Contributions of natural products to ion channel pharmacology

Nat Prod Rep. 2020 May 1;37(5):703-716. doi: 10.1039/c9np00056a. Epub 2020 Feb 17.

Abstract

Covering: Up to 2020Ion channels are a vast super-family of membrane proteins that play critical physiological roles in excitable and non-excitable cells. Their biomedical importance makes them valuable and attractive drug targets for neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and metabolic diseases, and for cancer therapy and immune modulation. Current therapeutics target only a minor subset of ion channels, leaving a large unexploited space within the ion channel field. Natural products harnessed from the almost unlimited and diverse universe of compounds within the bioenvironment have been used to modulate channels for decades. In this review we highlight the impact made by natural products on ion channel pharmacology, specifically on K+, NaV and CaV channels, and use case studies to describe the development of ion channel-modulating drugs from natural sources for the treatment of pain, heart disease and autoimmune diseases.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / drug therapy
  • Biological Products / chemistry
  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Heart Diseases / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Ion Channels / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Ion Channels / chemistry
  • Ion Channels / metabolism*
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Pain, Intractable / drug therapy

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • Ion Channels