Chapter 3 - Alkaloids from the Genus Duguetia

Abstract

Duguetia is one of the larger genera in the family Annonaceae. About 16 out of 100 species have been examined for alkaloids, and 105 of these compounds have been identified or, if new, their structures have been determined. Many of the isolates are commonly distributed isoquinoline alkaloids. Other alkaloids belong to subgroups specific to this genus or limited to Duguetia and the fairly closely related genus Guatteria , some have unusual stereochemistry, and some appear to be structurally unique. Most of the structures were assigned over 20 years ago, largely on the basis of spectroscopic studies, and in part, based on chemical transformations and/or synthesis. The last two decades have seen important strides in the biosynthesis of isoquinoline alkaloids. However, the most striking advances are in their pharmacology, which has lent support to some traditional uses and uncovered possible leads for the development of anticancer, antifungal, antiparasitic, cardiovascular, and psychoactive drugs.