Senecionine

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Senecionine chemicalstructure1

Senecionine is a naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) found in various species of the Senecio genus, which belongs to the Asteraceae family. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are secondary metabolites produced by plants as a defense mechanism against herbivores. Senecionine is one of the many toxic PAs that can cause significant health issues in humans and animals if ingested.

Chemical Structure and Properties

Senecionine has a complex chemical structure characterized by a necine base linked to a necic acid. The necine base in senecionine is retronecine, and the necic acid is senecic acid. The molecular formula of senecionine is C18H25NO5, and it has a molecular weight of 335.40 g/mol.

Sources

Senecionine is primarily found in plants of the Senecio genus, which includes species such as Senecio vulgaris (common groundsel) and Senecio jacobaea (ragwort). These plants are widely distributed across various regions, including Europe, North America, and Australia.

Toxicity

Senecionine, like other pyrrolizidine alkaloids, is hepatotoxic, meaning it can cause damage to the liver. The toxicity arises from the metabolic activation of senecionine in the liver, leading to the formation of reactive intermediates that can bind to cellular macromolecules, causing cell damage and death. Chronic exposure to senecionine can lead to hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), characterized by the occlusion of small hepatic veins, leading to liver cirrhosis and potentially liver failure.

Symptoms of Poisoning

Symptoms of senecionine poisoning include:

• Abdominal pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
• Ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen)

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis of senecionine poisoning is based on clinical symptoms, history of exposure to plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids, and laboratory tests indicating liver damage. There is no specific antidote for senecionine poisoning. Treatment is primarily supportive and includes measures to manage liver damage and prevent further exposure to the toxin.

Prevention

Preventing senecionine poisoning involves controlling the growth of Senecio species in pastures and agricultural fields, avoiding the consumption of contaminated herbal products, and monitoring the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in food and feed.

Related Pages

• Pyrrolizidine alkaloid
• Senecio
• Hepatic veno-occlusive disease
• Liver cirrhosis
• Herbal medicine