Generic detection of basic taxoids in wood of European Yew (Taxus baccata) by liquid chromatography–ion trap mass spectrometry

Bring Me Three Large Beers: Wooden Tankards at Roman Vindolanda

“…In this regard, the lines from Pliny the Elder's work Natural History are often quoted: ‘even wine‐flasks for travellers made of its wood in Gaul are known to have caused death’ (Book XVI, xx, 420–1), an observation, incidentally, written only a few years before the first occupation at Vindolanda. Work by Kite and colleagues has explored whether the heartwood of common yew contains basic taxoids that could cause health problems (Kite et al ). As part of this work, tests were undertaken to ascertain whether certain foodstuffs could absorb toxoids from the wood (Kite et al , 26–7).…”

“…Work by Kite and colleagues has explored whether the heartwood of common yew contains basic taxoids that could cause health problems (Kite et al ). As part of this work, tests were undertaken to ascertain whether certain foodstuffs could absorb toxoids from the wood (Kite et al , 26–7). Basic taxoids were detected, of which one was identified as 2'β‐deacetoxyaustrospicatine.…”

“…Basic taxoids were detected, of which one was identified as 2'β‐deacetoxyaustrospicatine. Although this belongs to the same group of taxoids as taxine B, the taxine that has been shown to have the greatest cardiotoxic effects (Wilson et al , 180), its toxicity is not yet known and consequently it is not yet possible to determine the effect of the observed quantities (Kite et al , 27). Although it is clear that the wood will in some way alter the liquid stored within, it is also clear that since at least later prehistory, yew has repeatedly been used for containers that held liquids and potentially other foodstuffs.…”

The hidden problem of herb‐drug interactions

“…Levels of taxines peak during the winter. 8,9 Herbalists believe that various chemicals in a plant act together to increase effectiveness -so-called synergy. Some components, herbalists contend, work together to reduce the risk of sideeffects; an effect known as buffering.…”

Taxus medicinal resources

“…Moderate fibrinosuppurative interstitial pneumonia was the only other significant finding. Initial examination of heartwood extracts for 2'b-deacetoxyaustrospicatine by LC-MS revealed the presence of this basic taxoid at about 0.0007% dry weight, using a standard isolated from bark (Kite et al, 2013). Myocardial fibrosis associated with previous ingestion of yew in a Holstein heifer is evidence for chronic yew toxicity in cattle (Burcham et al, 2013).…”