(S)-Norcoclaurine (higenamine) has been identified as the central 1-benzyl-tetrahydro-isoquinoline precursor[1][2] from which numerous complex biosynthetic pathways eventually emerge. These pathways collectively lead to the structurally disparate compounds comprising the broad classification of plant natural products referred to as benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIA), which have been comprehensively discussed by Hagel.[3] The biosynthesis of (S)-norcoclaurine, which is catalyzed by (S)-norcoclaurine synthase, is accomplished by the stereoselective condensation of dopamine and 4-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde (4-HPAA); each of these compounds is prepared by multiple enzymatic transformations from L-tyrosine.
It is of interest to note that early studies initially identified norlaudanosoline (tetrahydropapaveroline) as the purported central precursor for the biosynthesis of BIAs.[4] However, more than two decades later it was finely unequivocally established that (S)-norcoclaurine was the central precursor for the biosynthesis of the structurally diverse BIAs.[1]
^ abStadler, Richard; Kutchan, Toni M; Zenk, Meinhart H (1989). "(S)-Norcoclaurine is the central intermediate in benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis". Phytochemistry. 28: 1083–1086.
^Battersby, A. R.; Binks, R.; Francis, R. J.; McCaldin, D. J.; Ramuz, H. (1964). "Alkaloid biosynthesis> Part IV. 1-Benzylisoquinolines as precursors of thebaine, codeine, and morphine". J Chem Soc: 3600.
