Project Number: 5428-32000-015-02
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Apr 01, 2011
End Date: Mar 31, 2013

Objective:
Research will be conducted to demonstrate a generically-applicable method for the quantitative analysis of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides in plant-derived products. Methods for the extraction, concentration, identification and quantitative analysis of the major Symphytum app. pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides will be developed and optimized. This project is a continuation and extension of the previous project funded from March 2009 to March 2011.

Approach:
The entire analytical process will be validated for separate Symphytum sp. based matrices according to the AOAC International Guidelines for Single Laboratory Validation of Chemical Methods for Dietary Sypplements and Botanicals. Standard reference materials will be prepared by isolation and purification of the major pyrrolizidine alkaloids from Symphytum sp. Authentication of standards will include description of characteristics such as physico-chemical properties (e.g. melting point, optical rotation and chromatographic profile), the molecular formula as determined using high resolution mass spectrometry, and a complete structure mapping using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.