SPAinT - Quantification of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Infusions of Medicinal Plants and Food Supplements Available in the Portuguese Market

Principal Investigator: 
Sandra Leal
Leader Institution: 
TOXRUN-CESPU
Research Team: 
Sandra Leal, Cláudia Ribeiro, Inês Pádua, Ana Sousa, Virgínia Gonçalves
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
4.500€
Period covered: 
01.09.2022 - 31.08.2023
Abstract: 

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of compounds of natural origin, found in some foods and in diverse plant families. These compounds may show acute and/or chronic toxicity when certain plants are consumed in high amounts or due to prolonged consumption of foods and medicinal plants containing reduced amounts of PAs. Among the most common routes of exposure to PAs is the consumption of infusions, herbal medicinal preparations and dietary supplements. In Portugal, there is no information on the occurrence of PAs in the various products available. The objective of this proposal is to determine the main herbal medicinal products used by the Portuguese population by online databases and survey and to quantify PAs in those products. This work will allow to determine the possible occurrence of PAs in products available in the Portuguese market and the possible risk of exposure for consumers. 

Program: 
GI2-CESPU-2022