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Alkaloids

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing organic compounds found in plants that have diverse structures and functions. They are distributed throughout plants but are more common in dicots than monocots, and are found in families like Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and Papaveraceae. Alkaloids serve protective, regulatory, and energy functions in plants. They also have various clinical uses as analgesics, antiplasmodics, antihypertensives, and for mental disorders and cancer treatment in humans.

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34 views

Alkaloids

Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing organic compounds found in plants that have diverse structures and functions. They are distributed throughout plants but are more common in dicots than monocots, and are found in families like Apocynaceae, Rubiaceae, Solanaceae, and Papaveraceae. Alkaloids serve protective, regulatory, and energy functions in plants. They also have various clinical uses as analgesics, antiplasmodics, antihypertensives, and for mental disorders and cancer treatment in humans.

Uploaded by

Abdul Wahab
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Alkaloids

Definition

Alkaloids are a group of naturally occurring,


nitrogen-containing organic compounds
characterized by their basic properties. These
compounds are typically derived from plant
sources and are known for their diverse and often
complex chemical structures.
Distribution and Occurrence

Rare in lower plants.

Dicots are more rich in alkaloids than Monocots.

Families rich in Alkaloids: Apocynaceae,


Rubiaceae, Solanaceae and Papaveracea.

Families free from Alkaloids: Rosaceae, Labiatae.


Distribution in Plant

All Parts e.g. Datura.


Barks e.g. Cinchona
Seeds e.g. Nux vomica
Roots e.g. Aconite
Fruits e.g. Black pepper
Leaves e.g. Tobacco
Latex e.g. Opium
Clinical Uses

Analgesic

Antiplasmodic

Hypertension

Mental disorder

Anticancerous
Function in Plants

May act as protective against insects and


herbivores.

Source of nitrogen in case of nitrogen deficiency.

Act as growth regulators in metabolic systems.

 In carbon dioxide assimilation they act as source


of energy.
Chemical Properties

Alkaloids can behave as both acids and bases, depending on


the specific functional groups present in their structures.

Alkaloids have complex cyclic structures, including


pyridine, piperidine and quinoline etc.

Some alkaloids are optically active, meaning they can rotate


the plane of polarized light.

Some alkaloids exhibit characteristic colors, which can be


useful for their identification.
Alkaloids are typically basic compounds due to the
presence of one or more nitrogen atoms in their
structures.

Many alkaloids are soluble in organic solvents, such as


chloroform, ether, and alcohol, but may have limited
solubility in water.

Alkaloids may exhibit structural isomerism, where


different compounds have the same molecular formula
but differ in the arrangement of atoms.
Physical Properties

Alkaloids can exist as solids, liquids, or, in some


cases, gases and it depends.

 The melting and boiling points of alkaloids can


vary widely. Depends on specific functional groups
and the complexity of the alkaloid's molecular
structure.

Alkaloids often possess distinctive colors, ranging


from colorless to yellow, brown, or even green.
Some alkaloids have characteristic odors, which
can contribute to the identification of the
compounds.

Alkaloids typically exhibit varying solubilities in


different solvents..

Alkaloids may form crystals with unique shapes


and structures.
Uses

Psychoactive Agents Pesticides


Dyes and Pigments Traditional medicines

Food and Beverages Chiral Building Blocks


Research and Laboratory Applications Art and Culture
Importance

Protects plants from predators.

Act as growth regulators.

Used in clinical settings include morphine etc.

Used in drug discovery and development.

Alkaloids have industrial applications such as


colchicine etc.
Disadvantages

Can be toxic to human and animals.

Some alkaloids can be addictive such as nicotine etc.

Can cause respiratory depression and constipation.

Some alkaloids have narrow therapeutic window.

Can be harmful for environment.


Conclusion

Alkaloids, a diverse group of natural compounds,


bridge traditional and modern medicine.
Their varied structures and pharmacological
activities contribute to their significance in drug
discovery.
The exploration of alkaloids represents a dynamic
and promising area of scientific inquiry.
Their potential in shaping the future of medicine
and chemistry is evident, promising ongoing
advancements and discoveries.

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