A Phytochemical study of pyrrolizidine Alkaloids of certain indigenous Medicinal plants

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (P.s.) represent a group of toxic products which are widely distributed in plant kingdom. This alkaloidal group heads the list of toxic natural constituents, both as regards its potential hazardous effects on mammals, and its existence in a large number of plants (ca 6000 spp.).Pyrrolizidine structures occurring in various soecies represent a significant hepatotoxic, carcinogenic, teratc— genie and mutagenic properties, to grazing animals and man. They may enter the human food chain via meat,milk, grains contaminated with toxic weeds and honey.Several herbal drugs, of Asian, European and American origin, have recently been reported to contain hepatotoxic . P.As. are distributed mainly in all genera of family Boraginaceae, and certain genera of families Compositae,Leguminosae and Gramineae.. Other families produce alsoP.As.in a limited number of genera.