Steroid alkaloids are a class of alkaloids that have a tetra cyclic cyclopentanophenanthrene backbone related to sterols. There are two main classes - solanum alkaloids found in plants like potatoes and tomatoes, and veratrum alkaloids found in plants of the genus Veratrum. Solanum alkaloids are used by plants as a protective mechanism and can be used as starting materials for steroidal drugs. Veratrum alkaloids have effects on the cardiovascular, neuromuscular and respiratory systems and have been used to treat conditions like myasthenia gravis and hypotension. Steroid alkaloids exhibit a wide range of bioactivities including antimicrobial
2. STEROID ALKALOIDS
Steroidal alkaloids have organic ring backbones
which feature nitrogen-based functional groups.
More specifically, they are distinguished by their
tetra cyclic cyclopentanophenanthrene backbone
that marks their close relationship with sterols.
4. Classification of Steroid Alkaloids
Two important classes of steroid alkaloids are
Solanum alkaloids
Veratrum alkaloids
5. 1.Solanum alkaloids
These compounds generally appear as their
corresponding glycoside in plants of
the genus Solanum.
Solanum includes plants like potatoes, tomatoes,
and various nightshades.
Starting with cholesterol, the biosynthesis of these
compounds follow a similar general mechanism
including hyroxylation,oxidation, and transamination
before differentiating.
6. Uses Of Solanum alkaloids
They are used in plants as a protection mechanism
against animals. Due to the typical anti-
cholinesterase activity, they can be used as
poisons against the plants' predators.
They can be used as starting materials for steroidal
drugs.
7. 2.Veratrum alkaloids
True to their name, Veratrum alkaloids come
from plants of the genus Veratrum. Alkaloids are
found in the roots and rhizomes of these plants.
They include veratridine, cyclopamine,
and jervine.
8. Uses of Veratrum alkaloids
Because of their actions on the cardiovascular,
neuromuscular, and respiratory systems, Veratrum
alkaloids have been used for the treatment of various
conditions like myasthenia gravis, hypotension,
and eclampsia.
9. Bio-activity Of Steroid Alkaloids
Steroidal alkaloids cover a wide range of
bio-activities
Anti-microbial
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-estrogenic