Tropane alkaloids analysis in foods

Introduction

Tropane alkaloids are secondary metabolites primarily found in plants from the Solanaceae family, along with some members of Brassicaceae, Convolvulaceae, and Erythroxylaceae. These compounds, which include well-known alkaloids such as atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, have been used in medicinal and recreational contexts for over a century. However, their toxicity poses significant health risks, leading to severe illnesses and even fatalities.

Occurrence and contamination

Tropane alkaloids are often introduced into food products through contamination during harvesting. For instance, plants like Datura, which are known for their high alkaloid content, can grow in grain fields. When grains are harvested, seeds from these toxic plants can inadvertently mix with the crop, resulting in the contamination of food products. This issue has been documented in various countries, where cases of poisoning have been linked to the consumption of contaminated foods such as herbal teas, cereals, and other grain products

Toxicity and Symptoms

The toxicity of tropane alkaloids manifests primarily as anticholinergic poisoning. Symptoms typically appear within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion and can include:

• Cognitive disturbances (confusion, hallucinations)
• Cardiovascular effects (tachycardia, palpitations)
• Gastrointestinal issues (urinary retention, constipation)

In severe cases, ingestion can lead to respiratory failure, coma, or death, particularly in sensitive populations such as infants and young children, who may experience more pronounced effects due to their lower body weight.

Industrial significance

Tropane alkaloids (TAs), particularly hyoscyamine and scopolamine, hold significant industrial importance due to their potent anticholinergic properties and diverse medicinal applications. These compounds are clinically utilized to treat various conditions, including asthma, motion sickness, and gastrointestinal disorders, with hyoscyamine serving as a precursor for the production of ipratropium bromide and scopolamine being essential for tiotropium bromide, both crucial in managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The global demand for these alkaloids is substantial, especially since scopolamine is recognized as one of the essential medicines by the World Health Organization (WHO). Major cultivation occurs in Queensland, Australia, where Duboisia plants are grown. However, climate change introduces new biotic and abiotic challenges that threaten the consistent production of these valuable compounds, impacting the pharmaceutical industry’s ability to meet rising demands.

Importance of testing tropane alkaloids

Standards and regulations

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, dated April 25, 2023, establishes maximum levels for certain contaminants, including tropane alkaloids, in food products. This regulation repeals and replaces the previous Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.

The regulation sets strict maximum levels for tropane alkaloids in various food categories, considering good agricultural practices and the potential health risks associated with these compounds. The aim is to ensure a high level of protection for consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like infants and young children.

Relevant Dates for Tropane Alkaloid Limits

• September 19, 2021: This date applies to the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids in baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children that contain maize or its derived products, as outlined in point 2.2.1 of Annex I.
• September 1, 2022: This date pertains to the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids specified in points 2.2.2 to 2.2.9 of Annex I.
• Food products that were lawfully placed on the market before these specified dates may continue to be sold until their minimum durability or use-by date

Analysis for tropane alkaloids in foods

The mandatory analyses for tropane alkaloids in foods typically include:

Atropine: This is a key tropane alkaloid that needs to be quantified.

Scopolamine: Along with atropine, scopolamine is another important tropane alkaloid that must be analyzed.

Sum of atropine and scopolamine: The total concentration of these two key tropane alkaloids is often reported as a sum parameter.

Eurofins role in testing tropane alkaloids

Eurofins is a global leader in laboratory services, including the testing of tropane alkaloids in food products. Their role encompasses several key aspects

Testing Services

• Tropane Alkaloid Analysis: Eurofins provides comprehensive testing for anticholinergic tropane alkaloids, specifically focusing on key compounds such as atropine and scopolamine. This analysis is crucial for ensuring food safety and compliance with regulatory standards.
• Methodology: The testing typically employs advanced analytical techniques, particularly Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) at the LOQ of 1µg/kg, which is known for its sensitivity and specificity in detecting low levels of these alkaloids in various food matrices. This method allows for the accurate quantification of tropane alkaloids, ensuring that food products meet safety regulations set by authorities like the European Union.
• Regulatory Compliance: Eurofins helps food manufacturers comply with EU regulations regarding contaminants in food, particularly those concerning processed cereal-based foods and herbal infusions that may contain tropane alkaloids.
• Quality Assurance: The laboratories are accredited and follow stringent quality systems to ensure the reliability of their testing results. This is vital for maintaining consumer safety and trust in food products.
• Rapid Turnaround: Eurofins typically offers a quick turnaround time for results, usually around two weeks after sample receipt, which is beneficial for manufacturers needing timely information for production and distribution decisions.
• In summary, Eurofins plays a critical role in the testing of tropane alkaloids in food, employing sophisticated analytical methods to ensure compliance with safety regulations and protect public health.

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