Catecholamines are active compounds in plants

Catecholamines are a group of amines with a 3,4-dihydroxy-substituted phenyl ring. In mammals they are known as neurotransmitters with glycogen mobilizing function. Catecholamines have also been found in many plants and their synthesis is regulated by stress conditions. Their role and actions are only partly understood. They are involved in many aspects of growth and development. They affect the actions of various plant hormones and regulate carbohydrate metabolism. They serve as the precursors of isochinolic alkaloids and melanin. Catecholamines protect plants against pathogens and are involved in nitrogen detoxification. In this review we present the state of current knowledge on plant catecholamines. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.