Therapeutic potential of alkaloids in autoimmune diseases: Promising candidates for clinical trials

Abstract

Clinical investigations have characterized numerous disorders like autoimmune diseases, affecting the population at a rate of approximately 8–10%. These disorders are characterized by T‐cell and auto‐antibodies responses to self‐molecules by immune system reactivity. Several therapeutic options have been adopted in clinics to combat such diseases, however, most of them are recurring. Thus, the discovery of new effective agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is paramount. In this context, natural products might be a useful alternative to the current therapies. Plant alkaloids with their substantial therapeutic history can be particularly interesting candidates for the alleviation of autoimmune ailments. This review encompasses various alkaloids with significant effects against autoimmune diseases in preclinical trials. These results suggest further clinical assessment with respect to autoimmune illnesses. Furthermore, the application of modern technologies such as nanoformulation could be also helpful in the design of more effective therapies and thus further studies are needed to decipher their therapeutic efficacy as well as potential limitations.

Promising Role of Alkaloids in the Prevention and Treatment of Thyroid Cancer and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Comprehensive Review of the Current Evidence

“…Alkaloids have been intensely investigated because of their biological activity and therapeutic potential. They possess, indeed, a broad spectrum of biological activities [4], including antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anticholinergic, analgesic, antiangiogenic [5], anti-cancer [6,7], and immunomodulatory properties [8]. Some alkaloids, such as Vinca alkaloids, Quinolines (camptothecin and its derivatives), and Taxanes (paclitaxel and docetaxel) have been used to treat cancer since the 1960s [9], beyond their traditional use.…”

“…Several reviews have examined the role of alkaloid in different types of cancer [7,9,11,12] and autoimmune diseases [8], but limited data are available on their effect on thyroid diseases. The effects of alkaloids on thyroid growth and function have been recently reviewed in [13], thus the goal of this review will be to discuss the potential role of alkaloids as prophylactic and therapeutic agents for thyroid cancer (TC) and autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD), focusing on the specific pathogenic pathways.…”

Structure‐based study to identify alkaloids as promising cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1) inhibitors: An in silico approach using virtual screening, molecular dynamic simulations, and binding free energy calculation

“…26 Currently, about 12 000 plant-derived alkaloids have been identified and are known for their medicinal importance in the treatment of various diseases. [27][28][29] Alkaloids like quinolizidine, isoquinoline, indole, and xanthine are known for therapeutic activities in antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antifungal, antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, and regulation of the nervous system. 30 Many known alkaloids namely, vincristine, berberine, and piperine have already been successfully developed as anticancer drugs.…”

“…Alkaloids are nitrogen‐rich plant‐derived secondary metabolites and possess diverse biological activities 26 . Currently, about 12 000 plant‐derived alkaloids have been identified and are known for their medicinal importance in the treatment of various diseases 27–29 . Alkaloids like quinolizidine, isoquinoline, indole, and xanthine are known for therapeutic activities in antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and regulation of the nervous system 30 .…”