Alkaloids

Chemistry, Biology, Ecology, and Applications

Tadeusz Aniszewski

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 2015
• Edition: 2
• eBook ISBN:
  9780444594624
• Topic: Physical Sciences
• Subtopic: Organic Chemistry

Alkaloids - Secrets of Life: Alkaloid Chemistry, Biological Significance, Applications and Ecological Role, Second Edition provides knowledge on structural typology, biosynthesis and metabolism in relation to recent research work on alkaloids, considering an organic chemistry approach to alkaloids using biological and ecological explanation. The book approaches several questions and unresearched areas that persist in this field of research. It provides a beneficial text for academics, professionals or anyone who is interested in the fascinating subject of alkaloids. Each chapter features an abstract. Appendices, a listing of alkaloids, and plants containing alkaloids are all included, as are basic protocols of alkaloid analysis. - Presents the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems interdisciplinary - Examines alkaloids from chemistry, biology and ecology viewpoints - A single handy reference volume comprehensively reviews the origin of alkaloids and their biological uses - Over 80% new information, including new chapters on the ecological role of alkaloids in nature and ecosystems and extraction of alkaloids

Chapter 1

Definition, typology, and occurrence of alkaloids

Abstract

Alkaloids are a group of molecules with a relatively large occurrence in nature around the globe. They are very diverse chemicals and biomolecules, but they are all secondary compounds and are derived from amino acids or from the transamination process. Alkaloids are classified according to the amino acids that provide their nitrogen atom and part of their skeleton. Similar alkaloids can have quite different biosynthetic pathways and different bioimpacts. Alkaloids are derived from l-lysine, l-ornithine, l-tyrosine, l-tryptophan, l-histidine, l-phenylalanine, nicotinic acid, anthranilic acid, acetate, or amination and transamination reactions. The terpenoid, steroid, and purine alkaloids are also important. Millions of people around the globe use purine alkaloids every day whether starting the day with a cup of coffee or drinking a cup of tea in the afternoon. Alkaloids also occur in the animal kingdom. Unlike plants, the source of these molecules in an animal’s body can be endogenous or exogenous. Alkaloids are molecules participating in both producer and consumer chains in nature. They are vital in feeding and enjoy activation, aggression, and defense of various species. Homo sapiens is one of them.

Keywords

Alkaloid

alkaloid derivation

alkaloid occurrence

heterocycles

molecular precursors

protoalkaloids

pseudoalkaloids

true alkaloids

Chapter Outline

1.1 Definition 2

1.2 Typology of alkaloids 7

1.2.1 Bioecological classification of alkaloids 7

1.2.2 Chemotechnological classification of alkaloids 7

1.2.3 Chemo-molecular classification of alkaloids 8

1.2.4 Biosynthetic shape-classification of alkaloids 8

1.2.4.1 True alkaloids 8

1.2.4.2 Protoalkaloids 14

1.2.4.3 Pseudoalkaloids 15

1.3 Occurrence in nature 15

1.3.1 The Dogbane botanical family (Apocynaceae) 17

1.3.2 The Aster botanical family (Asteraceae) 22

1.3.3 The Logan botanical family (Loganiaceae) 24

1.3.4 The Poppy botanical family (Papaveraceae) 26

1.3.5 The Citrus botanical family (Rutaceae) 29

1.3.6 The Nightshade botanical family (Solanaceae) 32

1.3.7 The Coca botanical family (Erythroxylaceae) 35

1.3.8 The Borage botanical family (Boraginaceae) 35

1.3.9 The Legume botanical family (Fabaceae) 37

1.3.10 The Monseed botanical family (Menispermaceae) 53

1.3.11 The Berberry botanical family (Berberidaceae) 55

1.3.12 The Buttercup botanical family (Ranunculaceae) 56

1.3.13 The Lily botanical family (Liliaceae) 58

1.3.14 The Coffee botanical family (Rubiaceae) 60

1.3.15 The Amaryllis botanical family (Amaryllidaceae) 63

1.3.16 The Oleas...

Table of contents

• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• Dedication
• List of figures
• List of tables
• Preface
• Chapter 1: Definition, typology, and occurrence of alkaloids
• Chapter 2: Alkaloid chemistry
• Chapter 3: Biology of alkaloids
• Chapter 4: Ecology of alkaloids
• Chapter 5: Evolution of alkaloids and alkaloids in evolution
• Chapter 6: Applied potential and current applications of alkaloids
• Chapter 7: Problems of alkaloids in nature and human activity
• Appendix: Alkaloid Extraction Protocols
• Alkaloid Index
• Taxonomic Index
• Author Index