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 |