Alkaloid

Chemical structure of ephedrine, a phenethylamine alkaloid

Caffeine

Alkaloids are chemical compounds that can be made naturally. They contain basic nitrogen atoms. The name comes from the word alkaline and was used to describe any alkaline containing nitrogen. Alkaloids are made by a large variety of organisms, such as bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals and are part of the group of natural products (also called secondary metabolites). Many alkaloids can be purified from basic substances by acid-base extraction. Many alkaloids are toxic to other organisms. Some alkaloids have a bitter taste.

Well-known alkaloids

• Cocaine, used as an anesthetic and a stimulant, is an illegal drug when it is not used medically.
• Caffeine, used as a stimulant, is used as something addictive in coffee or tea.
• Nicotine, used as a stimulant in cigarettes, can also be used to treat certain forms of epilepsy.
• Morphine, used as a painkiller in hospitals, is also used to help people get away from illegal drugs.
• Quinine, used to treat certain forms of Malaria, is sometimes used to give food a bitter taste.