Plant Alkaloids as an Emerging Therapeutic Alternative for the Treatment of Depression

Abstract

Depression is a heterogeneous mood disorder that has been classified and treated in a variety of ways. Although, a number of synthetic drugs are being used as standard treatment for clinically depressed patients, but they have adverse effects that can compromise the therapeutic treatments and patient's compliance. Unlike, synthetic medications, herbal medicines are widely used across the globe due to their wide applicability and therapeutic efficacy associated with least side effects, which in turn has initiated the scientific research regarding the antidepressant activity. This review is mostly based on the literature of the last decade, aimed at exploring the preclinical profile of plant-based alkaloids (the abundant secondary metabolite) as an emerging therapy for depression.

Biologically active quinoline and quinazoline alkaloids part II

“…In 2014, Dhingra and Valecha reported that punaravine ( 247 ) (Figure ), a quinolin‐4‐one alkaloid isolated from Boerhaavia diffusa , showed significant antidepressant activity in unstressed and stressed mice in different models . When compound 247 was administered orally for 14 successive days, immobility periods and sucrose preference were significantly decreased in both stressed and unstressed mice.…”

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“…They claimed that the anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity of Rasayana Ghana Tablet in ayurved is due to presence of β carboline alkaloid of TT which is the main contributor among 3 medicinal plants of Rasayana Tablet. It is observed that steroid phytochemical is responsible for hypoglycaemic activity in diabetic rats in C. papaya leaves 52 .…”

“…The isolated alkaloids showed antidiabetic and antioxidant potential in-vitro study 49 . Sadia Perviz et al, 2016 50 reviewed the antidepressant activity of β carboline alkaloid, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor in plants.…”

Guava flavonoid glycosides prevent influenza A virus infection via rescue of P53 activity

“…It is increasingly imperative to use the plant flavonoid glycosides as antimicrobial agents including antibiotic‐resistant gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria . Several studies have shown the antiviral activity of polyphenolic compounds; however, the mechanism underlying how flavonoids inhibit viral replication is not completely understood . Two flavonoids, 5,7,3′,4′‐tetra‐O‐methylquercetin and 3,4,5‐trihydroxyphenyl that are derived from elderberry fruit, showed a competitive inhibition of IAV virion entry to the host .…”

“…12,14,15 Several studies have shown the antiviral activity of polyphenolic compounds; however, the mechanism underlying how flavonoids inhibit viral replication is not completely understood. [16][17][18] Two flavonoids, 5,7,3′,4′-tetra-O-methylquercetin and 3,4,5-trihydroxyphenyl that are derived from elderberry fruit, showed a competitive inhibition of IAV virion entry to the host. 19 In the current work, we are interested to investigate and identify anti-influenza inhibitors via screening of naturally occurring products from plants, such as guava and lemon extracts.…”