Research Progress on Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects of Amides From Natural Sources

Amide compounds are a class of compounds with diverse structures and pharmacological effects. There are numerous reviews on the synthesis of amide compounds; however, there are relatively few comprehensive reviews on the chemical components of amides derived from natural sources. Literature research shows that amide compounds are mainly found in traditional Chinese medicines, such as Cortex Lycii, Fructus Lycii, Fructus Piperis Longi, and Fructus Piperis. According to their core structural characteristics, they can be classified into phenylalkyl amides, piperidine amides, fatty amides, pyrrolidine amides, aristolactam amides, and other amides. The pharmacological effects of amide compounds mainly include anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-protozoal, antiviral, and antibacterial activities. This article provides a review of the current research status of natural sources of amide chemical components and their pharmacological effects, with the aim of offering a reference for in-depth exploitation and utilization of natural amide compounds.