1. Alkaloids in Fungi
Rayeess Ahmad Dar
MSc. Bioresources
Semester 3rd
Roll No. 23352
University of Kashmir
Hazratbal Srinagar

2. Alkaloids
Alkaloids are the cyclic organic compounds
in which nitrogen forms a part of the cycle
system and are physiologically active as
poisons and drugs.

3.  Alkaloids are mostly produced by plants.
 However, some are derived from bacteria,
fungi, animals.
 Synthesized from amino acids.

4. Classification
 1. True (Typical Alkaloids): Derived from amino
acids and have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring.
Atropine.
 2. Protoalkaloids: Derived from amino acids and do
not have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. Ephedrine.
 3. Pseudo alkaloids: Not derived from amino acids
but have nitrogen in a heterocyclic ring. Caffeine.
 4. False alkaloids: Non alkaloids which give false
positive reaction with alkaloidal reagents.

5. Main Functions
 They act as protective agents against insects,
herbivores due to their bitterness and toxicity.
So, they can be used as biopesticides and
bioinsecticides.
 They also act as a source of nitrogen in case of
nitrogen deficiency.
 Many of them have medicinal properties.

6. Some of the Alkaloids present in
Fungi

7. Alkaloids From Ergot Fungi
 Ergot fungi belong to the Claviceps genera.
 These fungi affect rye (mostly), wheat, barley.
 The fungi produce alkaloids such as
Ergotamine, Ergometrine, Ergonaline and
various other Clavine alkaloids.
 Has the biological activity as vasoconstrictors.

8. Ergotamine
 It has the biological activity as a
vasoconstrictor.
 It is used medicinally for the treatment of
acute migrain attacks (sometimes in
combination with caffeine).
 It has been used to prevent post-partum
hemorrhage (bleeding after child birth).
 It was first isolated by Arthur Stoll in 1918.

9.  Methergin is the brand name of
the drug that has been derived
from Ergot and is used to stop
post natal bleeding

10. ergotamine
Ergot on rye

11.  However, high doses of ergot alkaloids or
taking the infected grains lead to Ergotism.
 It is characterized by spasms, diarrhea, head
aches, vomiting etc.

12. Loline alkaloids
 These are insecticidal and insect-deterrent
compounds.
 These are produced in grasses infected by
endophytic fungal symbionts of the genus
Epichloe and Neotyphodium.
 First isolated from the grass Lolium
temulentum.

13. Psilocybin
 Produced by about 200 species of mushrooms
collectively called psilocybin mushrooms (such as
Psilocybe azurescens, P. cyanescens and a number of
other genera).
 When ingested, psilocybin is turned into psilocin
within the body, which in turn is responsible for
hallucinations, changes in perception, a distorted
sense of time and can include possible adverse
reactions such as nausea and panic attacks.

14. Psilocybe azurescens - Flying Psilocybe cyanescens
Saucers

15. Oxaline
 Derived from Penicillium oxalicum, which
usually grows on dead and decaying matter.
 This alkaloid was found to arrest the cell cycle
by inhibition of tubulin polymerisation.

16. Penicillium rot caused by Penicillium oxalicum in the
corn

17. Paramine
 Produced by some grass infecting
Neotyphodium species.
 The alkaloid protects the grass againest
grazing by mammals and insects.
 This alkaloid can also be used as
bioinsecticide and biopesticide.