Table of Contents

Chapter 1. Definition, Typology and Occurrence of Alkaloids1. Definition 2. Occurrence in nature Chapter 2. Alkaloid Chemistry1. Alkaloids as secondary metabolism molecules 2. Synthesis and metabolism Chapter 3. Biological Significance of Alkaloids1. Alkaloids in biology 2. Bioactivity 3. Biotoxicity 4. Narcotics 5. Alkaloids in the immune system 6. Genetic approach to alkaloids 7. Alkaloids in the evolution of organisms Chapter 4. Applications1. Medicinal applications 2. Alkaloids as drugs 3. Agricultural applications 4. Biotechnology Chapter 5. Ecological Role of Alkaloids1. Animal sequestration of alkaloids 2. Sexual behaviour 3. Feeding atractance and deterrence 4. A case study: Alkaloids and plant population changes

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Presenting chemical, biological and ecological explanations of the alkaloids

About the Author

Professor in Applied Botany, University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Science and Forestry, Department of Biology, Research and Teaching Laboratory of Applied Botany, Joensuu Campus. Internationally known, Chair of Phytochemical Section of the Botanical Society of America.