Alkaloids are organic chemicals derived from plant sources. All alkaloid compounds contain nitrogen, a feature that can be used to differentiate them from other organic compounds.
Today alkaloids have many practical applications in the medicine and the development of pharmaceuticals. Historically, though alkaloids were best known for their ability to be used as poisons.
In this section you will learn about the structure, properties and uses of the alkaloid chemicals produced by and from the poppy plant and almonds.