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Tábuas B, Cruz Barros S, Diogo C, Cavaleiro C, Sanches Silva A. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Foods, Herbal Drugs, and Food Supplements: Chemistry, Metabolism, Toxicological Significance, Analytical Methods, Occurrence, and Challenges for Future. Toxins (Basel) 2024; 16:79. [PMID: 38393157 PMCID: PMC10892171 DOI: 10.3390/toxins16020079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Consumers are increasingly seeking natural alternatives to chemical compounds, including the use of dried aromatic plants as seasonings instead of salt. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in food supplements and dried plants has become a concern because of their link to liver diseases and their classification as carcinogenic by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Despite European Union (EU) Regulation (EU) 2023/915, non-compliance issues persist, as indicated by alerts on the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) portal. Analyzing PAs poses a challenge because of their diverse chemical structures and low concentrations in these products, necessitating highly sensitive analytical methods. Despite these challenges, ongoing advancements in analytical techniques coupled with effective sampling and extraction strategies offer the potential to enhance safety measures. These developments aim to minimize consumer exposure to PAs and safeguard their health while addressing the growing demand for natural alternatives in the marketplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Tábuas
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal (C.C.)
| | - Sílvia Cruz Barros
- National Institute for Agricultural and Veterinary Research (INIAV), I.P, 4485-655 Vila do Conde, Portugal
| | - Catarina Diogo
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal (C.C.)
| | - Carlos Cavaleiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal (C.C.)
- Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), University of Coimbra, Rua Sílvio Lima, 3030-790 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Sanches Silva
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, Polo III, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal (C.C.)
- Center for Study in Animal Science (CECA), Institute of Sciences, Technologies and Agro-Environment of the University of Porto (ICETA), University of Porto, 4501-401 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Sciences (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisbon, Portugal
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Sousa AC, Ribeiro C, Gonçalves VMF, Pádua I, Leal S. Chromatographic Methods for Detection and Quantification of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Flora, Herbal Medicines, and Food: An Overview. Crit Rev Anal Chem 2023:1-25. [PMID: 37300809 DOI: 10.1080/10408347.2023.2218476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural toxins produced by some plants that gained special interest due to their potential hazardous effects in humans and animals. These substances have been found in wild flora, herbal medicines and food products raising health concerns. Recently, maximum concentration levels of PAs were established for some food products; however, maximum daily intake frequently surpasses the upper limit set by the competent authorities posing a health risk. Given the scarcity or absence of occurrence data on PAs in many products, there is an urgent need to measure their levels and establish safety intake levels. Analytical methods have been reported to detect and quantify PAs in different matrices. The commonly used chromatographic methodologies provides accurate and reliable results. Analytical methods include diverse steps as extraction and sample preparation procedures that are critical for sensitivity and selectivity of the analytical method. Great efforts have been directed toward optimization of extraction procedures, clean up and chromatographic conditions to improve recovery, reduce matrix effects, and achieve low limits of detection and quantification. Therefore, this paper aims to give a general overview about the occurrence of PAs in flora, herbal medicines, and foodstuff; and discuss the different chromatographic methodologies used for PAs analysis, namely extraction and sample preparation procedures and chromatographic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Sousa
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Virgínia M F Gonçalves
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- UNIPRO - Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, Gandra, Portugal
| | - Inês Pádua
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- Epidemiology Unit - Institute of Public Health of University of Porto (ISPUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Sandra Leal
- TOXRUN - Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
- CINTESIS-RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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