An Update of the Sanguinarine and Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids' Biosynthesis and Their Applications

Benzophenanthridines belong to the benzylisoquinolic alkaloids, representing one of the main groups of this class. These alkaloids include over 120 different compounds, mostly in plants from the Fumariaceae, Papaveraceae, and Rutaceae families, which confer chemical protection against pathogens and herbivores. Industrial uses of BZD include the production of environmentally friendly agrochemicals and livestock food supplements. However, although mainly considered toxic compounds, plants bearing them have been used in traditional medicine and their medical applications as antimicrobials, antiprotozoals, and cytotoxic agents have been envisioned. The biosynthetic pathways for some BZD have been established in different species, allowing for the isolation of the genes and enzymes involved. This knowledge has resulted in a better understanding of the process controlling their synthesis and an opening of the gates towards their exploitation by applying modern biotechnological approaches, such as synthetic biology. This review presents the new advances on BDZ biosynthesis and physiological roles. Industrial applications, mainly with pharmacological approaches, are also revised.

Automated summary

Benzophenanthridines are important benzylisoquinolic alkaloids that provide chemical protection in various plants. Despite their toxic nature, they have been used in traditional medicine as antimicrobial and antiprotozoal agents. The study of their biosynthetic pathways has led to a better understanding and potential exploitation of these compounds using modern biotechnological approaches.