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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

High-resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Studying Chemical Constituents of Gynura bicolor DC
07:16

High-resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Studying Chemical Constituents of Gynura bicolor DC

Published on: February 2, 2024

Comparison of "herbal highs" composition.

Dariusz Zuba1, Bogumila Byrska, Martyna Maciow

  • 1Institute of Forensic Toxicology, Kraków 31033, Poland. dzuba@ies.krakow.pl

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
|February 15, 2011
PubMed
Summary

New psychoactive substances, or "legal highs," often contain undisclosed synthetic cannabinoids. Analysis revealed similar chemical compositions across products, posing health risks due to unknown ingredients.

Area of Science:

  • Forensic Chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • New psychoactive substances (NPS), commonly termed legal highs or herbal highs, are increasingly prevalent.
  • These products are predominantly marketed online and sold through head shops.
  • The chemical composition and potential health effects of many NPS remain poorly understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the active ingredients in herbal highs.
  • To compare the chemical composition of various herbal high products.
  • To assess the risks associated with the unknown ingredients in these substances.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-nine seized herbal products were analyzed.
  • Ultrasonic-assisted extraction with ethanol was employed.

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Last Updated: Jun 4, 2026

High-resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Studying Chemical Constituents of Gynura bicolor DC
07:16

High-resolution Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Studying Chemical Constituents of Gynura bicolor DC

Published on: February 2, 2024

  • Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used for compound identification.

    • Main Results:

    • Synthetic cannabinoids, including JWH-018, JWH-073, and cannabicyclohexanol (CP-47,497-C8-homolog), were identified as primary active compounds.
    • Product compositions varied, with some containing single cannabinoids and others multiple.
    • Cluster and principal component analyses indicated significant chemical similarities between products, often linked to flavor rather than common names.

    Conclusions:

    • Herbal highs present a significant threat to public health due to undisclosed and variable compositions.
    • Purchasers lack information regarding the actual ingredients and potential risks.
    • The study highlights the need for regulatory oversight and consumer awareness regarding NPS.