Chemistry and biological activity of alkaloids from the genus Schizanthus

Abstract

The genusSchizanthus(Solanaceae) comprises 12 accepted species primarily endemic to Chile. It is characterized by the presence of numerous tropane alkaloids found as ester derivatives of isomeric acids like angelic, senecioic, or tiglic, as well as mesaconic, itaconic, and citraconic acids, leading to numerous positional and configurational isomers. Up to now 50 alkaloids with these esters have been isolated and most of them are fully characterized. Analytical methods and techniques engaged during the investigation of this class of compounds, as well as their identification capabilities, are discussed. In several cases the absolute configuration is also well established, and some alkaloids are reported as biologically active. This review summarizes updated information on the distribution, botanical characteristics, phytochemical, and pharmacological knowledges of this genus up to mid-2018.