Alkaloid — herbalism term · PlantSage glossary
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Alkaloid defined
— Nitrogen-containing plant compounds with potent effects.
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The definition
Plant secondary metabolites containing nitrogen, typically with marked physiological effects. Includes morphine, caffeine, nicotine, atropine, berberine. Often potent and sometimes toxic.
Mechanism
Frequently bind to neurotransmitter receptors (opioid, cholinergic, adrenergic) with high specificity, producing pharmacological effects at small doses.
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Example plants
Classic species in this category from the PlantSage archive.
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See also
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