Arctic and Antarctic Biodiversity: Implications for Pharmacology and a Promising Future in the Study of Antimicrobial Resistance

Species in many different classes with special biochemical adaptations to cold, harsh Arctic, and Antarctic habitats have been reported in these environments. Such adaptation leads to new bioactive molecules, which bear large pharmacological potential. It elaborates upon polar biodiversity for the discovery of medicines, including tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), an ever-growing issue at the level of global health. Marine animals, including invertebrates and microorganisms, produce secondary metabolites with strong antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties, such as marine terpenoids and fungal derivatives. The study also presents the antioxidant properties of Sanionia uncinata, Antarctic moss, as indicative of promise in photoprotection, the reduction of oxidative stress, and furthered application in pharmaceuticals and dermatology. Human health also comes under its effects; particularly those working in Antarctica, researchers, and the original people of the Arctic region. First is the lack of vitamin D, which is attributed to extended durations of insufficient exposure to sunlight. The present research underscores just how critical individualized supplementation plans are for decreasing health risks in these regions. The ethical development of research, therefore, comes about as part of sustainable bioprospecting into the polar regions. Using state-of-the-art genomics and metabolomics with advanced biotechnological methodologies to extract new molecules of medicinal relevance from those arduous ecosystems is of immense importance for therapy development from such areas. Finally, the development of the medicines taken from such areas should support multilateralism through interdisciplinary engagement by scientists, clinicians, legislative groups, and native populations involved. In addition to enhancing our knowledge of pharmacology in the Arctic and Antarctic, this study provides new vital information on how bioactive compounds from extreme environments may be used to develop novel drugs globally. The current investigation opens avenues toward innovative therapies for inflammatory disorders, infectious diseases, and other medical conditions associated with exposure to extreme environments through the study of the specific metabolic toolkit of polar animals.