bioactive natural products

Bioactive natural products are chemical compounds produced naturally by living organisms, such as plants, fungi, bacteria, and marine life, that have effects on biological systems. These substances can influence health by acting as medicines, dietary supplements, or as starting points for drug development. Examples include compounds like penicillin, derived from mold, and plant-based alkaloids, which have therapeutic properties. Their bioactivity results from specific chemical structures that interact with cellular targets, making them important sources for discovering new treatments and understanding biological processes.