Pyrrolizidine alkaloids analysis in cumin

Introduction

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a class of naturally occurring compounds found in various plant species. They are synthesized as secondary metabolites by plants as a defense mechanism against herbivores and insects. However, these alkaloids can be toxic to humans and animals when ingested in large quantities or over extended periods.

Cumin, scientifically known as Cuminum cyminum, is a flowering plant in the Apiaceae family, whose seeds are used as a spice in cooking. While cumin itself doesn't naturally contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, contamination may occur during cultivation, harvesting, or processing. Cross-contamination can happen if cumin seeds are mixed with other plants that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, either accidentally or due to poor handling practices.

Why pyrrolizidine alkaloids exist in cumin:

Here are the different types of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in cumin:

Heliotropine-type PAs:  These are the most commonly found PAs in cumin contamination. Examples include heliotrine, lasiocarpine, and their N-oxides.

Lycopsamine-type PAs:  Less frequent than heliotropine-type, but can be present. Lycopsamine is an example of this type.

Senecionine-type PAs: This category is rarely found in cumin contamination. Senecionine is an example.

Monocrotaline-type PAs:  Another rare type of PA found in contaminated cumin. Monocrotaline is an example here.

Health implication of injecting pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Injecting pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) can cause severe health issues:

Liver damage: PAs are metabolized in the liver and can lead to hepatotoxicity.

Pulmonary hypertension: PAs can accelerate the development of this condition, causing respiratory distress.

Carcinogenic effects: Certain PAs are identified as carcinogens, increasing the risk of cancer, especially liver cancer.

Systemic toxicity: PAs can harm various organs and systems, leading to multi-organ dysfunction.

Neurological effects: PAs may cause neurological symptoms like tremors, seizures, and cognitive impairment.

Importance of testing pyrrolizidine alkaloids in cumin

Testing for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) in cumin is crucial for several reasons:

Food Safety: PAs are known to be toxic to humans and can cause liver damage, pulmonary hypertension, and other serious health issues. Testing cumin for PAs helps ensure that the spice is safe for consumption and protects public health.

Regulatory Compliance: Many countries have regulations or guidelines regarding the maximum allowable levels of PAs in food products. Testing cumin for PAs ensures compliance with these regulations and helps prevent contaminated products from reaching the market.

Quality Assurance: Testing for PAs is a part of quality assurance measures to ensure that cumin products meet specified quality standards. It helps maintain the integrity and reputation of the brand by ensuring that only safe and high-quality products are distributed to consumers.

Risk Management: Identifying the presence of PAs in cumin allows producers and regulators to assess the potential health risks associated with consumption. It enables informed decision-making regarding product recall, labeling, or other risk management strategies to protect public health.

Consumer Confidence: Regular testing for PAs in cumin reassures consumers about the safety of the product. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency and consumer protection, enhancing trust and confidence in the bran

Recent Recall

On February 5, 2024, the Environmental Health Directorate, under the Superintendence of Public Health, issued a public advisory regarding the recall of a specific batch of dried oregano by Country. This recall is prompted by information received through the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, revealing elevated levels of Pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the mentioned product. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, a group of natural toxins produced by various plant species, can pose significant health risks to humans and animals when present in the food chain.

Standards and Regulations 

European Union (EU): The EU has the most stringent regulations for PAs in food.  Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/2040 [2] sets maximum levels for PAs in various foodstuffs, including specific spices like cumin. It also outlines analytical methods for PA detecti Maximum levels for the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) have been set by the European Commission.

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32020R2040&from=EN

Following values for food supplements:1

• Food supplements containing herbal ingredients, including extracts: 400 µg/kg
• Pollen based food supplements and pollen and pollen products: 500 µg/kgon.

Here are some resources for further information:

ESA Statement on Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Herbs and Spices: https://www.esa-spices.org/download/esa-position-statement.pdf This statement by the European Spice Association (ESA) details regulations and analytical methods related to PAs in spices.

Mandatory and optional analyses

Mandatory Analyses:

• Total PA Content: This is typically the mandatory analysis required by regulatory bodies like the European Union. The proposed maximum level for PAs in cumin seeds is 400 μg/kg .

Optional Analyses:

• Individual PA Profile: This analysis identifies and quantifies the specific types of PAs present in the cumin sample. This can be helpful for understanding the potential health risk, as different PAs have varying toxicities.
• PA N-Oxides: These are oxidized forms of PAs and can sometimes be present in addition to PAs themselves. Some regulations may require analysis of both PAs and PA N-Oxides.

Additional Considerations:

• DNA Barcoding: This technique can be used to identify the source of PA contamination in cumin. This can be helpful for identifying accidental adulteration with PA-containing plants from other families.

Eurofins role in testing pyrrolizidine alkaloids in cumin

Eurofins plays a key role in testing cumin for pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs):

Developed Analytical Method: Eurofins has established a method using UHPLC-MS/MS technology to detect 30 PAs and their corresponding N-oxides in cumin . This method adheres to the latest European Union regulations for PA testing .

Expertise in PA Analysis: Their team boasts experts in mycotoxins and plant toxins with extensive experience in analyzing PAs across various food matrices, including cumin .

Staying Updated on Regulations: Eurofins actively participates in relevant committees to ensure their testing methods remain current with the evolving legal and scientific landscape surrounding PAs .

Overall, Eurofins offers a comprehensive solution for cumin producers and distributors who need to ensure their product meets safety regulations and is free from harmful PA contamination.

References

1. Willocx, M., Van der Beeten, I., Asselman, P., Delgat, L., Baert, W., Janssens, S. B., Leliaert, F., Picron, J., & Vanhee, C. (2022). Sorting out the plants responsible for a contamination with pyrrolizidine alkaloids in spice seeds by means of LC-MS/MS and DNA barcoding: Proof of principle with cumin and anise spice seeds. Food Chemistry: Molecular Sciences, 4, 100070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fochms.2021.100070
2. Fuente-Ballesteros, A., Brabenec, O., Tsagkaris, A. S., Ares, A. M., Hajslova, J., & Bernal, J. (2023). Comprehensive overview of the analytical methods for determining pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their derived oxides in foods. Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 125, 105758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfca.2023.105758
3. Letsyo, E., Madilo, F. K., & Effah-Manu, L. (2024). Pyrrolizidine alkaloid contamination of food in Africa: A review of current trends and implications. Heliyon, 10(1), e24055. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24055
4. https://foodsupplementseurope.org/wp-content/themes/fse-theme/documents/publications-and-guidelines/Pyrrolizidine_Guidelines-May2021.pdf
5. https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/phytochemical-market

Contact Us