ABSTRACT
A precise definition of alkaloids is difficult to develop since they do not represent a homogeneous group of compounds. Except for the fact that they are all organic nitrogenous compounds and possess basic properties, it is difficult to arrive at any general description. Alkaloids are named on the basic of
1. the generic name of the plant yielding them, or 2. the specific name of the plant yielding them, or 3. the common name of the drug yielding them, or 4. their physiological activity, or occasionally 5. the name of the discoverer.
