HEALTH & FITNESS TERMS DIRECTORY
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AlkaloidOne of a varied family of alkaline, nitrogencontaining substances, usually plantderived, reacting with acids to form salts. Normally intensely bitter, alkaloids form a body of substances widely used in drug and herbal therapy. They are usually biologically active and have a toxic potential. The term is more pharmaceutical and medical than chemical since alkaloids come from a variety of otherwise unrelated organic compounds. (Examples caffeine, morphine, berberine).
