Title:Phytochemical Information and Biological Activities of Quinolizidine Alkaloids in Sophora: A Comprehensive Review
Volume: 20
Issue: 15
Author(s): Hanqing Wang*, Changbo Xia, Li Chen, Jianjun Zhao, Weiwei Tao, Xia Zhang, Jianhuan Wang, Xiaojuan Gao, Jingjiao Yong and Jin-ao Duan
Affiliation:
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, 1160 Shengli Street, Yinchuan, Ningxia 750004,China
Keywords:
Quinolizidine alkaloids, Sophora, biological activities, phytochemicals, pharmacological, resources.
Abstract: Quinolizidine alkaloids, a main form of alkaloids found in the genus Sophora, have been
shown to have many pharmacological effects. This review aims to summarize the photochemical reports
and biological activities of quinolizidine alkaloids in Sophora. The collected information suggested that a
total of 99 quinolizidine alkaloids were isolated and detected from different parts of Sophora plants, represented
by lupinine-type, cytisine-type, sparteine-type, and matrine-type. However, quality control
needs to be monitored because it could provide basic information for the reasonable and efficient use of
quinolizidine alkaloids as medicines and raw materials. The nonmedicinal parts may be promising to be
used as a source of quinolizidine alkaloid raw materials and to reduce the waste of resources and environmental
pollution. In addition, the diversity of chemical compounds based on the alkaloid scaffold to
make a biological compound library needs to be extended, which may reduce toxicity and find new bioactivities
of quinolizidine alkaloids. The bioactivities most reported are in the fields of antitumor activity
along with the effects on the cardiovascular system. However, those studies rely on theoretical research,
and novel drugs based on quinolizidine alkaloids are expected.