Indole alkaloids from marine sources as potential leads against infectious diseases

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:375423. doi: 10.1155/2014/375423. Epub 2014 Jun 5.

Abstract

Indole alkaloids comprise a large and complex class of natural products found in a variety of marine sources. Infectious diseases remain a major threat to public health, and in the absence of long-term protective vaccines, the control of these infectious diseases is based on a small number of chemotherapeutic agents. Furthermore, the emerging resistance against these drugs makes it urgently necessary to discover and develop new, safe and, effective anti-infective agents. In this regard, the aim of this review is to highlight indole alkaloids from marine sources which have been shown to demonstrate activity against infectious diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aquatic Organisms / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / chemistry*
  • Biological Products / therapeutic use
  • Communicable Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Indole Alkaloids / chemistry*
  • Indole Alkaloids / therapeutic use
  • Molecular Structure

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Indole Alkaloids