A Comprehensive Overview on Valuable Tropane Alkaloids: Scopolamine, Atropine, and Hyoscyamine

Abstract

Tropane alkaloids such as scopolamine (C17H21NO4), atropine (C17H23NO3) and hyoscyamine (C17H23NO3) are the most important plant secondary metabolites in the pharmaceutical industry due to anticholinergic activity, competition with muscarinic receptors and also treating different human diseases. Scopolamine, hyoscyamine and atropine are the most important tropane alkaloids used as anticoagulants and spasmolytic drugs in the digestive system and urinary excretion. Tropane alkaloids are natural phytochemical compounds, which are present in different plant families. These compounds are the main secondary metabolites in Solanaceae family plants such as Hyoscyamus niger and Atropa belladonna. The main source of raw material for the production of tropane alkaloids in the world is Duboisia spp. leaves which contain 2-4% alkaloids (more than 60% scopolamine, and 30% hyoscyamine). Common methods of analysis of tropane alkaloids include gas chromatography (GC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE), in which liquid chromatography is mostly adopted. Various enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of tropane alkaloids, in which N-Putrescine methyltransferase (PMT), tropinone reductase I and II, and hyoscyamine 6-beta-hydroxylase (H6H) have a key role. To increase the biosynthesis of these important alkaloids, many studies were focused on the manipulation of key genes expressing enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway such as pmt and h6h genes. Although many biotechnological and agronomic studies have been done to increase the biosynthesis efficiency of these metabolites, further investigations are necessary. This paper is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of these tropane alkaloids.

Combined in vitro/in silico approaches, molecular dynamics simulations and safety assessment of the multifunctional properties of thymol and carvacrol: A comparative insight

“…[3] In this context, thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) and carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol) are monoterpenoid compounds naturally found in different plant species such as Lamiaceae, Verbenaceae and Ranunculaceae. [4] Both compounds are naturally produced by several aromatic plants genera, including oregano, thyme, and savory, as a chemical defense mechanism against pathogenic microorganisms, pests and environmental stress. [5] These two monoterpenes isomers have several applications in nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries owing to their multiple properties and are recognized as safe (GRAS) by the (FDA) for human utilization and consumption.…”

“…Among the recommended strategies, plant‐derived bioactive compounds were suggested to be used as potent analogs with improved therapeutic properties and reduced toxicity as compared to synthetic medication [3] . In this context, thymol (2‐isopropyl‐5‐methylphenol) and carvacrol (5‐isopropyl‐2‐methylphenol) are monoterpenoid compounds naturally found in different plant species such as Lamiaceae , Verbenaceae and Ranunculaceae [4] . Both compounds are naturally produced by several aromatic plants genera, including oregano, thyme, and savory, as a chemical defense mechanism against pathogenic microorganisms, pests and environmental stress [5] .…”