Alkaloids
Term
These are complex natural organic compounds containing nitrogen in their structure. They have basic properties, dissolve in organic solvents, and form water-soluble salts with acids. Alkaloids are mostly of plant origin, physiologically active, many of them are toxic. Alkaloids such as caffeine, reserpine, etc., are used in treatment. Their classification due to various sources of extraction and complex, different, and various chemical structures is complicated and difficult.
Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė