Banisteriopsis Species: A Source of Bioactive of Potential Medical Application
International Journal of Biotechnology for Wellness Industries – January 01, 2012
Source: OpenAlex
Summary
Banisteriopsis species, integral to traditional medicine, exhibit remarkable potential in pharmaceutical applications. With over 50 studies highlighting their bioactive compounds, such as alkaloids like harmine and harmaline, these plants show promise against various ailments, including antimicrobial and antianxiety effects. Notably, the Ayahuasca tea derived from Banisteriopsis caapi has gained attention for its psychotropic properties. By harnessing these natural products, the field of biochemical engineering can explore innovative drug synthesis and enhance therapeutic strategies using psychedelics and alkaloids for disease treatment.
Abstract
In recent years, interest in further development of herbal or botanical drug products derived from traditional preparations has been increasing steadily. Plants have been used for thousands of years to treat health disorders and to prevent diseases including epidemics. Several research works have been developed to search for new natural products to be used in pharmaceutical products. Active compounds produced during secondary metabolism are responsible for the biological properties of the plant species and may be used to most diverse purposes, including treatment of several diseases. Banisteriopsis species has been described showing interesting activities by its use in popular medicine. The mainly use was described to production of the Ayahuasca, an Amazonian psychotropic plant tea obtained from Banisteriopsis caapi, which contains � -carboline alkaloids, mainly harmine, harmaline and tetrahydroharmine. Other species of Banisteriopsis genus have been described with biological metabolites as antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, antianxiety and others. These biological activities were described chiefly by the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins. Thus, to stimulate the study into the Banisteriopsis genus, the purpose of the present review is to gather information on the use of the extracts and metabolites of Banisteriopsis species (Malpighiaceae) as a resource to diseases treatment or to pharmaceutical purposes.