Metabolites of tropical marine algae of the family Codiaceae (Chlorophyta): chemistry and bioactivity

The chemistry and bioactivity of metabolites produced by some Codiacean pla nts (Species of the genera : Avrainvillea; Chlorodesmis; Codium; Halimeda; Penicillus; Rhipocephalus and Tydemania and Udotea) have been reviewed. The metabolites isolated include halogenated compounds, terpenoids, oxygenated sterols, sulphated polysaccharides, proteoglycans and lectins; bioactiviti es such as antiviral (including anti-HIV), antibacterial, antifungal, ichth yotoxic, cytotoxic, antitumor, blood anticoagulant etc. have been reported.