Tropane Alkaloids in Tea

Introduction

Tea is a widely consumed beverage enjoyed for its refreshing taste and potential health benefits. However, recent concerns have emerged regarding the presence of tropane alkaloids in certain types of tea. Tropane alkaloids are a class of compounds found primarily in plants of the Solanaceae family, known for their potential toxic effects. In this article, we will explore the topic of tropane alkaloids in tea, their potential health risks, and measures taken to ensure consumer safety. Tropane alkaloids, including compounds such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine, are naturally occurring substances found in plants like deadly nightshade, henbane, and jimsonweed. These alkaloids have been traditionally used for their medicinal properties but can be toxic if consumed in excessive amounts.

Occurrence in Tea

While tropane alkaloids are not typically found in tea derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, concerns have arisen regarding the presence of these compounds in certain herbal teas. Herbal teas, made from various plant species, can sometimes contain tropane alkaloids if contaminated with plants from the Solanaceae family during harvesting or processing.

Recent incidents

In recent years, the European Union, particularly Germany and Switzerland, has witnessed an increased focus on the presence of dehydro pyrrolizidine alkaloids (dehydro PAs) in teas and herbal teas. These alkaloids, classified as carcinogenic phytotoxins, pose health risks and have prompted regulatory authorities to monitor and regulate their levels in food products.

A study found that 16 out of 20 UK herbal teas contained detectable TAs, with the highest level found being 129 µg/kg atropine in a peppermint tea

Sources and Contamination of Dehydro PAs in Teas and Herbal Teas

Dehydro PAs can enter the food and feed chain through contamination during the harvesting of crops intended for human and animal consumption. The plants that produce dehydro PAs can grow alongside or in close proximity to crops meant for herbal teas, leading to inadvertent contamination. This contamination can occur when plant material is mixed during processing or if machinery used for harvesting is not properly cleaned between different crops.

Health Risks of Dehydro PAs: Carcinogenic Phytotoxins

Dehydro PAs are classified as carcinogenic phytotoxins, meaning they have the potential to cause cancer. Scientific research has linked their consumption to adverse health effects, particularly liver damage and the development of tumors. It is important to note that the risk of harm from dehydro PAs depends on the level and duration of exposure.

Regulations and standards

 According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), tropane alkaloids are of particular toxicological relevance in cereals and cereal-based baby foods, buckwheat, soy products, herbal teas, and oilseeds such as flax and sunflower seeds. These products may be contaminated by the seeds of certain plants containing tropane alkaloids. 

New Regulation (EU) 2021/1408 amends Regulation (EC) No. 1881/2006 as regards the maximum levels of tropane alkaloids in certain foodstuffs. The new regulation became applicable on September 19, 2021. The already applicable maximum levels for atropine and scopolamine of 1 µg/kg each in cereal-based foods containing millet, sorghum millet, or buckwheat have been extended to cereal-based foods containing maize. For a person weighing 65 kg, this calculates to a total safe intake of 1.04 µg of atropine and scopolamine. A total safe intake of 0.32 g of atropine and scopolamine for a preschool child weighing 20 kg has been calculated.

Herbal Tea: The new regulation sets maximum limits and LOQs for tropane alkaloids in herbal teas. These limits are implemented to ensure the safety of herbal tea consumption and mitigate the risks associated with tropane alkaloid contamination. It is advisable to refer to the specific regulatory standards or guidelines in your country or region for the exact maximum limits and LOQs applicable to herbal teas

Testing methods

When it comes to testing tropane alkaloids in tea, there are several commonly used methods. Tropane alkaloids, such as atropine and scopolamine, are naturally occurring compounds that can be found in various plants, including some tea varieties. Here are a few methods that are often employed for their analysis:

Eurofins role in Ambient Air and Workspace Monitoring testing

Eurofins' Competence Centre for Mycotoxins & Biotoxins provides industry-leading analysis services for tropane alkaloids, specifically atropine (sum of (+)- and (-)-hyoscyamine) and scopolamine, in various food and feed matrices. The analysis is conducted using state-of-the-art liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) technology, ensuring high sensitivity, accuracy, and reliability. Eurofins' analysis services for tropane alkaloids fully comply with the limit of quantification requirements specified in EU documents. This means that even low levels of atropine and scopolamine can be accurately detected and quantified, ensuring the safety and regulatory compliance of food and feed products. Moreover, Eurofins has expanded its tropane alkaloid analysis portfolio to include the analysis of anisodamine, norscopolamine, and convolvine in tea and herbal tea samples. This extended range of tropane alkaloids allows for a more comprehensive assessment of the safety and quality of tea and herbal tea products.

Eurofins Analytical Services India, located in Bangalore, has achieved a significant milestone by receiving recognition from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Laboratory Accreditation for Analyses of Foods (LAAF) program. This makes Eurofins the first laboratory in Asia to receive such recognition.

References

1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26365752/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30857698/

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