Lycopodium Alkaloids from Thai Club Mosses

Abstract

The Lycopodiaceae family is the main source of Lycopodium alkaloids (LAs). The phytochemical constituents of alkaloid extract from seven species of Thai club mosses: Phlegmariurus carinatus, P. squarrosus, P. nummularifolius, P. phlegmaria, Lycopodiella cernua, Lycopodium clavatum and L. complanatum, were reviewed and classified into four major groups consisting of: lycopodine, lycodine, fawcettimine and phlegmarine (or miscellaneous group). The phytochemical relationships between the genera, Phlegmariurus (4 species), Lycopodium (2 species) and Lycopodiella (1 species) were investigated and reviewed based on their isolated Lycopodium alkaloids. The structures of 38 Lycopodium alkaloids are presented and some LAs are marked as key representatives for classification of the genera. The content of huperzine A in the club moss species was evaluated for biological activities. Some isolated LAs were potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. This review focuses on the structural classification of the LAs isolated from Thai club mosses and their biological activities, especially acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity.