noun
- Organic compounds containing nitrogen, typically produced by plants, that often have physiological effects on animals and humans.
Usage: Usually plural; used in chemistry, pharmacology, and botany; Many alkaloids are used in medicines or are toxic substances
Examples
- Caffeine and nicotine are well-known alkaloids found in plants.
- The alkaloids in certain mushrooms can cause hallucinations.
- Morphine is an alkaloid derived from the opium poppy plant.
- Researchers study alkaloids to develop new pharmaceutical drugs.
- Quinine, an alkaloid from cinchona bark, was historically used to treat malaria.
- Many alkaloids have bitter tastes, which may protect plants from being eaten.