Alkaloid facts for kids

The chemical structure of ephedrine, a natural compound

Caffeine, found in coffee and tea

An alkaloid is a special kind of chemical compound that living things can make naturally. These compounds always have a basic nitrogen atom inside them. The name "alkaloid" comes from the word "alkaline," which describes substances that are basic. Many different organisms create alkaloids, including tiny bacteria, fungi, plants, and even animals. They are part of a group called natural products. Many alkaloids can be taken out of plants or other sources using a special process. Some alkaloids can be harmful to other living things, and many of them have a very bitter taste.

Famous Alkaloids

Many well-known alkaloids come from flowering plants. Plants often use these chemicals to protect themselves from being eaten by animals. Here are a few examples:

• Cocaine: This alkaloid has been used in medicine to numb pain or make people more alert. It is also known as a stimulant.
• Caffeine: Found in coffee and tea, caffeine is a common stimulant. It can make people feel more awake and focused. If animals eat too many leaves with caffeine, they might feel their heart beat faster.
• Nicotine: This alkaloid is found in cigarettes and is also a stimulant. It has also been studied for treating some health conditions.
• Morphine: This powerful alkaloid is widely used in medicine to help with severe pain.
• Quinine: This alkaloid is used to treat certain forms of malaria, a serious disease. It can also be used to give food a bitter taste.
• Curare: This substance comes from a plant called Strychnos toxifera. It is a strong chemical that can affect muscles. Some poison dart frogs get this substance from the plants they eat.
• Strychnine and brucine: These are strong alkaloids made by the Strychnos nux-vomica plant. This plant is a close relative of the one that produces curare.

Images for kids

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  The article that first used the word "alkaloid" in 1819.

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  The Strychnine tree. Its seeds contain strychnine and brucine.

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  Crystals of piperine from black pepper.

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  Voacamine

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  Toxiferine

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  Carpaine

See also

In Spanish: Alcaloide para niños