alkaloides
Alkaloids are a diverse group of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing organic compounds, most of which are basic and contain heterocyclic ring structures. They are produced mainly by plants as secondary metabolites, though some occur in fungi, bacteria, and animals. Alkaloids often have pronounced physiological effects in humans and other animals, which has led to widespread medical, pharmaceutical, and recreational use. They are typically bitter-tasting and biologically active even at low concentrations.
Chemical and biosynthetic features vary across alkaloids. Most contain one or more nitrogen atoms within a
Occurrence, sources, and uses vary widely. The most famous sources are plants, notably Papaver somniferum (poppies),
Classification in this context is chemical rather than taxonomic; alkaloids form a broad category defined by