Stereospecific synthesis of tryptamine derivatives of alkaloid securinine and their potential neuroprotective activity

A series of stereospecific conjugates of the naturally occurring scaffold - alkaloid securinine 1 - was synthesized using the Lewis acid catalyst ytterbium triflate. The study of their antioxidant and cytoprotective properties showed that these compounds can be considered as potential neuroprotectors. Among these compounds, a leader substance is identified - securinine conjugate with tryptamine. Further research has confirmed that this compound is capable to protecting neuronal cells from the toxic effects of glutamate and iron ions. Based on these results, derivatives of securinine scaffold are promising compounds for development of new drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.