Ecology of alkaloids

Aniszewski, Tadeusz

doi:10.1016/b978-0-444-59433-4.00004-3

Cited by 31 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 74 publications

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“…Alkaloids are defined as a heterogeneous assembly of secondary metabolite cyclic compounds containing nitrogen atoms in a negative oxidation state [ 127 ]. Nowadays, around 14,000 different alkaloids are known [ 127 ] with the inevitable result that the chemistry of alkaloids is very complex with numerous chemical subdivisions. They are primarily found in plants, particularly in the Angiosperma, where alkaloid production pathways seem to have diversified mainly as a protection against defoliation by herbivores [ 128 ].…”

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Alkaloids in ants were first reported in the early 1970s [ 130 ] and they have been reported in an increasing number of different ant groups, particularly as venom secretions (for a summary see Table 4 ). Although wasp venoms may contain amines and several other low molecular weight compounds, venom alkaloids seem to be a particularity of ants within Hymenopterans [ 127 , 131 ].…”

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In the following sections, only alkaloids with toxic activities found in ant venoms are discussed; for an overview of general alkaloid structures and classification see Anisewiski [ 127 ]. Ant alkaloids can be either monocyclic, bicyclic, tricyclic or polycyclic (the latter being derived from tricyclic alkaloids), thus displaying considerable diversity ( Figure 4 ).…”

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Nevertheless, several alkaloids detected in ants are shared with other distant organisms (e.g., anabaseine alkaloids are also found in nemertine worms, and tobacco plants), and a few have been synthesized for specific investigations (e.g., synthetic solenopsins for biomedical studies). In such instances, there are studies of their chemical and biological properties published in sources unrelated to myrmecology (see Anisewiski [ 127 ]). Non-toxic activities include those relating to communication and behavioral modulation including trail, alarm and sex pheromones and attractants [ 131 , 152 ] but these are outside of the scope of this review and will not be covered here.…”

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms

Touchard

Aili

Fox

et al. 2016

Toxins

132

202

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Ants (Formicidae) represent a taxonomically diverse group of hymenopterans with over 13,000 extant species, the majority of which inject or spray secretions from a venom gland. The evolutionary success of ants is mostly due to their unique eusociality that has permitted them to develop complex collaborative strategies, partly involving their venom secretions, to defend their nest against predators, microbial pathogens, ant competitors, and to hunt prey. Activities of ant venom include paralytic, cytolytic, haemolytic, allergenic, pro-inflammatory, insecticidal, antimicrobial, and pain-producing pharmacologic activities, while non-toxic functions include roles in chemical communication involving trail and sex pheromones, deterrents, and aggregators. While these diverse activities in ant venoms have until now been largely understudied due to the small venom yield from ants, modern analytical and venomic techniques are beginning to reveal the diversity of toxin structure and function. As such, ant venoms are distinct from other venomous animals, not only rich in linear, dimeric and disulfide-bonded peptides and bioactive proteins, but also other volatile and non-volatile compounds such as alkaloids and hydrocarbons. The present review details the unique structures and pharmacologies of known ant venom proteinaceous and alkaloidal toxins and their potential as a source of novel bioinsecticides and therapeutic agents.

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Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Ant Alkaloidsmentioning

confidence: 99%

See 2 more Smart Citations

The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms

Touchard

Aili

Fox

et al. 2016

Toxins

132

202

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Alkaloids regulate Na + ions and channels and microbial activity, have stimulating properties, and induce immunogenic cell death. Alkaloids are also known to have inhibitory effects on angiogenesis and therefore are useful in inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells [114].…”

Section: Glycoproteinsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diversity of Mushrooms and Their Metabolites of Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Significance

Rahi

Malik

2016

Journal of Mycology

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Mushrooms are well known for their nutritional as well as therapeutic values worldwide. Interest in mushrooms has peaked because immunity and cellular protection are important issues for health conscious consumers and for those individuals who are dealing with serious health issues. Mushrooms generally belong to Basidiomycetes which harbors numerous mushroom species with diversity of metabolites of nutraceutical and therapeutic significance. They have been reported to be the most valuable ones for humans. Investigations on the therapeutic and nutritional properties of mushrooms are underway throughout the world. Researchers are providing crucial data on the array of bioactive compounds found within these fascinating fungi. People are now accepting mushrooms more as food and food supplements. Various academic and research institutes are all involved actively in research on bioactive metabolites of mushrooms. The present paper aims at reviewing the diversity of mushrooms and the types of metabolites especially of nutraceutical and therapeutic importance present in these mushrooms and their role as bioactive agents.

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Photochemical Rearrangements in Heterocyclic Chemistry

2019

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Heterocyclic compounds play an important role in many domains of chemistry. They are important structural elements in bioactive compounds. Photochemical reactions enable transformations of such compounds in a very convenient way. In many cases no chemical reagent is used. Members of one compound family can be transformed into members of another one. Three important types of photochemical rearrangements with heterocyclic compounds are discussed: Photochemical heteroatom isomerization involving heteroatoms and substituents, photochemical reactions involving hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and photochemical electrocyclization.

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Ecology of alkaloids

Cited by 31 publications

References 74 publications

The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms

The Biochemical Toxin Arsenal from Ant Venoms

Diversity of Mushrooms and Their Metabolites of Nutraceutical and Therapeutic Significance

Photochemical Rearrangements in Heterocyclic Chemistry

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