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Imprint
Mass spectrometric studies on the in vitro metabolism of pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Project
Project code: BfR-SiN-08-1322-634
Contract period: 01.04.2015
- 31.12.2017
Purpose of research: Applied research
Pyrrolizidinalkaloids (PA) in food are generally undesirable because high PA concentrations can lead to acute liver damage in animals and humans. Furthermore, PAs are considered as genotoxic. The fact that each type of tea can contain high PA-amounts reveals a relevant issue of food safety. Therefore, it is necessary to provide data on PA-exposure on food of animal origin. The spread of PA producing plants is promoted by extensive livestock farming or non-specific sowing for greening of both roadsides and bee meadows. The occurrence of PA producing plants on agricultural land can lead to PA contamination of animal food from farming or these plants intended to be used as a source of food by grazing animals. There is a difference regarding PA-susceptibility between species: pig horse cow sheep, goat rabbit. The pig is most sensitive and the rabbit most resistant to PA. The carry-over of these compounds to food products of animal origin has been demonstrated.
Section overview
Subjects
- Physiology of Nutrition
- Toxicology
