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Related Concept Videos

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Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists are agents that interact with the acetylcholinesterase enzyme in the synaptic cleft, preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine into choline and acetate. Consequently, the concentration of acetylcholine in the synaptic cleft increases. These agonists can be classified into reversible and irreversible inhibitors based on their duration of action.
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Microtubules are dynamic structures and can be regulated by microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). Microtubule destabilizing drugs are a class of MTAs that destabilize and prevent microtubules' polymerization. Both natural and synthetic chemicals can be found under this class of drugs. Vincristine and vinblastine, two vinca alkaloids, and colchicine were among the first to be discovered. These drugs can affect cells in various ways, either by inducing a change in cell morphology, preventing...
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Microtubules are dynamic structures that undergo cycles of catastrophe and rescue. The microtubules play a central role in cell division by forming the spindle apparatus for segregating the chromosomes. This makes them ideal targets for regulating dividing cells in tumors and malignant cancer cells. Microtubule stabilizing drugs help stabilize the microtubule formation and promote its polymerization. Paclitaxel was the first microtubule stabilizing agent used as anticancer drug in chemotherapy...
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Indirect-acting cholinergic agonists, also known as anticholinesterases, exert their pharmacological effects by enhancing cholinergic transmission in various body parts, including the neuromuscular junction, autonomic cholinergic synapses, and the brain.
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Drugs are chemical substances that modify biological responses by interacting with macromolecular targets such as receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes. Pharmacodynamics describes the course of action of drugs leading to the physiological effect at a specific site in the body.
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Biologically active indolizidine alkaloids.

Junmin Zhang1, Susan L Morris-Natschke2, Di Ma1

  • 1School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.

Medicinal Research Reviews
|October 31, 2020
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Indolizidine alkaloids from diverse natural sources exhibit significant biological activities. This review explores their pharmacological effects and potential for developing novel therapeutic drugs.

Keywords:
biological activityindolizidine alkaloidsnatural productspharmacological effects

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Area of Science:

  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Medicinal Chemistry

Background:

  • Indolizidine alkaloids are a class of natural compounds found in various organisms.
  • These alkaloids possess a wide range of documented biological activities.
  • Their structural diversity contributes to their varied pharmacological profiles.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the known biological activities and pharmacological effects of indolizidine alkaloids.
  • To explore the potential of indolizidine alkaloids as scaffolds for drug discovery.
  • To identify new research directions for indolizidine alkaloid-based therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of scientific databases.
  • Analysis and synthesis of existing research on indolizidine alkaloids.
  • Pharmacological profiling and activity assessment of reported compounds.

Main Results:

  • Compilation of diverse biological activities, including antimicrobial, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Identification of key structural features responsible for specific pharmacological actions.
  • Evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of various indolizidine alkaloids.

Conclusions:

  • Indolizidine alkaloids represent a promising source for novel drug development.
  • Further research into their mechanisms of action and structure-activity relationships is warranted.
  • Targeted drug design based on indolizidine alkaloid scaffolds could yield effective new medicines.