An Overview of Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan and Their Potential Antidepressant Action
Revista Virtual de Química January 1, 2021 Maria Emanuelle Damazio Lima, Isian Santos da Silva, Mariana de Oliveira Leal Desmarais et al. 2 citations
Alkaloids derived from tryptophan, which contain indole rings structurally similar to serotonin, show promise as antidepressants. A review of 88 scientific articles identified 37 such alkaloids, including psilocin, LSD, and ibogaine. Evidence suggests these compounds act as serotonin receptor agonists or inhibit the monoamine oxidase enzyme, making them potential candidates for treating depressive disorders.