A miniaturized matrix solid-phase dispersion methodology (µMSPD) for determination of β-carboline alkaloids in tobacco samples by UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MSE

Alkaloids play an important role in the chemical composition of tobacco, due to their effects that have led to the global consumption of this commodity. The β-carboline alkaloids present inhibitory action against the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which enhances the susceptibility to chemical dependence in smokers. There is a need for scientific studies to ensure the correct identification and quantification of these compounds in tobacco matrices. In this work, we present the development and validation of a microextraction analytical method for determination and quantification of the alkaloids harmaline, harmalol, harmane, harmine, norharmane, and tetrahydroharmine in natural and processed samples of tobacco, employing micro-matrix solid-phase dispersion (μMSPD), ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and mass spectrometry (MS). The optimized μMSPD procedure employed of 0.01 g of sample, 0.1 g of Discovery® DPA-6S adsorbent, and elution with 2 mL of aqueous 1 % formic acid solution, resulting in a fast, practical, economical, and environmentally friendly technique. Validation of the methodology showed that it presented good linearity (R2 > 0.9945), satisfactory accuracy and precision (in the range from 72 ± 16 % to 109 ± 9 %), and limits of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) in the ranges 0.02-1.0 µg g-1 and 0.01-0.2 µg g-1, respectively. The developed method was applied to tobacco samples, proving to be efficient for determination of β-carboline alkaloids. The compounds harmane and norharmane were quantified in samples of fresh tobacco leaves, cured tobacco leaves, twisted tobacco, and cigarettes. Harmine was only not quantified in the cigarettes.

Solid-Contact Potentiometric Sensors Based on Main-Tailored Bio-Mimics for Trace Detection of Harmine Hallucinogen in Urine Specimens

All-solid-state potentiometric sensors have attracted great attention over other types of potentiometric sensors due to their outstanding properties such as enhanced portability, simplicity of handling, affordability and flexibility. Herein, a novel solid-contact ion-selective electrode (SC-ISE) based on poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as the ion-to-electron transducer was designed and characterized for rapid detection of harmine. The harmine-sensing membrane was based on the use of synthesized imprinted bio-mimics as a selective material for this recognition. The imprinted receptors were synthesized using acrylamide (AA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The polymerization process was carried out at 70 °C in the presence of dibenzoyl peroxide (DBO) as an initiator. The sensing membrane in addition to the solid-contact layer was applied to a glassy-carbon disc as an electronic conductor. All performance characteristics of the presented electrode in terms of linearity, detection limit, pH range, response time and selectivity were evaluated. The sensor revealed a wide linearity over the range 2.0 × 10⁻⁷–1.0 × 10⁻² M, with a detection limit of 0.02 µg/mL and a sensitivity slope of 59.2 ± 0.8 mV/hamine concentration decade. A 40 mM Britton–Robinson (BR) buffer solution at pH of 6 was used for all harmine measurements. The electrode showed good selectivity towards harmine over other common interfering ions, and maintained a stable electrochemical response over two weeks. After applying the validation requirements, the proposed method revealed good performance characteristics. Method precision, accuracy, bias, trueness, repeatability, reproducibility, and uncertainty were also evaluated. These analytical capabilities support the fast and direct assessment of harmine in different urine specimens. The analytical results were compared with the standard liquid chromatographic method. The results obtained demonstrated that PEDOT/PSS was a promising solid-contact ion-to-electron transducer material in the development of harmine-ISE. The electrodes manifested enhanced stability and low cost, which provides a wide number of potential applications for pharmaceutical and forensic analysis.

Bioactive β-Carbolines in Food: A Review

Harman and norharman, two neuroactive β-carbolines, are present in several plants and in thermally processed foods. They exhibited a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this article, we review the progress of recent research on the presence of these compounds in food, as well as their various biological and neuroactive properties. Our findings strongly suggest that some foods, especially coffee, can act as a rich source of β-carbolines, which may possibly be associated with a reduced risk for serious neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Bioactivity of selected materials for coffee substitute

Epidemiological studies have suggested that coffee consumption is negatively correlated with the incidence of Parkinson's disease. Coffee contains relatively high levels of β-carbolines, which have been ascribed neuroactive effects in humans however the positive or negative effect has not been confirmed yet. Two ingredients with applications as coffee substitutes-chicory, which is traditionally used in this way, and artichoke-were considered in this study both from the neuroactive point of view but also in relation to the other bioactive compounds that result from their thermal processing. These thermal products are of concern because of their possible toxic properties. The estimated concentration of β-carbolines was high in both materials (1.8 μg/g and 2.5 μg/g harman and 2.9 μg/g and 3.1 μg/g norharman in chicory and artichoke, respectively). Artichoke had more β-carbolines than chicory, and also more all the toxic compounds examined here-acrylamide, carboxymethyllysine, and furans, which were detected in significantly higher concentrations in artichoke, particularly acrylamide. Chicory and artichoke also contain phenolic compounds that possess high antioxidant activity, on a similar level. Artichoke, a new proposed ingredient in coffee substitutes, appears to be a richer source of β-carbolines than the traditionally chicory. Both materials contained high level of undesirable components, such as furan and its derivatives, carboxymethyllysine and particularly acrylamide, much higher in artichoke.

Fast determination of harmala alkaloids in edible algae by capillary electrophoresis mass spectrometry

The use of algae as a foodstuff is rapidly expanding worldwide from the East Asian countries, where they are also used for medical care. Harmala alkaloids (HAlk) are a family of bioactive compounds found in the extracts of some plants, including wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), an edible marine invasive algae. HAlks are based on a characteristic β-carboline structure with at least one amino ionizable group. In this work, we report the successful separation of a mixture of six HAlks (harmine, harmaline, harmol, harmalol, harmane, and norharmane) by capillary electrophoresis ion-trap mass spectrometry (CE-IT-MS) in less than 8 min. Optimum separation in fused-silica capillaries and detection sensitivity in positive-ion mode were achieved using a background electrolyte (BGE) with 25 mmol L(-1) ammonium acetate (pH 7.8) and 10% (v/v) methanol, and a sheath liquid with 60:40 (v/v) isopropanol-water and 0.05% (v/v) formic acid. The separation method was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection and quantification, repeatability, and reproducibility. Later, a sample pretreatment was carefully optimized to determine HAlks in commercial wakame samples with excellent recovery and repeatability. For the complex wakame extracts, the MS-MS fragmentation patterns of the different HAlks were useful to ensure a reliable identification. The complete procedure was validated using the standard-addition calibration method, determining matrix effects on the studied compounds. Harmalol, harmine, and harmaline were naturally present in the samples and were quantified at very low concentrations, ranging from 7 to 24 μg kg(-1) dry algae.

A review on medicinal importance, pharmacological activity and bioanalytical aspects of beta-carboline alkaloid ''Harmine''

Harmine, a beta-carboline alkaloid, is widely distributed in the plants, marine creatures, insects, mammalians as well as in human tissues and body fluids. Harmine was originally isolated from seeds of Peganum harmal in 1847 having a core indole structure and a pyridine ring. Harmine has various types of pharmacological activities such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antitumor, cytotoxic, antiplasmodial, antioxidaant, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic and hallucinogenic properties. It acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid type A and monoamine oxidase A or B receptor, enhances insulin sensitivity and also produces vasorelaxant effect. Harmine prevents bone loss by suppressing osteoclastogenesis. The current review gives an overview on pharmacological activity and analytical techniques of harmine, which may be useful for researcheres to explore the hidden potential of harmine and and will also help in developing new drugs for the treatment of various diseases.

Effect of six Chinese spices on heterocyclic amine profiles in roast beef patties by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and principal component analysis

The effects of Chinese spices on the profiles of 17 heterocyclic amines (HAs) from seven HA categories were investigated in roast beef patties using Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and principal component analysis. Three groups of HAs, imidazopyridines (PhIP, DMIP, and 1,5,6-TMIP), imidazoquinoxalines (MeIQx and 4,8-DiMeIQx), and β-carbolines (harman and norharman), were detected and quantified in all of the samples. The results demonstrated that the total HA and imidazopyridine profiles could clearly be affected by 1% pricklyash peel (14.1 ± 0.76 and 6.06 ± 0.32 ng/g), chilli (41.0 ± 0.01 and 23.0 ± 0.52 ng/g), and cumin (59.9 ± 2.44 and 31.1 ± 3.06 ng/g), in comparison with control values of 21.8 ± 2.40 and 14.3 ± 2.04 ng/g, respectively. The difference was only significant (p < 0.05) for cumin. The imidazoquinoxaline profile was significantly (p < 0.05) affected by 1% pricklyash peel (0.57 ± 0.05 ng/g) and cumin (2.36 ± 0.20 ng/g) compared to the control (1.16 ± 0.11 ng/g). The β-carboline profile was only markedly (p < 0.05) affected by 1% cumin (26.4 ± 0.82 ng/g) compared to the control (6.26 ± 0.26 ng/g). In general, pricklyash peel inhibited HA formation, whereas star anise, fennel, cumin, chilli, and black pepper promoted HA formation. The findings could facilitate the selection of spices in meat processing to minimize HA formation.

Second derivative synchronous fluorimetric method for simultaneous determination of harman and norharman in coffee samples

The simultaneous determination of harman and norharman using second derivative synchronous fluorescence method has been developed based on their natural fluorescence. Due to their similar molecular structures, it is difficult to determine them simultaneously in the mixture using conventional fluorimetry. Overlapping of fluorescence spectra was resolved by using a constant second derivative synchronous fluorimetry. The derivative synchronous spectrum, maintaining a constant difference of Δλ=150 nm between emission and excitation for both the compounds, has been selected for the analysis. The range of application is between 0.182 and 18.2 μg/mL (correlation coefficient, R=0.9982) for harman and between 0.504 and 16.8 μg/mL (correlation coefficient, R=0.9962) for norharman. The recovery ranges of 98.5-101.1% for harman and 97.5-99.1% for norharman from their synthetic mixture was reported. The detection limits are 0.016 μg/mL and 0.038 μg/mL for harman and norharman, respectively. Similarly, the quantitation limit of the two compounds was found to be 0.049 and 0.109 μg/mL, respectively. The method was applied to the simultaneous determination of both compounds in coffee samples with satisfactory results.

Selective drug trace detection with low-field NMR

Advances with para-hydrogen induced polarization open up new fields of applications for portable low-field NMR. Here we report the possibility of tracing drugs down to the micromolar regime. We could selectively polarize nicotine quantities similar to those found in one cigarette. Also less than 1 mg of harmine, a drug used for treatment of Parkinson's disease, and morphine extracted from an opium solution were detectable after polarization with para-hydrogen in single-scan (1)H-experiments. Moreover, we demonstrate the possibility to selectively enhance and detect the (1)H-signal of drug molecules with PHIP in proton rich standard solutions that would otherwise mask the (1)H NMR signal of the drug.

HPLC fingerprints combined with principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and linear discriminant analysis for the classification and differentiation of Peganum sp. indigenous to China

INTRODUCTION

Seeds of wild Peganum harmala Linn., P. multisectum (Maxim) Bobr., P. nigellastrum Bunge and a probable indeterminate species, herein referred to as P. variety, are commonly used in Chinese medicine. These seeds cannot be differentiated based on morphology.

OBJECTIVE

Seeds of P. harmala Linn., P. multisectum (Maxim) Bobr., P. nigellastrum Bunge and P. variety were collected in different provinces in China and their HPLC profiles were recorded for statistical analysis and pattern recognition.Methodology - HPLC chromatograms of seed extracts were recorded under the same conditions. Individual HPLC chromatograms for each species were evaluated against the mean chromatogram for the same species generated using a similarity evaluation computer program. Data from chromatographic fingerprints were also processed using principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA).

RESULTS

The Peganum sp. seed extracts had similar HPLC fingerprints but with some inter-specific differences. The chromatographic fingerprints combined with PCA, HCA and LDA could distinguish the seeds of the different species of Peganum investigated.

CONCLUSION

HPLC fingerprints can be used to authenticate and differentiate the seeds of three different species of genus Peganum indigenous to China. The results indicated that the unidentified P. variety might indeed be a new species or variety.

Composition, standardization and chemical profiling of Banisteriopsis caapi, a plant for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders relevant to Parkinson's disease

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banisteriopsis caapi, a woody vine from the Amazonian basin, is popularly known as an ingredient of a sacred drink ayahuasca, widely used throughout the Amazon as a medicinal tea for healing and spiritual exploration. The usefulness of Banisteriopsis caapi has been established for alleviating symptoms of neurological disorders including Parkinson's disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Primary objective of this study was to develop the process for preparing standardized extracts of Banisteriopsis caapi to achieve high potency for inhibition of human monoamine oxidases (MAO) and antioxidant properties. The aqueous extracts prepared from different parts of the plant collected from different geographical locations and seasons were analyzed by HPLC for principal bioactive markers. The extracts were simultaneously tested in vitro for inhibition of human MAOs and antioxidant activity for analysis of correlation between phytochemical composition of the extracts and bioactivities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Reversed-phase HPLC with photodiode array detection was employed to profile the alkaloidal and non-alkaloidal components of the aqueous extract of Banisteriopsis caapi. The Banisteriopsis caapi extracts and standardized compositions were tested in vitro for inhibition of recombinant preparations of human MAO-A and MAO-B. In vitro cell-based assays were employed for evaluation of antioxidant property and mammalian cell cytotoxicity of these preparations.

RESULTS

Among the different aerial parts, leaves, stems/large branches and stem bark of Banisteriopsis caapi, HPLC analysis revealed that most of the dominant chemical and bioactive markers (1, 2, 5, 7-9) were present in high concentrations in dried bark of large branch. A library of HPLC chromatograms has also been generated as a tool for fingerprinting and authentication of the studied Banisteriopsis caapi species. The correlation between potency of MAO inhibition and antioxidant activity with the content of the main active constituents of the aqueous Banisteriopsis caapi extracts and standardized compositions was established. Phytochemical analysis of regular/commercial Banisteriopsis caapi dried stems, obtained from different sources, showed a similar qualitative HPLC profile, but relatively low content of dominant markers 1, 2, 7, and 9, which led to decreased MAO inhibitory and antioxidant potency compared to Banisteriopsis caapi Da Vine.

CONCLUSION

The ethnopharmacological use of bark of matured stem/large branch of Banisteriopsis caapi as well as whole matured stem is supported by the results obtained in this investigation. Among various constituents of Banisteriopsis caapi, harmine (7), harmaline (6) and tetrahydroharmine (5) are responsible for MAO-A inhibition, while two major proanthocyanidines, epicatechin (8) and procyanidine B2 (9) produce antioxidant effects. The compounds 1-9 can serve as reliable markers for identification and standardization of Banisteriopsis caapi aerial parts, collected in different seasons and/or from different geographical regions.

High-performance thin-layer chromatography densitometric method for the quantification of harmine, harmaline, vasicine, and vasicinone in Peganum harmala

Peganum harmala Linn. seed is a reputed drug of the Indian systems of medicine. We report a simple high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) densitometric method for the quantification of 4 alkaloids, viz., harmine, harmaline, vasicine, and vasicinone from P. harmala seed. The 4 compounds were resolved in ethyl acetate-methanol-ammonia (7 + 1 + 0.3, v/v/v) mobile phase. The method was validated for precision, repeatability, and accuracy. Instrumental precision was 0.27, 1.53, 0.39, and 1.15% [relative standard deviation (RSD)] and repeatability of the method was 1.01, 0.79, 0.13, and 1.62% RSD for harmine, harmaline, vasicine, and vasicinone, respectively. Accuracy of the method was checked by a recovery study conducted at 3 different levels, and the average recovery was 97.88% for harmine, 97.69% for harmaline, 98.38% for vasicine, and 98.28% for vasicinone. The 4 compounds were quantified in P. harmala seed using the method, and it was found to contain 0.44, 0.096, 0.25, and 0.0007% (w/w) of each, respectively. The proposed HPTLC densitometric method for the quantification of the 4 compounds was found to be simple, precise, specific, sensitive, and accurate. It can be used for routine quality control of P. harmala seed and has the ability to quantify the 4 marker compounds in the formulations containing P. harmala. It also can be used to quantify any of these marker compounds in other herbal drugs.

Quantification of heterocyclic aromatic amines in fried meat by HPTLC/UV-FLD and HPLC/UV-FLD: a comparison of two methods

A recently developed HPTLC/UV-FLD method was compared to the routinely used HPLC/UV-FLD method for the quantification of heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAA) formed at trace levels during the heating process of meat. For formation of these process contaminants under normal cooking conditions, beef patties were fried in a double-contact grill at 230 degrees C for five different frying times and extracted by solid-phase extraction. The HAAs most frequently found, that is, 2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo[4,5- b]pyridine (PhIP), 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoxaline (MeIQx), 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5- f]quinoxaline (4,8-DiMeIQx), 9 H-pyrido[3,4- b]indole (norharman), and 1-methyl-9 H-pyrido[3,4- b]indole (harman), were quantified by two chromatographic methods, which were orthogonal to each other (normal versus reversed phase system). Both methods showed a similar performance and good correlation of the results ( R (2) between 0.8875 and 0.9751). The comparison of running costs and run time in routine analysis proved HPTLC/UV-FLD to be more economical (factor of 3) and faster (factor of 4) due to its capability of parallel chromatography. The HAA findings calculated by standard addition increased with the heating time from <1 to 33 microg/kg related to 3-6 min of frying time. The precision (RSD) was between 7 and 49% (HPTLC) and between 5 and 38% (HPLC) at these very low HAA levels formed.

Effect of norharmane in vitro on juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase activity in the lower termite, Reticulitermes speratus

The aromatic beta-carboline norharmane was determined in workers, nymphs, and ergatoids of Reticulitermes speratus (Kolbe) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Norharmane levels in workers, nymphs, and ergatoids collected in May (approximately 4.3 ng/termite) were higher than those in November (approximately 0.2 ng/termite). Fluorescence of norharmane was observed in histological sections in whole animals and in the fat body. Norharmane, at a final concentration of 1 mM, stimulated juvenile hormone epoxide hydrolase (JHEH) activity of enzyme extract from ergatoids, but inhibited JHEH activity at higher concentrations. The elevated JHEH activity stimulated by norharmane should accelerate juvenile hormone metabolism in R. speratus.

Quantification of the neurotoxic beta-carboline harmane in barbecued/grilled meat samples and correlation with level of doneness

Harmane, one of the heterocyclic amines (HCAs), is a potent neurotoxin linked to human diseases. Dietary exposure, especially in cooked meats, is the major source of exogenous exposure for humans. However, knowledge of harmane concentrations in cooked meat samples is limited. Our goals were to (1) quantify the concentration of harmane in different types of cooked meat samples, (2) compare its concentration to that of other more well-understood HCAs, and (3) examine the relationship between harmane concentration and level of doneness. Thirty barbecued/grilled meat samples (8 beef steak, 12 hamburger, 10 chicken) were analyzed for harmane and four other HCAs (2-amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazo [4,5-b]pyridine [PhIP], amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline [MeIQx], 2-amino-3,4,8-trimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline [DiMeIQx], and 2-amino-1,6-dimethylfuro[3,2-e]imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine [IFP]). Mean (+/- SD) harmane concentration was 5.63 (+/- 6.63) ng/g; harmane concentration was highest in chicken (8.48 +/- 9.86 ng/g) and lowest in beef steak (3.80 +/- 3.6 ng/g). Harmane concentration was higher than that of the other HCAs and significantly correlated with PhIP concentration. Harmane concentration was associated with meat doneness in samples of cooked beef steak and hamburger, although the correlation between meat doneness and concentration was greater for PhIP than for harmane. Evidence indicates that harmane was detectable in nanograms per gram quantities in cooked meat (especially chicken) and, moreover, was more abundant than other HCAs. There was some correlation between meat doneness and harmane concentration, although this correlation was less robust than that observed for PhIP. Data such as these may be used to improve estimation of human dietary exposure to this neurotoxin.

Factors influencing the norharman and harman contents in espresso coffee

Espresso coffee (EC) brews were analyzed for beta-carboline [norharman (NH) and harman (H)] contents, by RP-HPLC with fluorescence detection. The influence of the coffee species (arabica or robusta), the roast degree, and the brew length was studied. The results show that the content of NH and H in EC is dependent primarily on the coffee species, followed by brew length. The roast degree has only a minor influence on the final content of NH and H in EC. When compared with other coffee brews, EC has an amount of these beta-carbolines (in micrograms per liter) similar to that of mocha coffee, both being more concentrated than filter and press-pot coffees. Therefore, the consumer's preferences will determine the amount of NH and H ingested daily. For the caffeinated 30 mL of EC, the arabica coffees contain about 4.08 microg of NH and 1.54 microg of H. Commercial blends (usually with a maximum of 30% robusta) range from the cited arabica values to 10.37 microg of NH and 4.35 microg of H.

Efficacy of planar chromatography coupled to (tandem) mass spectrometry for employment in trace analysis

HPTLC/MS by a plunger-based extraction device was shown to be an appropriate technique for quantitative planar chromatography, even in trace analysis. Reproducible extraction from silica gel phases in the lower-pg range distinguishes this technique from other approaches. Repeatability of the MS signal showed a mean RSD of 12.5% for the example of Harman, a heterocyclic aromatic amine. Analytical response within a plate and over various plates/days showed determination coefficients of 0.9915 and 0.9488, respectively. Limit of detection (LOD) by a single quadrupole was better than 40 pg and limit of quantitation (LOQ) by a tandem mass spectrometer better than 20 pg. LOQ/LOD obtained were of similar magnitude as reported for HPLC/MS methods, however, this order of sensitivity was shown for the first time in the field of HPTLC/electrospray ionization MS.

Analysis of hallucinogenic constituents in Amanita mushrooms circulated in Japan

The constituents of seven mushrooms sold as Amanita muscaria or Amanita pantherina (five A. muscaria and two A. pantherina) and four "extracts purported to contain A. muscaria" products that are currently circulated in Japan were determined. All mushroom samples were identified as A. muscaria or A. pantherina by macroscopic and microscopic observation. The dissociative constituents, ibotenic acid (IBO) and muscimol (MUS), were extracted with 70% methanol twice and determined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The IBO (as the hydrate)/MUS contents were in the range of <10-2845ppm/46-1052ppm in the cap of A. muscaria and 188-269ppm/1554-1880ppm in the cap of A. pantherina. In the caps, these compounds had a tendency to be more concentrated in the flesh than in the cuticle. On the other hand, the IBO/MUS contents in the stem were far lower than in the caps. In the "extracts purported to contain A. muscaria" products, IBO/MUS were detected below the lower limit of calibration curve (<10ppm/<25ppm) or not detected. However, these samples contained other psychoactive compounds, such as psychoactive tryptamines (5-methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), reversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (harmine and harmaline) and tropane alkaloids (atropine and scopolamine), which were not quantified. This is the first report of the chemical analysis of Amanita mushrooms that are circulated in the drug market.

Various alkaloid profiles in decoctions of Banisteriopsis caapi

Twenty nine decoctions of Banisteriopsis caapi from four different sources and one specimen of B. caapi paste were analyzed for N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmaline and harmine. Other plants were also used in the preparation of these products, typically Psychotria viridis, which provides DMT. There were considerable variations in alkaloid profiles, both within and between sample sources. DMT was not detected in all samples. Additional THH may be formed from both harmine and harmaline during the preparation of these products. The alkaloid composition of one decoction sample did not change significantly after standing at room temperature for 80 days, but the initial acidic pH was neutralized by natural fermentation after 50 days.

[DNA and chemical analyses of commercial fly agaric-related products]

Since June 6, 2002, psilocin and psilocybin-containing fungi (commonly called "magic mushrooms") have been regulated by the Narcotics and Psychotropics Control Law in Japan. However, various fly agaric-related products are now entering the Japanese market via the internet. In this study, fly agaric-related products available in this way were investigated for raw materials by DNA analysis and for additives by chemical analysis. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the mitochondrial 12S rDNA region suggested that these fly agaric-related products originate from A. muscaria or A. muscaria var. persicina. Furthermore, they were classified into three strains based on the ITS2-LSU nucleotide sequence. Harmine derivatives and/or tryptamine derivatives were detected in some of these products by LC/MS analysis. In accordance with this, the matK gene of Peganum harmala was found in all of the harmine derivative-containing samples.

Relative exposure to beta-carbolines norharman and harman from foods and tobacco smoke

Norharman and harman are two heterocyclic beta-carboline (9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole) alkaloids with biological and potential toxicological activity that appear in foodstuffs and environmental sources. To assess the occurrence and distribution of these compounds and to estimate the exposure levels based on the detected amounts, numerous samples of foodstuffs and cigarette smoke were analysed by solid-phase extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence. The levels found of beta-carbolines were highly variable. Low processed foodstuffs (i.e. milk, yoghurt, uncooked meats and fish) did not contain norharman and harman above the detection limit. Others, however, contained relatively high concentrations (at the tens of ng g(-1) or microg l(-1) level) depending on the processing conditions as, for example, 'well-done' cooked meat and fish. The highest amounts of norharman and harman were found in brewed coffee (29-207 microg l(-1)), sauces (soy sauce and Tabasco, among others; 4-252 microg l(-1)), 'well done' cooked meat and fish (57-160 ng g(-1)), toasted bread (42-160 ng g(-1)), and fermented alcoholic beverages (n.d.-41 mug l(-1)). beta-Carbolines also occurred in a high amount in the mainstream of cigarette smoke (207-2780 ng/cigarette), which is an important contributor to daily exposure to these compounds. Based on these results, it is concluded that the daily exposure to beta-carbolines in humans might be from tens to hundreds of micrograms, with cigarette smoke, coffee, certain seasonings, cooked foods and alcoholic beverages, in this order, being the major contributors. Many other foodstuffs might also contribute with minor amounts of norharman and harman. Foods and tobacco smoke might be potential contributors to the reported endogenous presence of beta-carbolines in humans.

HPLC method for the analysis of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L

A simple and sensitive method for separation and determination of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline has been developed and validated. Harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline were separated using a Metasil ODS column by isocratic elution with flow rate 1.5 ml/min. The mobile phase composition was Isopropyl alcohol-Acetonitrile-Water-Formic acid (100:100:300:0.3) (v/v/v/v) and pH adjusted 8.6 with triethylamine. Spectrophotometric detection was carried out at 330 nm. The linear range of detection for harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline were between 9.375-250, 30.750-246, 31.250-500 and 31.000-248 microg/ml, respectively. The method described was suitable for the determination of harmol, harmalol, harmine and harmaline in the seeds of Peganum harmala L.

Exudation of fluorescent beta-carbolines from Oxalis tuberosa L roots

Root fluorescence is a phenomenon in which roots of seedlings fluoresce when irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) light. Soybean (Glycine max) and rye grass (Elymus glaucus) are the only plant species that have been reported to exhibit this occurrence in germinating seedling roots. The trait has been useful as a marker in genetic, tissue culture and diversity studies, and has facilitated selection of plants for breeding purposes. However, the biological significance of this occurrence in plants and other organisms is unknown. Here we report that the Andean tuber crop species Oxalis tuberosa, known as oca in the highlands of South America, secretes a fluorescent compound as part of its root exudates. The main fluorescent compounds were characterized as harmine (7-methoxy-1-methyl-beta-carboline) and harmaline (3, 4-dihydroharmine). We also detected endogenous root fluorescence in other plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana and Phytolacca americana, a possible indication that this phenomenon is widespread within the plant kingdom.

Collective poisoning with hallucinogenous herbal tea

An incident wherein more than 30 people were poisoned with a herbal infusion during a meditation session is described. The clinical features observed were hallucinations, aggression, agitation, amnesia, mydriasis, dry skin, tachycardia, hyperthermia, hypotension, collapse, coma and respiratory depression. All patients recovered, although mechanical ventilation was required in some instances. A portion of the herbal infusion was found to contain atropine (hyoscyamine), scopolamine (hyoscine), harmine, and other alkaloids. The estimated ingested doses (free bases) were atropine 4 mg, harmine 27 mg, and scopolamine 78 mg. The mean concentrations in 21 serum samples obtained approximately 6h after ingestion of the infusion were atropine 5 ng/ml, harmine 8 ng/ml, and scopolamine 13 ng/ml.

Identification and occurrence of the bioactive beta-carbolines norharman and harman in coffee brews

Norharman and harman, two heterocyclic beta-carboline alkaloids with biological activity, were found in brewed coffee. Identification and analysis were carried out by HPLC-MS and RP-HPLC-fluorescence, respectively. All tested samples of brewed coffee including ground coffee, decaffeinated coffee, instant coffee and espresso contained both norharman and harman in variable amounts. Norharman was the major beta-carboline alkaloid in brewed coffee at levels up to 9.34 microg g(-1) in instant ground coffee compared with harman, which had levels up to 1.67 microg g(-1). The two beta-carbolines appeared to be formed during roasting of the coffee beans. It is concluded that drinking coffee is a major exogenous dietary source of these bioactive beta-carboline alkaloids previously reported as mild psychoactive compounds in animal studies and in vitro co-mutagens. These results support our previous conclusion that foods containing beta-carbolines are an important exogenous source of these alkaloids in humans.

Natural variations of precursors in pig meat affect the yield of heterocyclic amines--effects of RN genotype, feeding regime, and sex

Pig meat shows natural variations in the concentrations of precursors of heterocyclic amines (HCAs), which may affect formation of HCAs in cooked pig meat. To study this, 26 pigs with an inherent genetic variation (carriers and noncarriers of the RN(-) allele) were subjected to different feeding regimes (conventional feed compared with feed composed according to organic standards). In addition, the effect of sex (castrated males or females) was considered when assessing chemical and technological meat quality parameters. Concentrations of precursors of HCAs, i.e., creatine, residual glycogen, dipeptides, and free amino acids, were analyzed in the raw meat, and the levels of some HCAs (4,8-DiMeIQx, MeIQx, PhIP, harman, and norharman) were then determined in fried meat patties prepared from these pigs. The RN genotype most affected technological meat quality parameters and the level of precursors of HCAs, especially the level of residual glycogen, where carriers of the RN(-) allele showed levels four times as high as those of noncarriers (75.3 +/- 2.6 compared with 17.2 +/- 2.4 micromol/g meat, least-squares means +/- SE). The increased level of residual glycogen resulted in about 50% lower amounts of total mutagenic HCAs in cooked meat compared with cooked meat from normal pigs. Fried meat from carriers of the RN(-) allele obtained darker crust color than meat from noncarriers. Feeding regime and sex did not significantly affect the chemical composition of the meat or the formation of HCAs.

Degradation of tetrahydro-beta-carbolines in the presence of nitrite: HPLC-MS analysis of the reaction products

Motivated by the identification of numerous novel tetrahydro-beta-carboline-carboxylic acids in food samples, we studied the reactions of tetrahydro-beta-carbolines in the presence of nitrosating agents. The anticipated formation of nitroso derivatives from unsubstituted tetrahydro-beta-carbolines, and from tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acids was indicated by HPLC-MS/MS analysis and validated by the characteristic product ion spectra of the respective nitroso compounds. In addition, oxidative decarboxylation resulted in formation of the corresponding dihydro-beta-carbolines, and in the generation of the beta-carbolines harman or norharman. Subsequently, we studied the reactivity of tetrahydro-beta-carboline-1-carboxylic acids derived from the Pictet-Spengler condensation of indole amines with alpha-oxo acids. Again, in the presence of nitrosating agents the rapid disappearance of the starting material was obvious, but no nitroso derivatives could be observed. Instead, further HPLC-MS/MS studies demonstrated that dihydro-beta-carbolines were the major products of tetrahydro-beta-carboline-1-carboxylic acids. Finally, we demonstrated that freshly isolated nitroso-precursors spontaneously decomposed to yield harman alkaloids. In conclusion, we revealed that nitroso-tetrahydro-beta-carbolines can represent intermediates involved in the generation of beta-carbolines, and we established a novel pathway for the formation of harman alkaloids from nutritional tetrahydro-beta-carbolines.

Evaluation of pyridoindoles, pyridylindoles and pyridylpyridoindoles as matrices for ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry

In an effort to gain an understanding of the processes governing ultraviolet matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (UV-MALDI), direct comparison was made of the mass spectra of proteins, carbohydrates and synthetic polymers (polyethylene glycol, polyester and polyamide) by using pyridylindoles, pyridoindoles and pyridylpyridoindoles as UV (337 nm)-MALDI-TOFMS matrices in positive and negative ion mode. In order to study the combined effect of the indole N-H and the pyridine nitrogen of the MALDI matrix on the desorption/ionization process in MALDI, compounds were selected that include either or both of these functions in their structure. Within the compounds studied only those that possess simultaneously both functions in a 1,4-relation behave as very good matrices for proteins. These compounds also work as matrices for some carbohydrates and synthetic polymers used as analytes in the present study. Some of the compounds were also found to be useful for the post-source decay (PSD) analysis of cyclodextrins in positive and negative ion mode. In several cases we also examined the matrix behavior of the corresponding N-methylindole derivatives.

Formation of the comutagenic beta-carboline norharman in a simple tryptophan-containing model system at low temperature (40 degrees C-80 degrees C)

The formation of the comutagenic tryptophan derivate norharman in heat-processed food is a well known phenomenon. As a first step to investigate the possible formation of norharman during food storage particularly in regard to fortified food we developed a model system and studied the non-enzymatic formation of the comutagen at temperatures below 100 degrees C. With standard conditions (4 h, 80 degrees C) iron and copper (Fe2+/Cu2+) was required for the formation of norharman. Addition of glucose to the reaction mixture increased the norharman formation and a plateau was reached with 400 microM tryptophan. Decreasing the reaction temperature to 40 degrees C led to a significant formation of norharman after 72 hours of incubation indicating that the formation of norharman can take place at temperatures that are close to ranges occurring during food storage.

Antiplatelet activity of soy sauce as functional seasoning

In seeking the functionality of foodstuffs applicable to medicine, soy sauce was found to show antiplatelet activity. Therefore, the active components in soy sauce were purified, structurally identified, and studied for their inhibitory effects on the aggregation of human platelets. Aqueous 2-fold diluents of soy sauce inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen and epinephrine depending on the dilution factor. Since a basic extract with diethyl ether completely inhibited collagen-induced aggregation, it was subjected to serial extractions and multistep HPLC fractionations for purifying antiplatelet components. The finally obtained isolates were identified as 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline and 1-methyl-beta-carboline on the basis of EI-MS, (1)H NMR, diode array, and fluorescence spectra. Their spectral data and chromatographic behaviors were the same as those of synthetic ones. 1-Methyl-1,2,3, 4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline showed mean concentrations (n = 5-6) of 4.6, 4.2, 28.6, 11.6, and 65.8 microgram/mL to produce 50% inhibition of the maximal aggregation response induced by epinephrine, platelet-activating factor, collagen, adenosine 5'-diphosphate, and thrombin, respectively. Its inhibitory effect was much greater than that of 1-methyl-beta-carboline on platelet aggregation by all the tested inducers. The quantitative HPLC analysis revealed that the significant amounts of both antiplatelet compounds were uniformly contained in commercially available soy sauce. From these results, soy sauce may be referred to as functional seasoning containing alkaloidal components with the potent preventive effect on thrombus formation.

Quantification of the co-mutagenic beta-carbolines, norharman and harman, in cigarette smoke condensates and cooked foods

Co-mutagenic beta-carbolines, such as norharman and harman, were quantified in mainstream and sidestream smoke condensates of six Japanese brands of cigarettes, and also in 13 kinds of cooked foods, using a combination of blue cotton treatment and HPLC. Norharman and harman were detected in all the cigarette smoke condensate samples. Their levels in the mainstream smoke case were 900-4240 ng per cigarette for norharman, and 360-2240 ng for harman, and in sidestream smoke, 4130-8990 ng for norharman and 2100-3000 ng for harman. These beta-carbolines were also found to be present in all the cooked food samples, at levels of 2.39-795 ng for norharman and 0.62-377 ng for harman per gram of cooked food. The observed concentrations are much higher than those found for mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amines (HCAs), suggesting that humans are exposed to norharman and harman in daily life to a larger extent than to HCAs.

Analysis of nonpolar heterocyclic amines in cooked foods and meat extracts using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Heat processing of muscle foods gives rise to the formation of mutagenic and carcinogenic heterocyclic amines, often at ng/g levels. A gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) technique was introduced for the analysis of nonpolar heterocyclic amines in common cooked meats, pan residues, and meat extracts after solid-phase extraction. The mutagenic heterocyclic amines 3-amino-1,4-dimethyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-1), 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido[4,3-b]indole (Trp-P-2), 2-amino-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (A alpha C) and 2-amino-3-methyl-9H-pyrido[2,3-b]indole (MeA alpha C) were identified in several samples in amounts up to 8 ng/g. Also the comutagenic substances 1-methyl-9H-pyrido [3,4-b]indole (harman) and 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole (norharman) were detected in the samples in amounts up to almost 200 ng/g. The GC-MS method can be applied without derivatisation of the sample. The technique offers high chromatographic efficiency, yielding detection limits for pure references in the range 0.1-2 ng per injection.

Determination of heterocyclic amines by pneumatically assisted electrospray liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was applied to the study of the amines IQ, Trp-P-1, Trp-P-2, PhIP and A alpha C and the co-mutagens harman and norharman. The results obtained on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer equipped with a pneumatically assisted electrospray source are reported. The chromatographic conditions were optimized with a reversed-phase column (1 mm I.D.) using acetonitrile-5 mM ammonium acetate (pH 6.7) (50:50) as the mobile phase at a flow-rate of 50 microliters min-1. Different parameters influencing the mass spectra were investigated. For these compounds [M + H]+ in the positive-ion mode and also some fragments produced through collisionally activated decomposition in the interface were observed. Detection limits of 5.4-44 pg were obtained for standard solutions of these amines. Analysis of a meat extract was performed by HPLC-MS using single-ion monitoring after a solid-phase extraction clean-up.

Harman (1-methyl-beta-carboline) is a natural inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A in rats

Harman (1-methyl-beta-carboline) displaces [3H]pargyline in vitro from high affinity binding sites on membranes from cerebral cortex, provided that experimental conditions are chosen under which [3H]pargyline labels selectively monoamine oxidase type A. Norharman (beta-carboline) is a much weaker displacing compound. It is well known that the type A enzyme can be blocked irreversibly in vivo by treatment of rats with clorgyline. Under these conditions no specific binding of [3H]harman and [3H]pargyline to monoamine oxidase type A was detected in brain, whereas the specific binding was reduced to 5% in liver tissue. The in vitro and ex vivo experiments suggest that there is a specific binding site for harman on monoamine oxidase type A, thereby extending earlier in vitro findings. It has been postulated that harman operates as a natural inhibitor of monoamine oxidase type A in mammals. The present study demonstrates that harman and norharman occur in rat brain, blood plasma, heart, kidney and liver. It further shows that pretreatment with clorgyline induces a time-dependent increase in the blood plasma levels of harman, suggesting the displacement of harman from the enzyme in tissue with its subsequent delivery into the blood. These findings strongly support the hypothesis based on in vitro experiments, that harman binds reversibly to the active site of monoamine oxidase type A in vivo. Dietary sources for mammalian harman play probably only a minor role, because the concentrations in beer and wine as well as other foodstuffs are too low to contribute substantially to endogenous levels of harman.

Quantitation of human plasma levels of the anticancer agent carboxyamidotriazole by high-performance liquid chromatography

The predominant cause of death of cancer patients is growth and metastasis of their tumors. By targeting signal transduction pathways as sites of therapeutic intervention, we have identified a novel anticancer drug carboxyamidotriazole (CAI). A straight-forward and reliable method of detection and quantitation of human CAI plasma levels using solid-phase organic extraction followed by isocratic reversed-phase chromatography is now reported. This assay detected CAI over the concentration range 0.04-10.0 micrograms/ml, which brackets the range shown to be physiologically and biochemically effective. Linearity was demonstrated by linear regression analysis of calibration curves (r2 = 0.999). Equivalence of recovery of extracted versus non-extracted CAI over a broad concentration range was demonstrated (r2 = 0.998, coefficients of variability < 10%). The method was applied to quantitate CAI plasma levels from patients now entered on the Phase I clinical trial underway at the National Cancer Institute.

Locomotor effects in sheep of alkaloids identified in Australian Tribulus terrestris

Fresh, mature, ungrazed Tribulus terrestris plant material was subjected to a standard alkaloid extraction procedure. The extract was fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Two major alkaloid fractions were demonstrated. These fractions were identified by means of TLC, ultraviolet spectrofluorimetry (UVS) and HPLC, as the beta-carboline indoleamines harmane and norharmane. The extractable alkaloid content was determined to be 44 mg/kg dry matter. Synthetic harmane and norharmane were administered subcutaneously to sheep at a dose rate of 54 mg/kg. Both compounds caused similar nervous effects. The main effect observed was limb paresis, which in some sheep was body side blased. The clinical signs observed in the experimental sheep were consistent with those described for naturally occurring cases of Tribulus terrestris staggers. It was proposed that harmane and norharmane accumulate in tryptamine-associated neurones of the central nervous system, during months of tribulus ingestion, and gradually interact irreversibly with a specific neuronal gene DNA sequence.

Determination of beta-carbolines in foodstuffs by high-performance liquid chromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

A high-performance liquid chromatographic method combined with fluorimetric detection is described for the determination of beta-carboline (norharman) and 1-methyl-beta-carboline (harman). The analysis of foodstuffs for the identification of beta-carbolines is facilitated by clean-up samples using Bond Elut PRS cartridges. Recoveries were excellent. Further, a high-performance liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was also developed for their identification. The concentration of beta-carboline among the foodstuffs and alcoholic beverages varied greatly. Also, norharman and harman were observed in uncooked foodstuffs, whereas acetaldehyde was found in most fermented food. The toxicological implication of beta-carbolines in foodstuffs is discussed.

Fluorescence of harmol, harmalol and 2-hydroxycarbazole in concentrated hydroxide solutions

Room temperature electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra of harmol, harmalol and 2-hydroxycarbazole have been obtained in concentrated aqueous potassium hydroxide solutions. The appearance of a new fluorescence band for all these compounds in media of H- greater than 16, has been ascribed to the emission of excited dianions formed by deprotonation. Acidity constants have been estimated from the Föster-Weller method.

Synthesis and characterization of novel biologically active platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes of some beta-carboline alkaloids

The preparation of novel biologically active platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes of some beta-carboline alkaloids (harmaline, harmalol, harmine, and harmane) is described. These complexes, characterized on the basis of their CHN elemental analysis, infrared, Raman and 1H and 13C nuclear resonance spectral data, were shown to have the empirical formula [M(alkaloid)Cl2], M = Pt, Pd. The antitumor and antiviral activities of some of these complexes have been demonstrated.

Harman in alcoholic beverages: pharmacological and toxicological implications

Harman, a beta-carboline compound, was identified and quantitated in beer and wine samples using a combination of high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and gas chromatography-negative chemical ionization mass spectrometry. The concentration of harman in beer (7.3-140.0 ng/ml) was greater than in wine (0.8-10.5 ng/ml) and was not related to alcohol content. The pharmacological and toxicological implications of harman in alcoholic beverages are discussed.

Measurement of beta-carbolines by high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection

A method using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection was developed for the determination of beta-carboline compounds norharman, harman, norharmol, and harmol in lung. Aqueous derivatization with acetic anhydride was used to facilitate the isolation and separation of the phenolic compounds and to reduce the fluorescence background of the biological samples. Harman was identified and quantitated in rat lung (1.88 +/- 0.55 ng/g) using this method and its identity confirmed by means of gas chromatography-negative-ion chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Effect of antiphologistics on blood-brain barrier in lymphostatic encephalopathic and in normal rats

Injection of the tremorigenic alkaloid harmine into lymphostatic encephalopathic rats leads to a longer duration of tremor and higher brain concentrations than in sham-operated controls. In lymphostatic encephalopathic as well as in normal rats different antiphlogistics shorten the tremor duration and decrease harmine concentration in brain. The antiphlogistics do not influence the plasma concentration of harmine, its protein binding and its tremorend concentration in brain. The effect of antiphlogistics in lymphostatic encephalopathic rats is considered as a consequence of the reduced blood-brain barrier permeability. Obviously in sick animals the blood-brain barrier permeability for harmine is not increased; the prolonged harmine tremor and the increased alkaloid concentration in the brain are consequences of the impaired cerebral lymphatic drainage only.