Premium
Alkaloid profiling of herbal drugs using high resolution mass spectrometry
Author(s) -
Nardin Tiziana,
Piasentier Edi,
Barnaba Chiara,
Larcher Roberto
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
drug testing and analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.065
H-Index - 54
eISSN - 1942-7611
pISSN - 1942-7603
DOI - 10.1002/dta.2252
Subject(s) - alkaloid , pyrrolizidine , chromatography , mass spectrometry , pyrrolizidine alkaloid , chemistry , traditional medicine , medicine , stereochemistry
Herbal infusions are consumed worldwide thanks to their “natural” beneficial effects, also due to the presence of alkaloids, although these compounds can have poisonous effects. A method combining online solid‐phase purification with high resolution mass spectrometry was used to define the alkaloid profiles of 117 herbs and 7 commercial blends. Forty‐one alkaloids were quantified in reference to analytical standards, while the presence of a further 116 was confirmed based on accurate mass, retention time, and fragmentation profile. The targeted study showed that 52% of herbs and 42% of commercial blends contained at least one alkaloid. Pyrrolizidines were the most commonly present (26% of samples), with concentrations generally ranging from the quantification limit to roughly 100 μg kg −1 . Moreover, a homemade infusion was studied, finding on average 45% and 6% lower extraction for pyrrolizidine and steroidal alkaloids, respectively. Nevertheless, the migration of pyrrolizidines was confirmed. The study confirmed the frequent presence, natural or accidental, of alkaloids in commercial infusion herbs, highlighting the urgent need for routine and accurate controls.