Indole Alkaloids - Classification

Classification

Depending on their biosynthesis, two types of indole alkaloids are distinguished; isoprenoids and non-isoprenoids. The latter include terpenoid structural elements, synthesized by living organisms from dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP) and/or isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP):

• Non-isoprenoid:
  • Simple derivatives of indole
  • Simple derivatives of β-carboline
  • Pyrroloindole alkaloids
• Isoprenoid:
  • hemiterpenoids: ergot alkaloids
  • monoterpenoids.

There are also purely structural classifications based on the presence of carbazole, β-carboline or other units in the carbon skeleton of the alkaloid molecule. Some 200 dimeric indole alkaloids are known with two indole groups.