Antiplasmodial constituents in the minor alkaloid groups of the Amaryllidaceae

Abstract Malaria is responsible for majority of the morbidity and mortality statistics reflected by tropical diseases. Whilst effectively managed in most parts of the globe, it remains a scourge on the African continent where most cases of the disease are diagnosed annually. Plants have played a leading role as a source of malarial drugs which continue to dominate the clinical landscape today. Most if not all of these discoveries have as their basis evidence which can be traced back to traditional medicine. There is likewise precedence for the use of Amaryllidaceae plants in traditional medicinal approaches towards malaria. The chief phytochemical principles of the Amaryllidaceae are its isoquinoline alkaloids which are responsible for its diverse biological properties. These alkaloids may be divided into major and minor groups based on their distinguishing structural features as well as their natural abundance and distribution in the family. Whilst much has been written about the biological and chemical properties of the major alkaloid groups of the Amaryllidaceae, relatively little is known or understood about its minor alkaloid groups. This review focuses on the antiplasmodial activities described in the literature for the minor alkaloid group members of the Amaryllidaceae against various strains of the malarial pathogen Plasmodium falciparum . Three database platforms (Google Scholar, SciFinder and Scopus) were utilized for the literature search. Articles were accessed from journals licensed to the University of KwaZulu-Natal, or directly via the respective corresponding authors. Also considered are structural elements of these alkaloids which may be used to explain such activities as well as to provide a foundation in attempts to modulate activities. In addition, evidence is provided on the molecular basis to these effects which could guide efforts in drug discovery.