The Alkaloids of Triphyophyllum peltatum (Dioncophyllaceae)

Abstract

A great diversity of naphthylisoquinolines, presumably acetogenic biaryl alkaloids, has been obtained from the West-African liana Triphyophyllum peltatum. By the example of dioncophylline A, the main alkaloid from T. peltatum, we illustrate the various methods of structural elucidation established in our laboratory. The structural peculiarities of some of the minor alkaloids from the same species are discussed. A perspective on the interesting biological activities of various alkaloids from T. peltatum and related plants is given. The most promising lead is dioncophylline C, marked by pronounced antiplasmodial activity. Chemical syntheses, especially dimerization of naphthylisoquinolines, and QSAR-guided modifications of the most active structures are featured as rewarding strategies in the search for improved drugs. A chemotaxonomic summary is presented.