Alkaloids: Effects & Interesting Facts

Health-related effects of alkaloids

Alkaloids have physiological effects, which is why they are also used in the manufacture of medicines. If you take such medication, you will experience a stimulating effect.

• Since alkaloids change consciousness, you should always pay attention to the correct dosage and application when taking them. An overdose can be life-threatening for you.
• From the group of alkaloids, there are numerous positive properties that medicine takes advantage of. The alkaloid vincristine is sometimes used in cancer therapy as an effective enhancer. However, there is no scientific evidence of the actual effect.
• The forms berberine and quinine are said to have an antibacterial and antiviral effect. That is why these alkaloids are often used in medicines. Quinine should only be consumed in moderation and has positive effects on malaria and calf cramps.
• The steroids also belong to the alkaloids. Our body produces this hormone itself in the adrenal cortex. Cortisol has anti-inflammatory effects.
• In the deadly nightshade or in the angel’s trumpet you will find the alkaloid as atropine. It is toxic but has many uses in medicine. For example, it is used to speed up a slowed heartbeat or to treat an inflamed cornea.
• Coffee, tobacco, and opium poppy also provide alkaloids. In the case of the latter, they are in the foreground of use as intoxicants. Their receptors dock onto the human nervous system and can be absorbed quickly. However, when used as nicotine or morphine, you can become dependent on them.

Worth knowing information about the secondary plant substances

As alkaline substances, alkaloids can be found in numerous foods, dietary supplements, and luxury foods as well as in medicines. Scientists know of thousands of different alkaloids that remain as end products after metabolism.

• Actually, the alkaloids of a plant serve as protection against eating. Plant growth is also regulated by these hormones.
• However, since health-promoting effects for human and animal organisms could be proven, they are often used in medicine for the production of medicines and in the food industry for the production of dietary supplements.
• Vegetables containing alkaloids, such as potatoes or tomatoes, should always be stored in the dark. Also, make sure that you only process such vegetables when they are ripe and remove green areas.
• In the green parts of the alkaloid-containing vegetables, the plant substance occurs as solanine. If you eat the green parts, symptoms such as shortness of breath, headaches, or gastrointestinal problems can occur.
• Since solanine is water-soluble, we recommend that you do not use the cooking water after cooking the potatoes, but rather pour it away.