ABSTRACT
This group of alkaloids is derived biosynthetically from the aromatic amino acids tyrosine and phenylalanine. Their chemical structure is based on phenylethylamine (1):
Derivatives of phenethylamine are pharmacologically active compounds due to their structural similarity to the monoamine neurotransmitters. Alkaloids belonging to this group may act as stimulants (ephedrine, cathinone), hallucinogens (mescaline) and bronchodilators (ephedrine).
