Biologically active isoquinoline alkaloids with drug-like properties from the genus Corydalis

The genus Corydalis (Papaveraceae), comprising more than 400 species in Eurasia and North America, is a rich source of isoquinoline alkaloids with various biological properties including acetylcholinesterase inhibitory effects, anti-proliferative activities, antiviral activities and antiplasmodial activities. Traditionally, some Corydalis species have long been used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers, dysmenorrhoea, rheumatism and cardiac arrhythmia disease and this traditional background so far has proven pharmacological activities resulting in isolation of more than 100 isoquinoline alkaloids from this genus. This overview aims to inform medicinal chemists of the good drug-like properties and versatile biological activities of Corydalis alkaloids to stimulate further medicinal chemistry research. Mechanisms of action and structure–activity relationship of Corydalis alkaloids are also included.