Volume :

5

Issue :

1

Abstract :

A large number of medicinal compounds which have been discovered belong to a major class of heterocyclic compounds containing nitrogen as a hetero atom. The versatile synthetic applicability and biological activities of these heterocyclic compounds has helped the medicinal chemist to plan, organize and implement new approaches towards discovery of novel drugs. . β-carboline also known as nor-harmane is a nitrogen containing heterocyclic compound. It belongs to the group of indole alkaloids and consists of pyridine ring that is fused to an indole skeleton. The structure of β-carboline is similar to that of tryptamine, with the ethylamine chain re-connected to the indole ring via an extra carbon atom, to produce a three- ringed structure. It is a key pharmacophore present in a large number of natural tricyclic alkaloids. The natural and synthetic β-carboline derivatives are reported to have pharmacological effects in several aspects, such as the anticancer activity against colon and lung cancers, central nervous system activity in mammals and also as the biological control agent for receptor research on bio-enzyme inhibitors. Some β-carbolines are known to bind with high affinity to the central benzodiazepine receptors with anticonvulsive and anxiolytic properties. Nor-harmine also prevents bone loss by suppressing osteoclastogenesis. The Pictet-Spengler condensation is commonly used to synthesize β-carbolines, This comprehensive overview summarizes the medicinal importance of synthetic betacarboline derivatives, which may be useful for researchers to explore the hidden potential of nor-harmine.