Lithistid sponges are known to produce a diverse array of compounds ranging
from polyketides, cyclic and linear peptides, alkaloids, pigments, lipids, and sterols.
A majority of these structurally complex compounds have very potent and interesting
biological activities. It has been a decade since a thorough review has been published that
summarizes the literature on the natural products reported from this amazing sponge order.
This review provides an update on the current taxonomic classification of the Lithistida,
describes structures and biological activities of 131 new natural products, and discusses
highlights from the total syntheses of 16 compounds from marine sponges of the Order
Lithistida providing a compilation of the literature since the last review published in 2002.