CHAPTER 18: Unit 5. Amines in Plants: Alkaloids

Amines in Plants: Alkaloids

Alkaloids are organic compounds found in plants that have strong physiological and addictive effects on humans.

Alkaloids are organic compounds that contain nitrogen and therefore they are considered weak bases. The name alkaloids name is derived from alkali – like compounds which mean bases.

They are considered as heterocyclic and aromatic amines.

Some examples of alkaloids are given below:

Reference: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/alkaloid

Other alkaloids examples are given below:
Reference: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Structure-of-the-most-common-opium-alkaloids_fig1_319189995

The harmful – health effects of some alkaloids are given in the table below: These alkaloids are highly addictive.

Alkaloid Health effect Reference
Nicotine Cancer, coronary artery and peripheral
vascular disease, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, and reproductive disorders
https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1038/clpt.1988.107 
Caffeine heart disease, heart attack, fibrocystic breast disease, incontinence, insomnia and stomach upset https://www.caffeineinformer.com/harmful-effects-of-caffeine
Atropine dry mouth, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, lack of sweating, dizziness, nausea, loss of balance, hypersensitivity reactions (such as skin rash), and rapid heartbeat https://www.rxlist.com/atropine-side-effects-drug-center.htm 
Morphine Constipation, vomiting, drowsiness, loss of appetite, rash, twitching, nausea, blurred vision, itching, dizziness, sleepiness, headache, poor coordination, confusion  https://www.rehabspot.com/opioids/morphine/effects-use/ 
Codeine Drowsiness, slurred speech, short attention span, impaired judgment, dilated pupils, lack of coordination, apathetic behavior https://www.addictioncenter.com/opiates/codeine/symptoms-signs/
Heroin Bad teeth, inflammation of the gums, constipation, cold sweats, itching, weakening of the immune system, coma, respiratory (breathing) illnesses, muscular weakness, partial paralysis, reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men, menstrual disturbance in women https://www.drugfreeworld.org/drugfacts/heroin/long-term-effects.html