Page 4 - phytochemistry general program
P. 4
Alkaloids
Introduction:
Alkaloids are extremely difficult to define, because they do not represent a .1
homogenous group of compounds from either, chemical, biochemical or .2
physiological point of view.
The term alkaloid or alkali-like was previously applied to basic nitrogen-cont.
(heterocyclic ring) Compounds of plant origin with pharmacological activity
but
- Some alk. are known to have simple and or acyclic amine structures, others as
colchicine is not basic and its nitrogen atom is not incorporated in heterocyclic ring.
2
