Alkaloids

The Chemical World of Plants:
Plants possess primary metabolites consisting of organic compounds such as proteins, lipids, chlorophyll, enzymes, and amino acids essential for their growth and development. Additionally, they can produce secondary metabolites containing toxins to protect themselves from herbivores, microorganisms, or other plants.

Pyrrolizidine and Tropane Alkaloids:
Pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids are a group of chemical compounds derived from the amino acid ornithine, known as alkaloids. They can be found in both wild and cultivated plants and may be harmful to human health. The presence of these alkaloids in various foods poses a potential risk to public health.

Food Safety Issue:
The inadvertent or intentional mixing of plants containing these alkaloids with foods exposes consumers to these toxins, posing a threat to public health. Therefore, the presence of alkaloids in foods is a food safety issue that needs to be addressed.

Where Are Alkaloids Found?
Some plant families are rich in alkaloids:
• Legumes
• Poppy
• Nightshade
• Dogbane

Classification of Alkaloids:
Alkaloids are generally classified based on the chemical nucleus present in their structure. There are numerous subgroups and types of alkaloids.

Key Points:
• Alkaloids are toxic substances produced by plants.
• Pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids are alkaloid types that can be harmful to human health.
• These alkaloids can threaten public health by contaminating foods.
• The presence of alkaloids in foods is a significant issue for food safety.
• Some plant families are rich sources of alkaloids.
• Alkaloids are classified based on their chemical nuclei.

Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are naturally occurring toxic substances found in many plant species, particularly in the Asteraceae, Boraginaceae, and Fabaceae families. It is estimated that more than 6,000 plant species contain PAs. These toxins are among the most common natural toxins that can affect wildlife, animals, and humans.

Effects of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids:
• Liver Damage: PAs can cause serious damage to the liver. When a certain dose is exceeded, they can lead to liver failure and even death.
• Carcinogenic Effects: PAs are carcinogenic (cancer-causing) and genotoxic (damaging to genetic material) chemicals. They have been associated with various types of cancer, including liver cancer.
• Acute and Chronic Poisoning: PAs can cause both acute and chronic poisoning. Symptoms of acute poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Chronic poisoning can lead to liver damage and cancer.
• Medical Aromatic Plants in Turkey: European countries do not want PA residues in the medicinal aromatic plants they purchase. To avoid losing this significant market, it is important that medicinal aromatic plants produced and marketed in Turkey do not contain PA residues.

Measures Regarding Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids:
• Consumption of Herbal Products: Avoid consuming unfamiliar plants. If using herbal teas or supplements, ensure they are sourced from reliable sources.
• Medical Aromatic Plant Producers: Avoid cultivating plants containing PAs. Test your products for PA residues.
• Food Safety: Comply with regulations on food safety set by competent authorities.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids pose a significant threat to human and animal health. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with these toxins and the measures to prevent exposure.