Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Pulmonaria obscura

Abstract

Leaves, roots and rhizomes, and inflorescenses of Pulmonaria obscura from two localities and of two different growth forms within one site were analyzed by GC-MS for their content in pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). In roots and rhizomes PAs of the lycopsamine type typical for the Boraginaceae could be detected, e. g. intermedine, lycopsamine, and their O⁷-derivatives. The total PA concentrations in roots and rhizomes lay between 0.026 and 0.158 mg/g dry weight. In leaves and inflorescenses, on the other hand, only trace amounts of PAs (below 0.4 ng/mg dry weight) could be detected. No significant differences in total concentration of PAs could be found between the two sites.

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