Bioassay-directed analysis-based identification of relevant pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Toxicology
• Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are toxic plant-derived compounds found as contaminants in food and feed.
• Current monitoring programs may not cover all relevant and toxic PAs.
• Heliotropium species are known producers of PAs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify previously unmonitored, toxic PAs using a bioassay-directed approach.
• To investigate the genotoxic potential of PAs from Heliotropium europaeum and H. popovii.
• To improve contaminant surveillance in food and feed.

Main Methods:

• Preparation and analysis of plant extracts using LC-MS/MS.
• Assessment of genotoxic activity using the HepaRG/γH2AX assay.
• Fractionation of extracts and further analysis with LC-Orbitrap-MS and Compound Discoverer software.

Main Results:

• Europine, heliotrine, and lasiocarpine were identified as major PAs.
• Plant extracts exhibited higher genotoxicity than expected from known PAs, suggesting the presence of unknown toxins.
• Several candidate PAs responsible for unexplained genotoxic activity were identified.

Conclusions:

• Bioassay-directed analysis is effective for discovering novel toxic PAs.
• The identified candidate PAs should be considered for inclusion in future monitoring programs.
• Enhanced surveillance is needed to ensure food and feed safety from PA contamination.