Depression represents an assorted mood disorder, which has been
recognized as a global issue. According to statistics, the life style of millions of
individuals is distorted by mental or behavioral disorder. Prompt medicinal intervention
is extremely required in major depression as millions of patients are reported for
suicidal attempt each year. In clinics, several synthetic agents are in practice for the
treatment of various types of depression, but their uses have been facing several
limitations like slow onsite of action, efficacy in wide-range patients, side
effects/toxicity etc. Unlike synthetic therapeutics, phytopharmaceuticals are extensively
used world-wide due to their diverse applications, efficacious, and minimum side
effects which lead to patient compliance. The alkaloids are indeed the most widely
distributed and studied plant secondary metabolites that have established therapeutic
history. This book chapter is primarily based on preclinical studies of various isolated
alkaloids, their underlying possible mechanism(s) where discussed, structural edges
and future directions towards clinical trials for the discovery of new effective and
acceptable antidepressants.
Keywords: Alkaloids, Antidepressant effects, Better pharmacokinetic profile,
Candidates for clinical trials, Diverse efficacy, Future therapies, Lead compounds,
Medicinal Plants, Natural antidepressant, Patient compliance, Preclinical studies,
SAR studies, Underlying mechanisms, Various classes, Various families.