Antitumor Alkaloids in Tibetan Corydalis: Chemical Diversity and Pharmacological Insights

The plant genus Corydalis (Papaveraceae), widely used in traditional Tibetan medicine, comprises numerous species rich in bioactive alkaloids exhibiting significant antitumor activities. Recent pharmacological studies demonstrate that these alkaloids exert potent anti-cancer effects through diverse molecular mechanisms, including cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, suppression of angiogenesis, and inhibition of metastasis. However, comprehensive reviews specifically addressing their antitumor efficacy are limited. This article systematically summarizes current advances in understanding the chemical diversity, pharmacological mechanisms, clinical potential, and quality control of antitumor alkaloids derived from Tibetan medicinal Corydalis plants, proposing future research directions to promote their integration into modern oncological therapeutics.