Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Applications of Liquid-Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Natural Products Research: Tropane Alkaloids as a Case Study
Published on: March 8, 2024
Pharmaceutical applications of the benzylisoquinoline alkaloids from Argemone mexicana L
Jorge Rubio-Pina1, Felipe Vazquez-Flota
1Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular de Plantas, Centro de Investigacion Científica de Yucatan, Calle 43 No. 130 Chuburna 97205 Mérida Yucatán Mexico. felipe@cicy.mx.
Abstract:
Argemone mexicana L. (Papaveraceae), accumulates benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, (BIA) derived from tyrosine. Although it was originated in the western region of the USA-Mexico border, it has spread to tropical and subtropical areas around the world. Today, it is used to treat different ailments, given to its antimicrobial, antiparasitic, antimalarial, pesticide, cytotoxic and neurological properties. These effects are related to the presence of different types of BIA's, such as benzophenanthridines (sanguinarine, chelerythrine), protoberberines (berberine) and protopines (protopine, allocryptopine). This review covers the historical medicinal uses of A. mexicana, as well as its current applications. The chemical bases of such effects are discussed in relation to the occurrence of the different types of alkaloids. The biochemical process involved in the synthesis of these types of alkaloids is also described.
Related Concept Videos
Cholinergic Antagonists: Pharmacokinetics
Physical Properties of Amines
Adrenergic Agonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Aromatic ring substitutions: Substituting the aromatic ring with –OH groups at positions 3 and 4 yields catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine), which have a high affinity for adrenoceptors. Hydrogen bonding between –OH groups and receptors enhances adrenergic activity.
Separation of the aromatic...
Aromatic Compounds: Overview
In 1825, Faraday isolated benzene...
Cholinergic Antagonists: Chemistry and Structure-Activity Relationship
Anthelminthic Agents
