Erythrina alkaloids achievements and perspectives

The genus Erythrina, member of the Fabaceae family contains 115 species with wide phorphological variation and ecological diversity. Worldwide the major distribution of Erythrina species is in southern Mexico and Central America. The genus has been studied in different points of view since ornamental or culinary uses until ethnomedical and chemical studies. This is because contains compounds as flavonoids, isoflavonoids, alkaloids, tripsine inhibitors, hemaglutinins and saponins in different parts of the plants. The bark, seeds and flowers have been intensily screened to this kind of compounds and the alkaloids and isoflavonoids have received special attention because their structure and biological activity e.g. antimicrobials or calm agents.

Due to the increasing attraction and rapid extention of this field, the Erythrina alkaloids have been regurlarly reviewed concerning occurrence, structure, analytical and spectral properties, biosynthesis, total synthesis and biological activities. The present contribution will give an overview of the studies done in our laboratory and elsewhere of the Erythrina alkaloids from 1994 to date covering source, structure, analytical/spectral data, biosynthesis and finally a short review of their biological activity.

References:

[1] Garin-Aguilar, et al 2005, Phytochem Anal. 16, 302 – 306

[2] Garcia-Mateos, et al 2000 Pharm Pharmacol. lett. 10, 34 – 37.

[3] San Miguel Chavez, et al 2007, Phytochem Rev. 6, 167 – 173.