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| "Locoweeds" (some Astralagus and Oxytropis spp. - Fabaceae) produce the indolizidine alkaloid swainsonine, a compound causing neurological disorders in cattle. The compound inhibits glycoside hydrolases and is being investigated as a potential chemotheraputic. |
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| The classic alkaloid morphine: used since ~400AD, and believed to be the first active ingredient isolated from a plant, Papaver somniferum (+ other Papaverales, mammals). The latex of some P. somniferum varieties contain ~25% morphine (or ~0%!). |
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| Inspired by @LegumeFed: daidzein. Apparently exclusive to legumes, including Trifolium spp. (the clovers that inspired St. Patrick's analogy between the shamrock and the holy trinity), these compounds are believed to protect against pathogens. |
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| Pilocarpine - an imidazole alkaloid from tropical Pilocarpus spp. ("jaborandi", Rutaceae). This compound is on the WHO's List of Essential Medicines as a treatment for glaucoma, among other things. Genetic basis of biosynthesis still unknown! |
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| Arbutin, a simple glycosylated hydroquinone from Arctostaphylos dwarf shrubs in the Ericaceae (tho found in other plants) that inhibits tyrosinase - the rate-limiting enzyme in melanin biosynthesis and toxic to insects. |
