An Overview of Alkaloids Derived from Tryptophan and Their Potential Antidepressant Action

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Most of the new developed drugs are natural or analogous products, including those that act on the Central Nervous System. The search for new drugs for the treatment of depression is increasing, in view of the high worldwide incidence of this mental disorder. In this context, tryptophan derivatives have an antidepressant effect due to the presence of indole rings, which give them a similarity to serotonin. Thus, this work presents a panorama based on 88 scientific articles on alkaloids derived from tryptophan with antidepressant action. In this research, evidence was gathered about the activity and obtaining of 37 alkaloids derived from tryptophan, including psilocin, Lysergic acid diethylamide and ibogaine. These compounds are potential candidates for the treatment of depressive disorders and studies suggest that the mechanism of action is in the serotonin receptor agonist and / or inhibition of the monoaminoxidase enzyme.