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Planta Med 1996; 62(3): 267-271
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-957875
Paper

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

A Competitive Enzyme Immunoassay for the Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids of the Senecionine Type*

Theodor Langer1 , Erich Möstl2 , Remigius Chizzola1 , Renate Gutleb1
  • 1Institut für Botanik und Lebensmittelkunde, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien; Josef-Baumann-Gasse 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
  • 2Institut für Biochemie, Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien; Josef-Baumann-Gasse 1, A-1210 Wien, Austria
* Dedicated to Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kubelka, Vienna, on the occasion of his 60th birthday.
Further Information

Publication History

1995

1995

Publication Date:
04 January 2007 (online)

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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

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