HEPATOTOXIC PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOIDS IN THE MEXICAN MEDICINAL PLANT PACKERA-CANDIDISSIMA (ASTERACEAE, SENECIONEAE)

A study of the hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) contained in Packera candidissima (Greene) Weber and Love (Senecio candidissimus Greene), a Mexican medicinal plant used for the treatment of kidney ailments and noted for its antiseptic properties, is reported. Analysis by TLC and GC-MS have shown the presence in high levels of both PAs and their N-oxides in the root (0.76% dry weight) and the aerial parts (0.36%, dry weight) of the plant material. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of senecionine, integerrimine, retrorsine, and usaramine in the aerial parts. The root was found to contain senkirkine as the major component. These results indicate that users of this herb are at high risk of poisoning, especially members of certain cultural groups in Northern Mexico and the Hispanic population in the southwestern United States. In addition, two sesquiterpenes, neoadenostylone and epineoadenostylone were identified from the neutral extracts of this plant material. The 6 alpha-angeloyloxy-9-oxo-Delta (10(1))-furanoeremophilane is reported for the first time as a natural product.