Alkaloids in fungi

NAVEED UP MUSHTAQM.Sc. Bioresources Semester

University of Kashmir Hazratbal Srinagar

INTRODUCTION

• Alkaloids are the cyclic organic compounds in which nitrogen forms a part of the cycle system and are physiologically active as poisons and drugs

• 20% of plant species have been found to contain them

• Mainly involved in plant defense against herbivores and pathogens

INTRODUCTION

• Alkaloids are mostly produced by plants. However, some are derived from bacteria, fungi, animals

• Synthesized from amino acids.

• Alkaloids from plant extracts have been used as ingredients in potions (liquid medicine) and poisons

• Ancient people used plant extracts containing alkaloids for treating a large number of ailments including: snakebite, fever and insanity

CLASSIFICATION

• True (Typical Alkaloids): Derived from amino acids and have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. Atropine.

• Proto alkaloids: Derived from amino acids and do not have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. Ephedrine.

• Pseudo alkaloids: Not derived from amino acids but have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. Caffeine.

• False alkaloids: Non alkaloids which give false positive reaction with alkaloidal reagents.

Main Functions

• They act as protective agents against insects, herbivores due to their bitterness and toxicity. So, they can be used as bio pesticides and bio insecticides.

• They also act as a source of nitrogen in case of nitrogen deficiency.

• Many of them have medicinal properties

Alkaloids From Ergot Fungi

• Ergot fungi belong to the Claviceps genera. These fungi affect rye wheat, barley. The fungi produce alkaloids such as Ergotamine, Ergometrine, Ergonaline and various other Clavine alkaloids.

• Ergotamine has the biological activity as a vasoconstrictor.• It is used medicinally for the treatment of acute migraine

attacks (sometimes in combination with caffeine). It has been used to prevent post-partum hemorrhage (bleeding after child birth).

• It was first isolated by Arthur Stoll in 1918

Loline alkaloids

• These are insecticidal and insect-deterrent compounds. These are produced in grasses infected by endophytic fungal symbionts of the genus Epichloe and Neotyphodium.

• First isolated from the grass Lolium temulentum.

Psilocybin

• Produced by about 200 species of mushrooms collectively called psilocybin mushrooms (such as Psilocybe azurescens, P. cyanescens and a number of other genera).

• When ingested, psilocybin is turned into psilocin within the body, which in turn is responsible for hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted sense of time and can include possible adverse reactions such as nausea and panic attacks.

Oxaline and Paramine

• Derived from Penicillium oxalicum, which usually grows on dead and decaying matter.This alkaloid was found to arrest the cell cycle by inhibition of tubulin polymerisation.

• Paramine produced by some grass infecting Neotyphodium species. The alkaloid protects the grass against grazing by mammals and insects. This alkaloid can also be used as bio insecticide and bio pesticide.