AIMTo detect the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (HPA) in the genus Ligularia Cass..

METHODSThe alkaloid extracts of Ligularia plant materials were detected and analyzed by the method of combination of TLC, and LC/MSn.

RESULTSAmong 22 species of Ligularia Cass., HPA were detected in 18 species with LC/MSn, and no HPA was detected in the remaining 4 species.

CONCLUSIONHPA was first detected with LC/MSn in L. tongelensis and other 15 species of Ligularia Cass.; HPA from these plants should be isolated, separated and identified and it is necessary to study the activities and toxicities of the HPA. The types and kinds of HPA from different species and sources are different, they should be detected separately.

Asteraceae ; chemistry ; classification ; Chromatography, Thin Layer ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids ; analysis ; chemistry ; Species Specificity ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization