Plant Secondary Metabolism: Alkaloids

Although the biological purpose of many alkaloids is still not clearly understood, scientists have determined that many play a role in defense as insecticides or insect repellants. In mammals, these compounds display a range of pharmacological properties, including stimulant or depressant action on the central nervous system and some even produce hallucinogenic effects. On the other hand, some alkaloids, like coniine and phystostigmine, are deadly poisons. Here, some of the different classes of medically-relevant alkaloids produced by plants will be discussed.
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This is a mini-lesson for the Botanical Medicine and Health course developed and taught by Dr. Cassandra Quave at Emory University in the Center for the Study of Human Health. Subscribe to the "Teach Ethnobotany Channel" to access updated educational materials on people, plants and health.

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