Terpenoids are vital components in the interactions and defence mechanisms
among plants, microorganisms, and animals. These compounds hold considerable
ecological significance, not only by protecting plants but also by influencing
environmental factors that drive the evolution of plant communities and ecosystems.
Their economic potential is also becoming increasingly recognized due to their wide
application in human industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, and
chemical manufacturing. Additionally, terpenoids are emerging as biofuel candidates.
Advances in synthetic biology, utilizing genomic resources and innovative tools, have
improved the metabolic engineering of high-value terpenoids in both plants and
microorganisms. Furthermore, their ecological importance has been underscored in
developing sustainable pest control methods and enhancing plant resilience against
environmental stresses. The continued exploration of the intricate metabolic and
regulatory networks governing terpenoid biosynthesis is essential for realizing their full
potential. This review provides an updated overview of the organization, regulation,
and diversification of both core and specialized terpenoid metabolic pathways, while
highlighting their prominent roles in therapeutic applications. In parallel, alkaloids,
another significant class of natural compounds, are being synthesized using highly
efficient methods. Recent approaches enable the enantioselective synthesis of complex
alkaloids, such as yohimbine and tetrahydroprotoberberine, through innovative
catalytic processes. These techniques facilitate access to a wide array of stereoisomeric
forms, thus opening doors to novel biomedical research opportunities. The integration
of flow chemistry and catalytic enantioselective reactions has streamlined the
production of diverse alkaloid structures, enhancing the scope of both natural and
synthetic analogues for therapeutic and pharmaceutical development.
Keywords: Alkaloids, Bio-active, Catalysts, Diversification, Pharmaceuticals, Therapeutics, Terpenoids.
