Asymmetric Synthesis of Bioactive Chiral Alkaloids and Terpenoids

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Terpenoids are vital components in the interactions and defence mechanisms among plants, microorganisms, and animals. These compounds hold considerable ecological significance, not only by protecting plants but also by influencing environmental factors that drive the evolution of plant communities and ecosystems. Their economic potential is also becoming increasingly recognized due to their wide application in human industries, including pharmaceuticals, food production, and chemical manufacturing. Additionally, terpenoids are emerging as biofuel candidates. Advances in synthetic biology, utilizing genomic resources and innovative tools, have improved the metabolic engineering of high-value terpenoids in both plants and microorganisms. Furthermore, their ecological importance has been underscored in developing sustainable pest control methods and enhancing plant resilience against environmental stresses. The continued exploration of the intricate metabolic and regulatory networks governing terpenoid biosynthesis is essential for realizing their full potential. This review provides an updated overview of the organization, regulation, and diversification of both core and specialized terpenoid metabolic pathways, while highlighting their prominent roles in therapeutic applications. In parallel, alkaloids, another significant class of natural compounds, are being synthesized using highly efficient methods. Recent approaches enable the enantioselective synthesis of complex alkaloids, such as yohimbine and tetrahydroprotoberberine, through innovative catalytic processes. These techniques facilitate access to a wide array of stereoisomeric forms, thus opening doors to novel biomedical research opportunities. The integration of flow chemistry and catalytic enantioselective reactions has streamlined the production of diverse alkaloid structures, enhancing the scope of both natural and synthetic analogues for therapeutic and pharmaceutical development.