Studies on the alkaloid composition of the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Argyreia nervosa, a common legal high. (April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Paulke, Alexander; Kremer, Christian; Wunder, Cora; Wurglics, Mario; Schubert-Zsilavecz, Manfred; Toennes, Stefan W.
• Is Part Of: Forensic science international. Volume 249(2015)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 293
• Publication Date: 2015-04
• Subjects: Lysergic acid amide -- Ergometrine -- Argyreia nervosa -- Ergot alkaloids -- Ergopeptides -- Peptide alkaloids -- Legal highs; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Forensic -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Chimie légale -- Périodiques; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; Chemistry, Forensic; Medical jurisprudence; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2015.02.011
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0379-0738

Abstract

Highlights: LSA, ergometrine, and other alkaloids confirmed as compounds of Argyreia nervosa . Some new ergot alkaloids detected in Argyreia nervosa . Hydroxyalanine derived ergopeptides likely present in Argyreia nervosa . Abstract: Seeds from the Hawaiian Baby Woodrose Argyreia nervosa of different origin and labelling and with allegedly high levels of ergot alkaloids were analysed using high performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–HRMS/MS) technique. Lysergic acid amide (LSA), ergometrine, lysergol/elymoclavine/setoclavine, chanoclavine, lysergic acid and their respective stereoisomers were identified as well as penniclavine and lysergic acid α-hydroxyethylamide. In addition, methylergometrine, methysergide, and lysergylalanine were detected, some high molecular weight ergot alkaloid derivatives and hydroxyalanine derived ergopeptide fragments were detected indicating the presence of ergopeptides in the seeds. The results of the study demonstrate that the content of ergot alkaloids in Argyreia nervosa seeds depends on the quality of the material. For a consumer the quality of the seeds is unforeseeable. For the toxicological expert it is essential to investigate not only the identity of such a confiscated seed material, but also the various ergot alkaloid constituents to assess the hazardous nature and the toxic potential of the material.