We use cookies on our website. Some are necessary for the operation of the website. You can also allow cookies for statistical purposes. You can adjust the data protection settings or agree to all cookies directly.
Data Protection Declaration
Imprint
Identification and analysis of selected pharmacological active substances
Project
Project code: BfR-SiN-08-1322-633
Contract period: 01.04.2015
- 31.12.2018
Purpose of research: Applied research
Herbs and herbal-based products have recently gained increasing attention in livestock. Markt data on the use of these products are rare. So far, studies have addressed and investigated beneficial effects of herbs and herbal-based products (e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity). However, minor attention is drawn to safety issues, potential adverse and undesirable substances, which could consequently enter the food chain [1-3]. A literature review revealed two major groups of secondary plant metabolites present in herbs of possible concern. Firstly, phenylpropanoids like estragole, methyleugenol and safrole with genotoxic and carcinogenic effects. Secondly, phototoxic furocoumarins, e.g. bergapten, xanthotoxin, and hepatotoxic coumarins. These substances are widely spread across herbal plant families. Furthermore, two monoterpenes, pulegone and its metabolite menthofuran, were identified because of their hepatotoxicity and their presence in some herbal plants [4-6]. Data on the occurrence of these substances are limited, especially when it comes down to herbal-based feed product. There’s a need for reliable data and analytical methods to measure the amount and distribution along herbal-based products used in feed. For this purpose, a novel LC-APPI-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of various phenylpropanoids, furocoumarins, coumarins pulegone and menthofuran has been developed and will be further optimized. After full method validation, a range of various herbal-based products will be analyzed. Additionally, method transfer for animal feed will be checked and further optimized if necessary. The aim of the project is to provide information on the occurrence and exposure of selected coumarins, furocoumarins, phenylpropanoids, pulegone and menthofuran in herbal-based products and feed used in animal nutrition.
Section overview
Subjects
- Animal health
- Toxicology
