Alkaloid families

Alkaloids are naturally occurring chemical compounds found mainly in plants, often with potent effects on humans and animals. They are categorized into different families based on their chemical structures and sources. For example, the *tropane* family includes compounds like atropine, found in deadly nightshade, affecting nerve signals. The *pyridine* family contains nicotine, influential in tobacco. The *indole* family includes powerful drugs like psilocybin, found in certain mushrooms. Each family shares structural features that influence how they act on the body—often as stimulants, depressants, or medicines—making alkaloids important in medicine, beverages, and known for their potent biological activity.