They are formed by the addition of nitrogen on the similar point in the steroidal molecule, for example kurchi and veratrum. The active chemical principles of such drugs contain mainly steroidal (cyclopentenophenanthrene) entity, along with basic nitrogen. They belong to C21 or C27 group of steroids. Either they are used as medicines or as a precursor for synthesis of various other steroids. Steroidal alkaloids contain a tetracyclic (4-ring) triterpene compound called the steroid nucleus or steroidal backbone.
STEROIDAL ALKALOIDS
They are formed by the addition of nitrogen on the similar
point in the steroidal molecule, for example kurchi and veratrum. The active
chemical principles of such drugs contain mainly steroidal
(cyclopentenophenanthrene) entity, along with basic nitrogen. They belong to C21
or C27 group of steroids. Either they are used as medicines or as a
pre-cursor for synthesis of various other steroids. Steroidal alkaloids contain
a tetracyclic (4-ring) triterpene compound called the steroid nucleus or
steroidal backbone. Because some steroidal alkaloids contain a sugar molecule,
they are also referred to as alkaloidal glycosides (sugar + steroidal
alkaloid). Species of nightshades (Solanum) in the tomato family (Solanaceae)
contain a complex of toxic alkaloidal glycosides (glycoalkaloid). Solanine is
an example of a gly-coalkaloid. Some of the important drugs under this class
are Solanum species. Glycoalkaloids,
principally solanine and chaconine, are present at variable concentrations in
the vegetative organs of Solanum species. Glycoalkaloids are synthesized in the
leaves and then translocated to the different plant organs. Although a number
of factors, both abiotic—such as light, soil type and moisture, fertilization
or pesticides and biotic—such as plant age, type of organ (berries, leaves,
stems, sprouts and tubers) considered, tuber size, or tuber integrity (fracture
damages, crushing, splits)—influence glycoalkaloid concentration; the synthesis
of these molecules is also largely determined by the genetic constitution of
the plant.
One of the most interesting and poisonous steroidal
alkaloids is produced by Central and South American poison dart frogs of the
genera Dendrobates and Phyllobates.
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