Alkaloid (Noun)
Meaning
Natural bases containing nitrogen found in plants.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Alkaloids, like morphine, are naturally occurring compounds found in various plant species, where they have evolved as defense mechanisms against herbivores and pathogens.
- The Amaryllidaceae plant family contains several alkaloids with pharmacological properties, such as galantamine, which has been used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
- Caffeine is a well-known alkaloid that stimulates the brain, increasing alertness and suppressing the sensation of fatigue.
- Strychnine, a toxic alkaloid, is found in the seeds of the Strychnos nux-vomica tree and has been historically used as an insecticide.
- Tropolo, in combination with other alkaloids, contributes to the pharmacological properties of the Colchicum luteum plant, used in traditional medicine for centuries.