Biologically Active Amines CH3 O CH-CH2NH2 CH3 -OCH3 O-C-Ph CH3O OCH3 CH OCH3 OH OH H cocaine nicotine mescaline morphine in coca leaves in tobacco in peyote cactus in opium poppies Copyright2010 Pearson Prentice Hall,Inc. The alkaloids are an important group of biologically active amines,mostly synthesized by plants to protect them from being eaten by insects and other animals. Many drugs of addiction are classified as alkaloids. Chapter 19 2 Chapter 19 2 Biologically Active Amines ▪ The alkaloids are an important group of biologically active amines, mostly synthesized by plants to protect them from being eaten by insects and other animals. ▪ Many drugs of addiction are classified as alkaloids