Bioactive Secondary Metabolites of the Amaryllidaceae Family

Amaryllidaceae species are widely appreciated for their ornamental value, yet they also possess significant medicinal importance due to their unique group of alkaloids. The Amaryllidaceae family is broadly distributed across tropical regions and is recognised for diverse biological activities, largely attributed to its alkaloid constituents. Reported effects include acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition, as well as their use in traditional medicine for their antifungal, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The present study sought to review the range of secondary metabolites in Amaryllidaceae, aiming to explore the chemical diversity, structural characteristics, and pharmacological profiles of these metabolites, since it is crucial for guiding further research and drug development. This study was conducted as a systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were conducted in July 2025 using the descriptors Pharmacological effects of Amaryllidaceae , Amaryllidaceae family , and Pharmacological actions of Amaryllidaceae in English. Only original studies published between 2000 and 2025, available in full text and employing experimental or clinical methodologies, were included. Applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria yielded 92 eligible articles. Results revealed that these plants are rich in alkaloids and non-alkaloid metabolites, which display a broad spectrum of medicinal properties, most notably antitumor, antiparasitic, antiviral, and AChE-inhibitory effects. This review provides an overview of the chemical profiles of Amaryllidaceae plants and their bioactive compounds, highlighting the methodologies employed in their investigation, including emerging approaches such as molecular docking studies. However, the therapeutic application of Amaryllidaceae-derived compounds requires further investigation to clarify their safety and to identify metabolites with promising pharmacological potential.