Alkaloids

Abstract

This article reviews some basic principles of extraction, isolation, identification and analysis of alkaloids, one of the most important classes of secondary metabolites regarding pharmacological properties and application as medicines. First a brief overview of the most important pharmaceutical alkaloids is given. In general terms the chemical properties, stability, artifact formation during extraction, isolation, identification and quantification of alkaloids are described. The basic techniques used to extract and detect alkaloids are summarized, followed by the qualitative and quantitative analysis of alkaloids by means of the different chromatographic methods. The most common stationary phases, mobile phases and detection methods are discussed briefly. Finally the NMR and mass spectrometry applied for identification and structure elucidation of alkaloids are discussed.