An Overview of Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan and Their Potential Antidepressant Action
Maria Emanuelle Damazio Lima, Isian Santos da Silva, Mariana de Oliveira Leal Desmarais, Thais Cardoso de Oliveira, Davyson de Lima Moreira, Alessandra L. Valverde
Revista Virtual de Química January 1, 2021 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.21577/1984-6835.20210055 via OpenAlex
Summary
Tryptophan derivatives have been identified as having antidepressant effects due to their structural similarity to serotonin. A review of 88 scientific articles highlighted 37 specific tryptophan-derived alkaloids, such as psilocin, Lysergic acid diethylamide, and ibogaine, which may be effective in treating depression. Evidence suggests that these compounds may work by acting as serotonin receptor agonists or inhibiting the monoamine oxidase enzyme.
Study at a glance
| Sample size | 88 |
|---|---|
| Population | scientific articles on alkaloids derived from tryptophan |
| Key finding | Evidence was gathered about the activity and obtaining of 37 alkaloids derived from tryptophan that show potential antidepressant effects. |
Abstract
Most of the new developed drugs are natural or analogous products, including those that act on the Central Nervous System. The search for new drugs for the treatment of depression is increasing, in view of the high worldwide incidence of this mental disorder. In this context, tryptophan derivatives have an antidepressant effect due to the presence of indole rings, which give them a similarity to serotonin. Thus, this work presents a panorama based on 88 scientific articles on alkaloids derived from tryptophan with antidepressant action. In this research, evidence was gathered about the activity and obtaining of 37 alkaloids derived from tryptophan, including psilocin, Lysergic acid diethylamide and ibogaine. These compounds are potential candidates for the treatment of depressive disorders and studies suggest that the mechanism of action is in the serotonin receptor agonist and / or inhibition of the monoaminoxidase enzyme.