Alkaloids - herbal natural compounds with a broad rage of action

Abstract: Scientific phytotherapy should be regarded as an integrated component of science onrientated medicine. Most recently some alkaloid containing phytomedicines have been taken from the market because of their hepatotoxic and cancerogenic effects. By this the impression may arise, that even medicinal tea preparations could be potentially dangerous. This article therefore aims to review the special properties of the alkaloids and the alkaloid containing drugs. Alcaloids play an important role especially as constituents of illegal drugs, which can be misused as dope. Alkaloids in general are characterized by a very small therapeutical index. They have a broad therapeutical spectrum and also exhibit a very broad range concerning toxicity. Hepatotoxic and cancerogenic as well as paralyzing and spasmogenic effects and actions influencing the cardio-vascular system are of special interest. A large number of alkaloids are psychoactive compounds affecting the most important synapses of the nervous system. Alkaloids are classified either by their origin from certain plants e. g. Aconitum-, Curare-, Opiumand Senecio-alkaloids, or on the basis of their chemical composition, e. g. diterpene-, indole-, isoquinoline-, quinoline-, pyrrolidine, tropane-, piperidine-, protoberberin-, phenylethyl-, amine- and chinolizidine-alkaloids. Besides origin, chemistry, biosynthesis and distribution of the alkaloids their biological sense, their molecular-biological effects and possibilities for therapeutical use of alkaloids are reviewed.

Keyword(s): Alkaloids

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