Although natural products have played a crucial role in drug discovery, limited accessibility and difficult synthesis restrict their use as leads. Tetrahydroquinoline is an essential structural feature in many natural and synthetic compounds with notable biological properties. This article covers the distribution of tetrahydroquinoline alkaloids in different organisms and their potential as a source of new bioactive natural products. These alkaloids are produced through various biosynthetic pathways, resulting in diverse structures and bioactivities. While some tetrahydroquinolines have therapeutic potential, their toxicity against predators and pathogens presents challenges for drug development. Despite their significance, tetrahydroquinolines have not been thoroughly covered in review literature, making this article essential for discussing their natural occurrence, biosynthetic pathways, and biological activities from 2011 to mid-2023.
Keywords: 1,2,3,4-Tetrahydroquinoline; alkaloid; bioactivity; biosynthesis; natural product; tetrahydroquinoline.