Fatal pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning of infants caused by adulterated Senecio coronatus

Schalkwyk, F.J. Van; Stander, Maria A.; Nsizwane, M.; Mathee, Angela; Wyk, B.‐E. Van

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110680

Cited by 6 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…Qianliguang is potentially toxic, and the assessment of its toxicity is essential [ 4 ]. Cases of toxicity in relation to the use of Senecio species have been reported [ 6 , 7 ]. The toxicity was attributed by the production of toxic metabolic pyrroles by the liver metabolism of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) [ 5 , 37 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Senecio plants have been used medicinally in different countries [ 1 , 6 , 7 ]. Adverse events associated with the use of these plants have been reported [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Senecio plants have been used medicinally in different countries [ 1 , 6 , 7 ]. Adverse events associated with the use of these plants have been reported [ 6 , 7 ]. In South Africa, cases of infant mortality associated with the administration of an unidentified Senecio species that substituted the non-PA-producing Senecio coronatus have been reported [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Adverse events associated with the use of these plants have been reported [ 6 , 7 ]. In South Africa, cases of infant mortality associated with the administration of an unidentified Senecio species that substituted the non-PA-producing Senecio coronatus have been reported [ 6 ]. The toxicity was caused by a high content of retrorsine-N-oxide [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In South Africa, cases of infant mortality associated with the administration of an unidentified Senecio species that substituted the non-PA-producing Senecio coronatus have been reported [ 6 ]. The toxicity was caused by a high content of retrorsine-N-oxide [ 6 ]. In Europe, the consumption of a Senecio-vulgaris -containing herbal tea product resulted in several deaths [ 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Multi-methodological approach for the Quality assessment of Senecionis scandentis Herba (Qianliguang) in the herbal market

et al. 2022

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We set forth to assess the quality of an herbal medicine sold in Hong Kong called Qianliguang by employing a multi-methodological approach. The quality is set by its identity, chemical composition, and bioactivities, among others. Qianliguang (Senecionis scandentis Herba, Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) has known antibacterial properties. However, it is poisonous and overconsumption can result in liver damage. Eighteen Qianliguang samples were purchased from herbal shops at various districts in Hong Kong. Samples were first authenticated organoleptically. DNA barcoding at the psbA-trnH, ITS2, and rbcL loci was then conducted to confirm the species. HPLC-UV was performed to screen for the presence of the chemical compounds and to quantify the flavonoid hyperoside. UPLC-MS was used to quantify the amount of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) adonifoline. Microdilution assay was performed to show the antibacterial effect on Streptococcus aureus and S. pneumoniae. Results showed that five samples were found to be substituted by species belonging to the genus Lespedeza; four samples were mixtures containing not only Qianliguang but also Achyranthes aspera L., Lonicera confusa DC., or Solanum nigrum L. HPLC-UV showed that only ten contained enough hyperoside to meet the standard requirement. In addition, nine samples had adonifoline that exceeded the toxicity standard requirement. In the microdilution assay, samples containing Qianliguang showed inhibition on S. aureus and S. pneumoniae, while among the five Lespedeza sp. samples the antibacterial effects on S. aureus were not detectable; only one sample showed inhibition to S. pneumoniae. Our study illustrated the necessity of using a multi-methodological approach for herbal medicine quality assessment. We also showed that Qianliguang samples in the Hong Kong market were either toxic or adulterated. It is therefore essential to improve the quality control of Qianliguang and probably other herbs in the herbal market.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Senecio plants have been used medicinally in different countries [ 1 , 6 , 7 ]. Adverse events associated with the use of these plants have been reported [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%