Bisbenzylisoquinoline Alkaloids.

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Organic Chemistry
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids represent a large class of natural products.
• The period 1999-2018 saw significant expansion in the study of these compounds.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids literature from 1999 to early 2018.
• To classify these alkaloids, outline biosynthetic pathways, and detail novel compounds.
• To highlight progress in total synthesis and summarize biological activities.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications from 1999 to early 2018.
• Classification and categorization of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids.
• Compilation of data on novel natural products, including analytical data.
• Synthesis of information on biosynthetic pathways and total synthesis efforts.
• Summarization of biological and pharmacological evaluations.

Main Results:

• Approximately 500 bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids are known, with 65 new compounds characterized between 1999 and early 2018.
• A classification system for these alkaloids is presented.
• Key biosynthetic pathways are outlined.
• Progress in the total synthesis of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids is detailed.
• An overview of significant biological and pharmacological findings is provided.

Conclusions:

• The review consolidates a decade and a half of research on bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids.
• It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the chemistry, synthesis, and biological relevance of this alkaloid class.
• The findings underscore the continued importance and discovery potential of bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids in natural product research.