Recent advances for alkaloids as botanical pesticides for use in organic agriculture

Alkaloids are the most basic organic compounds involved in crucial physiological activities and are widely found in plants, animals and microorganisms. Due to the anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, bacteriostatic, and analgesic effects of alkaloids, previous research primarily focused on their medical utilization. In recent years, research regarding alkaloids in botanical pesticides has gradually intensified due to their low toxicity, easy degradation, and environmental friendliness, compared with traditional chemical pesticides, while also exhibiting higher activity after certain structural modifications. This article reviewed recent studies involving the use of alkaloids as effective compounds in insecticidal, acaricidal, fungicidal, antiviral, and herbicidal pesticides, aiming to develop alkaloid pesticides that are more agriculturally active during future research.