Structure, bioactivity, biosynthesis, and synthesis of corynanthe alkaloids

Abstract

Covering: 2006–2025

Corynanthe alkaloids constitute the largest class of monoterpene indole alkaloids and feature a secologanin-derived carbon skeleton fused to an indole or indole-derived heterocycle. To date, thousands of structurally diverse members have been identified, exhibiting activities ranging from anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive to neuroprotective effects. Growing insight into ajmaline biosynthesis and recent advances in the synthetic construction of corynantheine-type scaffolds have renewed interest in this family. However, contemporary reviews largely emphasize structural diversity and biological function, while offering limited systematic coverage of biosynthetic logic or total-synthesis strategies. The present review compiles corynanthe alkaloids reported between 2006 and 2025 and summarizes their natural sources. It also provides an integrated overview of recent progress in both biosynthetic elucidation and chemical synthesis of simple corynanthe alkaloids and yohimbine alkaloids, alongside a concise survey of their biological activities. Collectively, this review aims to stimulate new perspectives on the discovery and synthetic innovation of corynanthe alkaloids, providing a valuable resource for researchers in natural-product chemistry and drug development.