The Role of Alkaloids and Foods Containing Alkaloids

We often hear the term alkaloids in our daily life, but many people do not know what alkaloids are. In fact, this is an organic compound. This compound is basic, and its molecular structure is very complex, and there are many nitrogen elements in it. Because alkaloids have strong biological activity, they have many benefits to human health and are often used clinically.

1. Know about alkaloids

Alkaloids are a class of nitrogen-containing alkaline organic compounds that exist in nature (mainly plants, but some also exist in animals). Most of them have a complex ring structure, nitrogen is mostly contained in the ring, and has significant biological activity. It is one of the important active ingredients in Chinese herbal medicine, optically active. Some are not alkaline, but nitrogen-containing organic compounds derived from plants have obvious biological activity, so they are still included in the scope of alkaloids. And some natural nitrogen-containing organic compounds, such as certain vitamins, amino acids, and peptides, are not traditionally classified as "alkaloids". If you want to buy alkaloids online, then Pharmasources would be a great choice.

2. What are the functions of alkaloids?

Many alkaloids can play a role in curing diseases. For example, berberine in the rhizome of Coptidis chinensis is the main component of berberine, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, and has a very good effect on acute and chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Some types of alkaloids have analgesic effects; alkaloids are good medicines for curing diseases. For example, berberine in the rhizome of Coptis chinensis is the main component of berberine, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Reserpine in Rauwolfia can lower blood pressure. Galantamine in Lycoris has curative effect on polio sequelae, and morphine contained in poppy peel is a famous analgesic. Quinine is a valuable antipyretic. Harringtonine and vinblastine are good medicines for cancer treatment. Colchicine (alkali) can artificially mutagenize polyploidy. Alkaloids have the functions of nourishing the heart and calming the nerves, moistening the lungs and relieving cough, and are very beneficial to those who are weak after illness.

3. What are the foods containing alkaloids?

Foods containing alkaloids include: the wild vegetables of the comfrey family include glazed grass, Maijiagong (Tian comfrey), comfrey, geranium, variegated grass, borage, polygrass, etc. The wild vegetables belonging to the Qianliguang family are: Red phoenix (also known as purple-backed vegetables, red-skinned vegetables, blood-skinned vegetables, purple-backed Tiankui, etc.), cabbage (white backed vegetables), white phoenix vegetables, wild chrysanthemum (revolutionary vegetables), a little red, coltsfoot, whole Yuan Liwu, Fuxu Liwu, etc.