The Cnidaria: Only a Problem or Also a Resource?

Cnidarians are beautiful but dangerous aquatic organisms that can cause serious health problems. They are known to be a threat in many coastal areas around the world, and their encounters with humans can vary from simple skin irritation to serious anaphylactic manifestations. Despite this, cnidarians are also viewed with particular interest due to their potential in the field of natural products, and scientists are exploring their potential for the development of new drugs or bioactive substances. This book aims to collect the experiences and recent research data on cnidarians and review present knowledge on the subject.

Format: Hardback
Length: 501 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

Cnidarians, those elegant and captivating aquatic organisms, possess a mesmerizing beauty that is often overshadowed by their reputation as a threat in numerous coastal areas worldwide. While several species of cnidarians residing in tropical or sub-tropical regions pose remarkable dangers, it is important to note that many Mediterranean species can also cause severe health issues. Indeed, cnidarians, including sea anemones, corals, and medusae, are widely regarded as some of the most dangerous and venomous organisms due to the presence of batteries of intracellular capsules, known as nematocysts or cnidocysts, within their tissues. These capsules are produced by specialized cells, called nematocytes or cnidocytes, derived from the Golgi apparatus. The phylum Cnidaria, derived from the Greek word for "nettle," aptly captures the essence of these remarkable creatures.

The consequences of human encounters with cnidarians can range from mild skin irritation to severe anaphylactic manifestations in sensitive individuals. Over the past few decades, cnidarians have gained a heightened sense of danger due to recurrent jellyfish outbreaks, which pose a significant threat to human health, economy, and environmental equilibrium. Furthermore, the introduction of alien species, facilitated by human activities, environmental changes, global warming, or man-made modifications of territories, presents new and formidable challenges to environmental management. Consequently, cnidarians can be perceived as a problem. However, they also hold particular interest due to their potential in the field of natural products. Scientists have recognized the immense value of natural resources hidden within aquatic environments for the development of novel drugs or bioactive substances with vast applications. At present, a substantial scientific literature exists, highlighting the remarkable benefits of cnidarian products as potential remedies.

In conclusion, cnidarians, with their mesmerizing beauty and potential threats, are a complex and fascinating group of organisms. While they may pose risks to human health and the environment, they also offer significant opportunities for scientific research and the discovery of valuable natural products. Understanding the complexities of cnidarian interactions and their potential benefits is crucial for effective management and conservation efforts.

Weight: 1104g
Dimension: 190 x 273 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781536196641