Alkaloids Types, Classification, Health Effects
What You Wonder About Alkaloids...
The Chemical World of Plants:
Plants have primary metabolites consisting of organic compounds such as proteins, lipids, chlorophyll, enzymes and amino acids that are essential for their growth and development. They can also produce secondary metabolites containing toxins to protect themselves against herbivores, microorganisms or other plants.
Pyrrolizidine and Tropane Alkaloids:
Pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids are a group of chemical compounds called alkaloids that derive from the amino acid ornithine. They can be found in both wild and cultivated plants and can be harmful to human health. The presence of these alkaloids in many different foods poses a potential risk to public health.
Food Safety Issue:
Accidental or intentional adulteration of food with plants containing these alkaloids exposes consumers to these toxins and threatens public health. Therefore, the presence of alkaloids in food is a food safety issue that needs to be addressed.
Where Are Alkaloids Found?
Some plant families are rich in alkaloids:
- Legumes
- Poppy family
- Nightshade family
- Oleander family
Classification of Alkaloids:
Alkaloids are usually classified according to the chemical nucleus present in their structure. There are many subgroups and a large number of alkaloid species.
Key Points:
- Alkaloids are toxic substances produced by plants.
- Pyrrolizidine and tropane alkaloids are alkaloid species that can be harmful to human health.
- These alkaloids can contaminate food and threaten public health.
- The presence of alkaloids in food is a major food safety concern.
- Some plant families are rich in alkaloids.
- Alkaloids are classified according to their chemical nuclei.
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) are toxic substances found naturally in many plant species. They are particularly widespread in the Daisy, Fennel and Legume families. More than 6,000 plant species are estimated to contain PAs. They 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. In excess of a certain dose, they can lead to liver failure and even death.
- Carcinogenic Effect: PAs are carcinogenic (carcinogenic) and genotoxic (genotoxic) chemicals that damage genetic material. They have been associated with various types of cancer, especially 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.
- Medicinal Aromatic Plants in Turkey: European countries do not want PA residues in the medicinal aromatic plants they buy. To avoid losing this important market, it is important that medicinal aromatic plants produced and marketed in Turkey do not contain PA residues.
Precautions Related to Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids:
- Consumption of Herbal Products: Avoid consuming unknown herbs. If you use herbal teas or supplements, make sure they are from reliable sources.
- Medicinal Aromatic Plant Growers: Avoid cultivation of plants containing PA. Test your products for PA residues.
- Food Safety: Comply with regulations made by food safety authorities.
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids pose a significant threat to human and animal health. It is important to know the risks of these toxins and ways of prevention.
For more information visit our website: https://www.nano-lab.com.tr/
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