ABSTRACT
Alkaloids are nitrogen-based organic compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and roots of plants, particularly the Papaveraceae (poppy and opium), Papilonaceae (lupins), Ranunculaceae (aconitum), and Solanaceae (tobacco) families (1). Some alkaloids have bitter taste and are highly toxic, but can have therapeutic applications when used in moderate amounts. Almost all alkaloids have pharmacological activity together with pronounced physiological actions of interest to chemists, biochemists, and pharmacologists.
