Site of Formation of Alkaloids in Plants

1.3 Site of Formation of Alkaloids in Plants

The naturally occurring alkaloids that are found to be present in particular organs or parts of a specific plant, it does not logically suggest that they are either synthesized or formed in those particular organs. It may be further expatiated by the typical example of the alkaloids found in several Datura species and Nicotiana species, already discussed earlier, are invariably formed in the roots, but are rapidly translocated to the leaves. This glaring fact has been legitimately and explicitely demonstrated by the help of various experimental techniques innovated by researchers, namely: grafting techniques, labelling with radio-isotopes. Consequently, the leaves of such medicinal herbs, where the alkaloids usually get accumulated, is the ideal and vital part (organ) to be used for the subsequent extraction and isolation of relatively appreciable quantities of the alkaloids.

Source:Pharmacognosy And Pharmacobiotechnology By Ashutosh Kar