Chemistry and biological activity of azoprenylated secondary metabolites

Phytochemistry. 2009 Jun;70(9):1082-1091. doi: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2009.06.016. Epub 2009 Aug 5.

Abstract

N-Prenyl secondary metabolites (isopentenylazo-, geranylazo-, farnesylazo- and their biosynthetic derivatives) represent a family of extremely rare natural products. Only in recent years have these alkaloids been recognized as interesting and valuable biologically active secondary metabolites. To date about 35 alkaloids have been isolated from plants mainly belonging to the Rutaceae family, and from fungi, bacteria, and/or obtained by chemical synthesis. These metabolites comprise anthranilic acid derivatives, diazepinones, and indole, and xanthine alkaloids. Many of the isolated prenylazo secondary metabolites and their semisynthetic derivatives are shown to exert valuable in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal effects. The aim of this comprehensive review is to examine the different types of prenylazo natural products from a chemical, phytochemical and biological perspective.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alkaloids* / chemistry
  • Alkaloids* / isolation & purification
  • Alkaloids* / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biological Products* / chemistry
  • Biological Products* / isolation & purification
  • Biological Products* / pharmacology
  • Molecular Structure
  • Rutaceae / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkaloids
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antifungal Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biological Products