Alkaloids: Chemistry, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential

In chemistry, Alkaloids are nitrogen containing natural occurring organic compounds which contains a heteroatom Nitrogen in their structure and these, nitrogen atom is responsible for the alkalinity of Alkaloids. In alkaloids, these, nitrogen atom is usually situated in the ring system, For example: Indole alkaloids, Quinoline alkaloids. In nature, Alkaloids are derived by the large variety of organisms including- plants, bacteria, animals, fungi. There are more than 12,000 alkaloids have been already described. On the basis of structure, alkaloids can be divided into sub-classes like indoles, quinolines, iso-quinolines, steroids and terpenoids alkaloids. Alkaloids are mainly classified in two major classes- on the basis of origin and presence of nitrogen atom and on the basis of ring structure.Alkaloids play a significant role in daily human life, being present in food, beverages, medicinal drugs, stimulants, narcotics, and insecticides, and influencing a wide range of physiological activities. Even in minute doses, alkaloids can exert potent biological effects on both human and animal systems.

Autorentext

Mona Anwar Mohamed El-Bana, Professor at the National Research Centre, advances medical biochemistry through research and teaching. Her work focuses on disease mechanisms, metabolic disorders, and neurodegeneration. She mentors students, contributes to scientific knowledge, and bridges research with clinical applications for improved healthcare.