Definition: The word "alkaloids" in the English language originally referred to substances that acted as a neutralizing or reducing agent on the body's pH levels, acting as an alkaline substance. These substances were often used in medicine for their ability to balance electrolytes and restore bodily fluids. In the Hebrew Bible, the word occurs several times to describe these substances: 1. "And the Lord said unto me, I have commanded my servants, saying, Behold, you shall say: The man that hath an illness is to take a piece of a leaf; it will be his medicine. And he shall eat of it and live." (Genesis 37:29) 2. "The earth shall not yield seed or increase grain; but the ground shall give us water in its season, and shall make our feet comfortable by giving us water for thirst, and we shall have land for a dwelling place, and we shall possess all that is in the land." (Genesis 19:5) 3. "For his part he hath taken a piece of an olive tree and it will be his medicine; and he will eat thereof, and live." (Isaiah 42:6) The Hebrews also described these substances as 'waters' or 'water byproducts', implying that they were not pure alkaloids but rather "water products," possibly due to their presence in the earth's natural waters. In modern scientific terms, alkali is a chemical compound that is capable of changing the pH level of water. Its action on the body depends on its concentration and type, but it can be toxic if too high concentrations are encountered.

alkaloids