Plant Secondary Metabolism: Alkaloids

Although the biological purpose of many alkaloids is still not clearly understood, scientists have determined that many play a role in defense as insecticides or insect repellants. In mammals, these compounds display a range of pharmacological properties, including stimulant or depressant action on the central nervous system and some even produce hallucinogenic effects. On the other hand, some alkaloids, like coniine and phystostigmine, are deadly poisons. Here, some of the different classes of medically-relevant alkaloids produced by plants will be discussed. *** This is a mini-lesson for the Botanical Medicine and Health course developed and taught by Dr. Cassandra Quave at Emory University in the Center for the Study of Human Health. Subscribe to the "Teach Ethnobotany Channel" to access updated educational materials on people, plants and health. /// Want to learn more about the healing power of plants? √ Read my book, The Plant Hunter: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/bo... √ Subscribe to my weekly newsletter, Nature’s Pharmacy: https://naturespharmacy.substack.com/ √ Subscribe to my weekly podcast, Foodie Pharmacology: https://foodiepharmacology.podbean.com/ √ Follow me on Instagram & Threads at @QuaveEthnobot:   / quaveethnobot   √ Follow me on Twitter @QuaveEthnobot:   / quaveethnobot   √ Subscribe to the Teach Ethnobotany YouTube Channel:    / teachethnobotany   #ethnobotany #medicinalplant #botany #medicine #pharmacology #science #sciencefacts #scicomm #traditionalmedicine *** DISCLAIMER: Content provided in this video and the TeachEthnobotany YouTube Channel is for educational purposes only and should not be construed to be medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice, diagnosis or treatment, and may not be used for such purposes. The information about herbal medicines and drugs in this video and the TeachEthnobotany site is general in nature. It does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medicines mentioned, nor is the information intended as medical advice for individual problems or for making an evaluation as to the risks and benefits of taking a particular drug or botanical/herbal medicine. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical question or condition.