REAGENTS IN THE ANALYSIS OF ALKALOIDS: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Alkaloids represent a diverse class of naturally occurring nitrogen-containing compounds with significant pharmaceutical and toxicological properties. This review examines the various reagents employed in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of alkaloids, focusing on their chemical principles, applications, and limitations. The classical precipitation reagents, color-forming reagents, and modern analytical techniques are discussed in detail. Special attention is given to the selectivity, sensitivity, and specificity of these reagents for different alkaloid classes. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for researchers, pharmacognosists, forensic scientists, and quality control specialists working with alkaloid-containing natural products and pharmaceutical preparations.