Alkaloids

Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds containing basic nitrogen atoms. The name derives from the word alkaline and is used to describe any nitrogen-containing base and organic compound. They often have pharmacological effects and are used as medications, as recreational drugs, or in entheogenic rituals. This book presents current research in the study of alkaloids including a tropane alkaloid called scopolamine employed in medicine as an anticholinergic; quaternary benzo(c) phenantridine alkaloids; pilocarpine alkaloids used in the treatment of glaucoma; ergot alkaloids and their use in ocular pharmacology and others.

Alkaloids - Secrets of Life: Alkaloid Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role, Second Edition provides knowledge on structural typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids, considering an organic chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. The book approaches several questions and unresearched areas that persist in this field of research. It provides a beneficial text for academics, professionals or anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract. Appendices, a listing of alkaloids, and plants containing alkaloids are all included, as are basic protocols of alkaloid analysis. Presents the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems interdisciplinary Examines alkaloids from chemistry, biology and ecology viewpoints A single handy reference volume comprehensively reviews the origin of alkaloids and their biological uses Over 80% new information, including new chapters on the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems and extraction of alkaloids

"Alkaloids" is intended for by chemistry, biochemistry, pharmacy, and other medical students, biologists, chemists, biochemists, and other professionals involved in the field of alkaloids. All chapters in this book are written by professionals in the areas of alkaloid chemistry, biology, pharmacy, and other interesting applications. The chapters cover interesting and less obvious information about different groups of alkaloids.

This is the first comprehensive reference work providing a concise overview of the structure, properties, and history of these unique and fascianting substances. The volume is organized into three main sections. Part 1 examines the chemically relevant aspects by means of carefully selected examples. Part 2 is devoted to biological and biochemical aspects. Part 3 describes the cultural and historical significance of the most important alkaloid sources. (Midwest).

Alkaloids, represent a group of interesting and complex chemical compounds, produced by the secondary metabolism of living organisms in different biotopes. They are relatively common chemicals in all kingdoms of living organisms in all environments. Two hundred years of scientific research has still not fully explained the connections between alkaloids and life. Alkaloids-Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role provides knowledge on structural typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids. Considering an organic chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. Within the book several questions that persist in this field of research are approached as are some unresearched areas. The book provides beneficial text for an academic and professional audience and serves as a source of knowledge for anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract. Appendices are included, as are a listing of alkaloids, plants containing alkaloids and some basic protocols of alkaloid analysis. * Presents the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems * Interdisciplinary and reader friendly approach * Up-to-date knowledge

Alkaloids are a large group of structurally complex natural products displaying a wide range of biological activities. The purpose of Alkaloids: A Treasury of Poisons and Medicines is to classify, for the first time, the alkaloids isolated from the natural sources until now. The book classifies all of the alkaloids by their biosynthetic origins. Of interest to the organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry communities involved in drug discovery and development, this book describes many alkaloids isolated from the medicinal plants, including those used in Japanese Kampo medicine. Classifies and lists alkaloids from natural sources Occurrence and biosynthetic pathways of alkaloids Indicates key uses and bioactivity of alkaloids

The alkaloids were of great importance to mankind for centuries, long before they were recognized as a chemical class. The influence they have had on literature is hinted at by some of the quotations I have used as chapter headings. Their in fluence on folklore and on medicine has been even greater. The scientific study of alkaloids may be said to have begun with the isolation of morphine by SERTURNER in 1804. Since that time they have remained of great interest to chemists, and now in any month there appear dozens of publications dealing with the isolation of new alkaloids or the determination of the structures of previously known ones. The area of alkaloid biochemistry, in comparison, has received little attention, and today is much less developed. There is a certain amount of personal arbitrariness in defining "biochemistry", as there is in defining "alkaloid", and this arbitrariness is doubtless compounded by the combination. Nevertheless, it seems to me that in any consideration of the bio chemistry of a group of compounds three aspects are always worthy of attention pathways of biosynthesis, function or activity, and pathways of degradation. For the alkaloids, treatment of these three aspects is necessarily lopsided. Much has been learned about routes of biosynthesis, but information on the other aspects is very scanty. It would be possible to enter into some speculation regarding the biosyn thesis of all the more than 1,000 known alkaloids.

The Isoquinoline Alkaloids: A Course in Organic Chemistry is a description of the chemical structures of alkaloids. The book discusses the processes for degradation of isoquinoline alkaloids to recognizable compounds such as oxidation and exhaustive methylation. The associated processes in removing the nitrogen atom are also explained. The commonly used Hofmann process and the interpretation of its result are evaluated in the degradation of alkaloids. The cactus ""pellote"" used by Mexican Indians to induce hallucinatory experiences is examined. The active ingredient is identified as mescaline; its composition is analyzed to contain one primary amino and three methoxyl groups. The different syntheses made to duplicate mescaline are described. The structures of morphine, codeine, and thebain, which are all alkaloids of opium, are also analyzed. Another example of a principal alkaloid found in a plant is emetine found in the root of the ipecac. The pharmacological bases of emetine are isolated and noted as emetamine, cephaeline, psychotrine, and O-methylpsychotrine. The text also traces many other structural relationships within the subgroups of the isoquinoline alkaloids. Chemists, students and professors in organic chemistry, and laboratory technicians whose work is related to pharmacology will find this book informative.