Since time immemorial alkaloids have been in use in various parts of the world for sure shot treatment or for approximate and rudimentary treatment of various ailments. They were among the earliest chemicals isolated in pure form from natural sources. Till date they are the most fancied natural chemical for scientist of various backgrounds (botanist, biochemist, pharmacognosist, pharmacologist, natural product chemist etc), because they are one of the most potent and promising bioactive chemicals, obtained from natural sources. Various alkaloids have been reported in literature for range of pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-cholinergic, hypotensive, analgesic to list a few. The quotable example is morphine which has yet to find its rival for treatment of severe pain. Worldwide drug discovery is going through a rough patch. Various models are being discussed, new approaches are emerging, synthetic drugs are enjoying good position among available options. Still natural sources can never be undermined, as most of the mainline drug molecules trace their route to natural sources directly or indirectly. In this review article an attempt has been made to compile basic and crucial information (extraction methods, thin layer chromatography and estimation) on putative secondary metabolites-alkaloids.
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