Molecules, Vol. 29, Pages 1968: Exploring the Biomedical Potential of Terpenoid Alkaloids: Sources, Structures, and Activities

Molecules, Vol. 29, Pages 1968: Exploring the Biomedical Potential of Terpenoid Alkaloids: Sources, Structures, and Activities
Molecules doi: 10.3390/molecules29091968
Authors:
Xuyan Wang
Jianzeng Xin
Lili Sun
Yupei Sun
Yaxi Xu
Feng Zhao
Changshan Niu
Sheng Liu

Terpenoid alkaloids are recognized as a class of compounds with limited numbers but potent biological activities, primarily derived from plants, with a minor proportion originating from animals and microorganisms. These alkaloids are synthesized from the same prenyl unit that forms the terpene skeleton, with the nitrogen atom introduced through β-aminoethanol, ethylamine, or methylamine, leading to a range of complex and diverse structures. Based on their skeleton type, they can be categorized into monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, and triterpene alkaloids. To date, 289 natural terpenoid alkaloids, excluding triterpene alkaloids, have been identified in studies published between 2019 and 2024. These compounds demonstrate a spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antibacterial, analgesic, and cardioprotective effects, making them promising candidates for further development. This review provides an overview of the sources, chemical structures, and biological activities of natural terpenoid alkaloids, serving as a reference for future research and applications in this area.

Source: Molecules - April 25, 2024 Category: Chemistry Authors: Xuyan Wang Jianzeng Xin Lili Sun Yupei Sun Yaxi Xu Feng Zhao Changshan Niu Sheng Liu Tags: Review Source Type: research