Synthesis and Pharmacological Activity of Alkaloids from Embryo of Lotus, <i>Nelumbo nucifera</i>

Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloid, nelumboferine which was recently isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera, and stereoisomers of neferine, which is a major alkaloid of the embryo of N. nucifera, were stereoselectively synthesized. Pharmacological activity of nelumboferine, stereoisomers of neferine, liensinine, isoliensinine, and O-methylneferine were evaluated.