Notable alkaloids:
| Alkaloid | Source | Applications/Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Morphine | Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) | Potent analgesic used for severe pain management; acts as a sedative; potential for addiction and misuse. |
| Codeine | Papaver somniferum (opium poppy) | Mild analgesic; effective cough suppressant; less potent than morphine but has addictive potential. |
| Quinine | Cinchona tree | Antimalarial agent; used historically for treating malaria; also provides relief from nocturnal leg cramps. |
| Cocaine | Erythroxylum coca | Local anesthetic for certain medical procedures; stimulant; highly addictive and widely abused. |
| Nicotine | Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) | Stimulant; acts on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; toxic in high doses; addictive and widely consumed. |
| Berberine | Berberis species | Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; used in traditional medicine for digestive and metabolic disorders. |
| Tubocurarine | Chondrodendron species | Neuromuscular blocker used during surgeries; derived from curare poison used in hunting. |
| Caffeine | Coffea arabica, Camellia sinensis (tea), Theobroma cacao (cacao) | Central nervous system stimulant; improves alertness and reduces fatigue; widely consumed in beverages. |
| Ephedrine | Ephedra species | Bronchodilator for treating asthma and nasal congestion; stimulant effects; precursor in the synthesis of methamphetamine. |
| Strychnine | Strychnos species | Potent neurotoxin causing convulsions; historically used as a pesticide; small doses enhance reflexes. |
| Reserpine | Rauwolfia serpentina | Antihypertensive drug; depletes neurotransmitters like norepinephrine; used in traditional medicine for calming effects. |
| Atropine | Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade) | Used in medicine to dilate pupils, reduce salivation, and as an antidote for organophosphate poisoning. |
| Scopolamine | Datura species | Used for motion sickness prevention and to alleviate nausea; sedative effects; potential for misuse. |
| Theobromine | Theobroma cacao (cacao) | Mild stimulant; found in chocolate; diuretic and vasodilator properties. |
| Ergotamine | Claviceps purpurea (ergot fungus) | Treats migraines; constricts blood vessels; precursor for synthesizing LSD. |
| Vincristine | Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle) | Chemotherapy drug; inhibits cell division; used in treating cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. |
| Brucine | Strychnos nux-vomica | Similar to strychnine but less toxic; used in some traditional medicine applications and chemical research. |
| Piperine | Piper nigrum (black pepper) | Enhances bioavailability of drugs and nutrients; has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. |
| Capsaicin | Capsicum species (chili peppers) | Active ingredient in topical pain relievers; induces desensitization of pain receptors; responsible for spiciness. |
| Hyoscyamine | Hyoscyamus niger (henbane) | Antispasmodic; used in treating gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome. |
Additional Notes:
- Alkaloids in Medicine: Many alkaloids are essential for modern pharmacology, particularly in pain management (e.g., morphine, codeine), anesthesia (e.g., cocaine), and cancer treatment (e.g., vincristine).
- Toxicity Concerns: Some alkaloids, such as strychnine and nicotine, have significant toxicity at higher doses and require careful handling.
- Traditional Uses: Many alkaloids have a long history in traditional medicine (e.g., berberine, reserpine) before being incorporated into modern therapeutic practices.
- Research Potential: Compounds like ergotamine and atropine have provided templates for synthesizing new drugs and exploring receptor biology.