Bioactive heterocyclic alkaloids with diterpene structure isolated from traditional Chinese medicines

•Biological activities of diterpenoid alkaloids in vivo and in vitro are reviewed.•The main analysis methods of diterpenoid alkaloids were discussed.•The main metabolization ways of Aconitum alkaloids are summarized.•Corresponding mechanisms of biological activities of the alkaloids are elucidated.

The diterpenoid alkaloids as one type of heterocyclic alkaloids have been found in many traditional herbal medicines, such as genus Consolida, Aconitum, and Delphinium (Ranunculaceae). Pharmacological researches have indicated that many diterpenoid alkaloids are the main bioactive components which have analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-tumor, cardiotonic, and anti-arrhythmic activities. Studies focused on the determination, quantitation and pharmacological properties of these alkaloids have dramatically increased during the past few years. Up to now, newly discovered diterpenoid alkaloids with important biological activities have been isolated and synthesized. Considering their significant role and diffusely used in many disease treatments, we summarized the information of their analysis methods, bioactivity, metabolism and biotransformation in vivo as well as the pharmacological mechanisms. Based on above review, the further researches are suggested.