Risk of contamination of medicinal plant raw materials with pyrrolizidine alkaloids
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33730/2310-4678.2.2025.337138Keywords:
Symphytum officinale L., hepatotoxicity, quality, pharmacological safety, toxic compounds, carcinogenicity, contamination, economic consequencesAbstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary metabolites found in certain plant species, particularly members of the families Boraginaceae (comprising 115 genera and approximately 2,500 species), Asteraceae (1,000 genera and 20,000 species), and Fabaceae (700 genera and 17,000 species). These compounds exhibit pronounced hepatotoxic, genotoxic, and potentially carcinogenic effects. The presence of PAs in medicinal plant raw materials can result from contamination by plant fragments from these families during harvesting, as well as horizontal transfer of compounds in the soil. This article analyzes several toxicological properties of PAs, along with their mechanisms of entry into medicinal plant raw materials, common sources, and risks associated with the use of phytomaterials that may contain these compounds. Special attention is given to the biodiversity of PA-accumulating plants in Ukraine, particularly common comfrey (Symphytum officinale), as well as plant materials that are potentially contaminated with PAs. The risks of cross-contamination during harvesting, drying, transportation, and initial processing of medicinal raw materials are evaluated. The study also emphasizes the necessity of implementing international GACP standards to reduce contamination risks. Examples of economic consequences resulting from PAs contamination are presented, and the importance of a comprehensive approach to quality control in medicinal plant raw materials is highlighted. The research findings underscore the need for systematic monitoring of PAs content in medicinal raw materials, both at the stage of wild plant collection and during pharmaceutical production, to ensure the safety and efficacy of herbal medicinal products.
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