Compound Monograph
Senecionine
Senecionine is a hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid found in ragworts, coltsfoot and related plants.
Classification
Senecionine is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, part of the alkaloids class. Nitrogen-containing, often bitter and physiologically potent compounds — the group behind many of the strongest plant medicines and poisons.
Where Does It Come From? (3)
Senecionine is a naturally occurring pyrrolizidine alkaloid, found in Coltsfoot, Ragwort and 1 other source. It is flagged as toxic and a known carcinogen.
Research & Evidence
Senecionine is a macrocyclic pyrrolizidine alkaloid produced by many Senecio species and present in other plants such as coltsfoot. Like other 1,2-unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, it is of interest mainly as a toxin: it is metabolised in the liver to reactive pyrroles that bind tissue proteins and DNA.
Toxicity & Safety
Senecionine is hepatotoxic and has been linked to veno-occlusive disease of the liver in cases of pyrrolizidine alkaloid poisoning. Compounds of this class are also genotoxic and considered potentially carcinogenic. Plants known to contain it are not suitable for internal use, particularly in pregnancy.