The Neuroprotective Effect of Alkaloids and Synthetic Derivatives

Alkaloids are a major class of secondary metabolites obtained from the plant. The alkaloids exert a variety of pharmacological actions but have a greater impact on the central nervous system. Various extracts rich in alkaloids of numerous plants, viz. Glaucium corniculatum, Lupinus mutabilis Lindl., Salsola oppositofolia, Papaver somniferum, etc., have been shown to exert a neuroprotective effect. Further, various alkaloids and their derivative have shown a neuroprotective effect. The neuroprotective effects of alkaloids are caused by a variety of pathways, besides their antioxidant properties. The other mechanisms include the prevention of glutamate-induced toxicity and anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory pathways. The present chapter will discuss the various alkaloids and their derivatives for their neuroprotective mechanism.