Abstract
We developed an immunoassay with antibodies against retrorsine to detect the closely related senecionine, the main alkaloid in various Asteraceae. Sensitivity is about 23 pg (68 fmol) for senecionine. Cross reactivity of monocrotalin, retrorsine N-oxide, senkirkine (<0.1%), and seneciphylline (3.6-34.5%) was resolved. The alkaloid content in leaves of Petasites hybridus (Asteraceae) was determined to be 3.86 ppm, calculated as senecionine, which was far less than in rhizomes (104.8 ppm). Additionally, we proved specifity by taking immunograms from different parts of Petasites hybridus. The test is a suitable tool for assessing the toxic potential of medicinal plants containing senecionine.
Key words
Enzyme immunoassay - senecionine - pyrrolizidine alkaloids -
Petasites hybridus
- Asteraceae
