Alkaloid
Definition
A large class of nitrogen-containing plant secondary metabolites, typically pharmacologically active and often bitter-tasting. Alkaloids include caffeine (coffee), morphine (opium poppy), nicotine (tobacco), quinine (cinchona bark), and colchicine (autumn crocus).
More Ethnobotany & Uses Terms
Explore Plant Species
See how the concept of "Alkaloid" applies across different plant species.