Bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids.

The bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids constitute a series of almost 400 phenylalanine-derived metabolites with a rich and varied chemistry and pharmacology. This tabular review encompasses the literature from 1986 through 1989 and describes the botanical sources, physicochemical and spectral data, and pharmacological activities for the approximately 122 new alkaloids that have been isolated in this time period. Furthermore, additional physicochemical and spectral data for previously isolated bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids, as well as their botanical sources and pharmacological activities, are presented. Finally, various procedures useful in the isolation, separation, and quantitation of these alkaloids, as well as their biosynthesis and synthesis, are also cited.