[Advances in synthesis regulation, extraction technology, and pharmacological application of Gelsemium elegans...

Gelsemium elegans (Gardner and Champ.) Benth., a highly toxic plant of Loganiaceae, contains monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) as its primary bioactive components. Although these alkaloids exhibit significant toxicity, they also exhibit diverse pharmacological activities. The biosynthesis of G. elegans alkaloids originates from the terpenoid pathway and tryptamine pathway, converging at the pivotal intermediate strictosidine. However, the modification reactions in its downstream pathway and the associated key enzyme genes remain to be systematically elucidated. In terms of extraction and separation, techniques such as microwave-assisted extraction demonstrates improved efficiency, and the combination of high-speed countercurrent chromatography with preparative liquid chromatography facilitates the isolation of high-purity monomeric compounds. Pharmacological studies have shown that G. elegans alkaloids possess multiple biological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anxiolytic, immunomodulatory, cardiovascular protective, mydriatic, and growth-promoting effects, with compounds such as koumine demonstrating particularly prominent activities. Nevertheless, challenges such as the complex alkaloid biosynthetic pathway, difficulties in extraction and purification, and unclear toxicity mechanisms severely hinder their clinical application and translation. This review systematically summarizes the research progress in the synthesis, extraction, and pharmacological effects of alkaloids from G. elegans, aiming to provide reference for the in-depth development and safe utilization of G. elegans resources.