Progresses in the total synthesis and structure modification studies of lycorine

Abstract

Lycorine is a very important class of isoquinoline alkaloids of the amaryllidaceae alkaloids. In recent years, pharmaceutical and organic chemists discovered that lycorine and their derivatives have anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, anti-malarial, cardiovascular protection and other effects. Because of its complex and unique molecular structure and extensive pharmaceutical activities, lycorine has attracted considerable research effort. The recent progresses in the synthesis and structural modification of lycorine are summarized in this review.