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Indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids
1Molecular Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, University of the Witwatersrand, Wits 2050, South Africa. jmichael@chem.wits.ac.za
Natural Product Reports
|February 3, 2007
Summary
This review explores indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids, covering their isolation, structure, synthesis, and biological activities from diverse natural sources. It details various alkaloid types and their occurrence in plants, animals, and marine organisms.
Area of Science:
- Natural Product Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids represent a significant class of nitrogen-containing natural products.
- These alkaloids exhibit diverse chemical structures and a wide range of biological activities.
- Their presence across various botanical, zoological, and marine sources highlights their ecological and pharmacological importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids.
- To summarize recent advancements in their isolation, structure elucidation, and synthesis.
- To discuss their chemical transformations and documented biological activities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of published research on indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids.
- Compilation and synthesis of data on chemical structures, synthetic routes, and bioactivities.
- Categorization of alkaloids based on structural features and sources.
Main Results:
- Detailed coverage of hydroxylated indolizidines (e.g., swainsonine, castanospermine) and their analogs.
- Inclusion of alkaloids from diverse sources: ants, amphibians, beetles, plants (Polygonatum, Prosopis, Elaeocarpus), Lythraceae, Nuphar, Lycopodium, and marine organisms.
- Discussion of various subclasses, including phenanthroindolizidines and alkylquinolizidines.
Conclusions:
- Indolizidine and quinolizidine alkaloids are structurally diverse and biologically significant natural products.
- Continued research is vital for understanding their synthesis, transformations, and potential applications.
- This review consolidates existing knowledge, serving as a valuable resource for researchers in natural product chemistry.
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