Structural Modifications of Matrine-Type Alkaloids

Matrine-type alkaloids belong to quinolizidine analogues from Sophora flavescens Ait, Sophora subprostrata and Sophora alopecuroides L. possess numerous therapeutic properties and have attracted continuous attention over the past few decades. In order to improve the activities and amplify their applicants, many matrine-type derivatives have synthesized and evaluated for their biological activities in recent years. These structural modifications have resulted in stronger activities and improvement of the pharmacokinetic properties. The structure and activity relation studies based on matrine- type semi-synthetic derivatives have immensely contributed to the understanding of their mechanism of actions and molecular targets. This review mainly summarizes recent progress in the structural modifications of matrine-type alkaloids based on the alteration of C-13 or C-14 position, opening D ring, fusing D ring and structural simplification.