Analysis and chemotaxonomic significance of pyrrolizidine alkaloids from two Boraginaceae species growing in Algeria

Abstract

Abstract In the current study the pyrrolizidine alkaloid profiles of the species Echium sabulicola ssp. decipiens (Pomel) Klotz and Solenanthus lanatus DC were studied in various extracts. In addition, a chemotaxonomic study within the genus and the family was carried out. The analysis was carried out by using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and by comparing the Kovats Indices and molecular and fragment ions with literature data. Twenty-three alkaloids were tentatively identified. The results showed the presence of already reported compounds as well as previously unreported ones leading both to a confirmation of the botanical classification of the two studied species and to a brand new path in the chemotaxonomy of Boraginaceae family. The presence of some pyrrolizidine alkaloids sets limits for the usage of these plants for medicinal purposes. The identified compounds confirm the botanical classification of the studied species as members of the Boraginaceae family and their presence advices against their use in the ethnopharmacological field.