Current Knowledge and Perspectives of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Pharmacological Applications: A Mini-Review |
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| Authors: | Xianqin Wei Weibin Ruan Klaas Vrieling |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Institute of Entomology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China;2.Plant Science and Natural Products, Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Sylviusweg 72, P.O. Box 9505, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands; |
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| Abstract: | Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a widespread group of secondary metabolites in plants. PAs are notorious for their acute hepatotoxicity, genotoxicity and neurological damage to humans and animals. In recent decades, the application of PAs for beneficial biological activities to cure disease has drawn greater attention. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the pharmacological properties of PAs and discuss PAs as promising prototypes for the development of new drugs. |
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| Keywords: | plant secondary metabolites pharmacy alkaloids herb medicine defense regulations |
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