Isolation, characterization and analysis of polyhydroxy alkaloids

The recent recognition of polyhydroxy alkaloid glycosidase inhibitors as a unique class of alkaloids has generated considerable interest in the isolation of additional members, in addition to the analysis and detection of those currently known. The different properties of this group from those of conventional alkaloid classes requires novel approaches to such problems. The methods most suitable for extraction, isolation, structural elucidation, detection and analysis are critically reviewed. Application of such methods should lead to further expansion of this class of compound, providing significant information regarding structure‐activity relationships.