications in various food and pharmaceutical products due to its numerous bioactive properties.
Methods: This article reviews published studies regarding the sources, extraction methods, structure, bioactivity characteristics, medicinal applications, and commercial products derived from CS extracted from aquatic resources.
Results: The findings indicate that the primary marine sources of CS include various species of sharks. However, other sources such as ray fish, sea cucumbers, sturgeons, and certain bony fish can also be utilized for extracting this compound. In these sources, CS is primarily extracted from cartilage and, to a lesser extent, from bone and skin. Various extraction methods have been employed, including conventional techniques using chemical solvents, enzymatic methods, ultrasound, microwave-assisted extraction, pulsed electric fields, and combinations of these approaches. CS exhibits a wide range of health-promoting and bioactive properties, including antioxidant, anticoagulant, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-malarial effects, as well as benefits for wound healing, bone and cartilage repair, nerve tissue regeneration, liver health, immune stimulation, and digestive protection. Consequently, a variety of products have been developed from this compound and are being used to prevent and treat several diseases, particularly arthritis.
Conclusion: Given the bioactivity and medicinal potential of CS, along with the abundance of marine resources in the country's waters, the extraction of this compound and the production of its various derivatives should be considered by the industry.