Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are secondary plant compounds that are mainly found in flowering plants, including composite plants, broadleaf plants, orchids and legumes. These alkaloids serve as protection for plants against predators, because in animal metabolism, i.e. also in humans, these plant substances can have a toxic .
It is possible that PAs enter the human food cycle via plant foods. Some plants produce pyrrolizidine alkaloids themselves. However, these alkaloids can also enter the food cycle through the co-harvesting of self-PA-producing plants as contaminants.
PA-producing plantsof interest for dietary supplements include:
- Spotted lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
- True stone seed (Lithospermum officinale)
- Borage (Borrago officinalis)
- Water Wort (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
- Siamese herb (Chromolaena odorata)
- Greaves (Senecio)
- Viper's bugloss (Echium)
- Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
- Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara)
- Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
According to the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) the consumption of small amounts is already associated with high health risks.
If you would like to use extracts from these plants please feel free to contact us. We work with certified laboratories that can give you the necessary certainty about the PA content of your extract. Alternatively, we will be happy to show you other options.