Editorial

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) comprise a large group of natural plant constituents. Some PAs bearing a 1,2-double bond at the pyrrolizidine ring system are known for their relatively pronounced acute and chronic toxicity, mainly affecting the liver, including hepatic venous endothelia as well as endothelia in other organs. Findings on the induction of liver tumors upon chronic treatment of laboratory rodents with certain PAs illustrate the urgent need for a broader scientific basis for PA risk assessment. A workshop held in 2020 was aimed at discussing the most recent advances of our knowledge with respect to the occurrence and levels, exposure, toxicology, risk assessment and risk management of potent PA congeners occurring in food, feed and medicinal plants. This focused issue comprises a consensus paper summarizing most of the major findings presented at the workshop. Furthermore, four in-depth papers address specific issues in PA toxicology (i.e., the critical role of toxicokinetics in PA risk assessment, the issue of cutaneous absorption, regulatory perspectives for herbal medicinal products and the mitigation measures in the manufacturing of phytomedicines).

Dieter Schrenk

Publikationsverlauf

Artikel online veröffentlicht:
01. Februar 2022