1. Alkaloids

2. Definition and general properties
Naturally occurring compounds in plants (mainly!)
Nitrogen containing (heterocyclic) basic compounds
With strong physiological effect
Occurring in the form of salt with organic acids
Common precursors

3. Classification according to
Origin
Physiological effect
Chemical structure

4. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
A. Non-heterocyclic alkaloids
Ephedrine: - 2°amine
- ephedra species
- decongestant
Mescaline: - 1°amine (!)
- peyote cactus
- hallucinogen

5. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
B. Heterocyclic alkaloids
Coniine: piperidine ring
- hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- toxic
Nicotine: - pyridine, pyrrolidine
- tobacco
- toxic (insecticide)

6. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
B. Heterocyclic alkaloids
Atropine: tropic acid ester with tropine
- Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade)
(solanaceae)
- vagolitic
Cocaine:ecgonine methyl ester benzoate
- leaves of coca
- euphorbic, hallocinogenic effect

7. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
B. Heterocyclic alkaloids
Papaverine: isoquinoline
- poppy
- antispasmotic
Quinine: quinoline, quinuclidine
- cinchona barks
- antimalarial agent

8. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
B. Heterocyclic alkaloids
Morphine: phenanthrene
- opium
- analgesic
Lysergic acid diethylamide: LSD hallucinogene
- Lysergic acid: fungus ergot

9. Characteristic groups of alkaloids
B. Heterocyclic alkaloids
Purine alkaloids:
Caffeine: 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine
Theophylline: 1,3-dimethylxanthine
Theobromine: 3,7-dimethylxanthine
- coffee, tea, cocoa…
- stimulant, diuretic