Phytochemical Investigation of Indole Alkaloids
Summary
Indole alkaloids constitute a vast class of nitrogenous secondary metabolites characterised by a bicyclic indole nucleus linked to diverse side chains. Predominantly produced by species within Rubiaceae and Apocynaceae, these compounds exhibit remarkable structural complexity and bioactivity. Phytochemical investigations typically begin with solvent extraction of plant biomass, followed by chromatographic separation and comprehensive spectral elucidation. Advanced mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance techniques now enable rapid dereplication and identification of trace-level alkaloids. Biosynthetic studies have revealed that strictosidine serves as a universal precursor, giving rise to multiple skeleton types through enzyme-mediated cyclisations. The chemotaxonomic distribution of indole alkaloids has informed evolutionary relationships among plant lineages, while synthetic and biotechnological approaches strive to overcome limitations in natural supply. Pharmacological screening continues to uncover potent anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer and neuroprotective activities, underscoring the global importance of indole alkaloids as leads in drug discovery.
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Phytochemical Investigation of Indole Alkaloids publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in phytochemical investigation of indole alkaloids across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Indole alkaloid: A natural compound containing an indole moiety and derived from tryptophan.
Strictosidine: A central glycosylated precursor in the biosynthesis of many indole alkaloids.
Dereplication: Rapid identification of known compounds in complex mixtures to avoid redundant isolation.
UHPLC-MS/MS: Ultra high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry for precise compound analysis.
13C-NMR spectroscopy: Nuclear magnetic resonance technique that provides carbon-specific structural information.
References
- A Comprehensive Description of the Anatomy and Histochemistry of Psychotria capillacea (Müll. Arg.) Standl. and an Investigation into Its Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Mice and Role in Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment. Pharmaceuticals (2024).
- The Genus Psychotria: Phytochemistry, Chemotaxonomy, Ethnopharmacology and Biological Properties. Journal of the Brazilian Chemical Society (2016).
- 13C-NMR Spectral Data of Alkaloids Isolated from Psychotria Species (Rubiaceae). Molecules (2017).
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