Biological Activities of Alkaloids: From Toxicology to Pharmacology

Dear Colleagues,

Plants produce many substances, the so-called secondary metabolites, which have biological activity. They are distinct from the components of the primary metabolism as they are generally not essential for the basic metabolic processes of the plant. However, they often have the character of physiologically active compounds that makes them applicable in different fields, for instance medicine or agriculture.

A broad spectrum of physiological activity is demonstrated by alkaloids. Their rich diversity results in part from an evolutionary process driven by selection for the acquisition of an improved defense against microbial attacks or the predation of herbivores. A positive aspect is that their main role in plants is to protect them from diseases caused by pests. However, some alkaloids are of concern to veterinary toxicology because of their occurrence in plant species involved in animal poisoning, which usually occurs when plants contaminate hay or silage or when forage alternatives are not available. At times, some toxicity effects have also been highlighted in human nutrition. Other components of this class of compounds have been proved to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aggregation, hypo-cholesteric, immunostimulant or anticancer properties. In fact, the effects of toxicity can be both harmful and beneficial depending on the ecological or pharmacological context, and, as often pointed out, are dose-dependent.

The interest of researchers in the study of the bioactivity of plant alkaloids is still very keen. In this Special Issue, ecological, biological, pharmacological and toxicological effects as well as structural and analytical aspects of plant alkaloids will be collected. Reviews and original research contributions are expected on, but not limited to, the biological activity of natural alkaloids against pathogens, herbivores and cancerous cells, or unwanted physiological conditions, including metabolism and accumulation. Studies on alkaloid biosynthesis and action mechanisms are welcome to improve the selection and production of biologically active molecules, to discover new substances, and to exploit them in a sustainable way against targets of concern.

Prof. Dr. Sabino Aurelio Bufo
Prof. Dr. Linda L. Blythe
Prof. Dr. Zbigniew Adamski
Dr. Luigi Milella
Guest Editors

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