Ten years of advances in the chemistry and bioactivities of natural C19-diterpenoid alkaloids

Abstract

C₁₉-diterpenoid alkaloids (DAs) constitute the most representative and largest class of DAs and have long been a popular focus of natural product research. In the past ten years (2015–2024), approximately 354 new C₁₉-DAs have been reported, composing eight structural subtypes, among which aconitine-type DAs are the most common, followed by lycoctonine-type DAs. In addition, several rare substituents and novel skeletons have been reported, demonstrating the rich structural diversity of this class. C₁₉-DAs are distributed only among Aconitum and Delphinium plants in the Ranunculaceae family, with a highly regular distribution pattern within these groups. Natural C₁₉-DAs exhibit various physiological activities, including antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial activities. In summary, the diverse structures and biological activities of C₁₉-DAs highlight the great potential of this type of compound as lead compounds in drug discovery; in particular, the antitumor and anti-inflammatory effects of C₁₉-DAs merit further in-depth study.