Testing Tropane alkaloids in herbs

Introduction

Tropane alkaloids (TAs) are naturally occurring secondary metabolites found in several plant families, most notably Solanaceae (nightshades) such as Atropa belladonna (deadly nightshade), Datura stramonium (jimsonweed), and Hyoscyamus niger (henbane). They act on the central and peripheral nervous system by blocking acetylcholine receptors, producing strong anticholinergic effects.

The most common TAs include atropine, scopolamine (hyoscine), and hyoscyamine. While these compounds have therapeutic uses in medicine, they are toxic at higher levels and may enter the food chain through contamination of herbs, herbal teas, spices, and other plant-derived products.

At Eurofins, we help clients ensure that tropane alkaloid contamination in herbs and herbal products is accurately detected, monitored, and compliant with international safety standards.

Why Tropane Alkaloids Must Be Tested

Testing for tropane alkaloids is critical for:

• Protecting consumer health from acute poisoning symptoms such as blurred vision, hallucinations, tachycardia, and respiratory distress
• Meeting international regulatory limits and avoiding rejection in export markets
• Preventing contamination from toxic plants like Datura seeds during harvesting and processing
•  Maintaining brand trust by ensuring safe, clean-label herbal products

Herbs Containing Tropane

Standards and regulations

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, dated April 25, 2023, establishes maximum levels for certain contaminants, including tropane alkaloids, in food products. This regulation repeals and replaces the previous Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006.

The regulation sets strict maximum levels for tropane alkaloids in various food categories, considering good agricultural practices and the potential health risks associated with these compounds. The aim is to ensure a high level of protection for consumers, particularly vulnerable groups like infants and young children.

Relevant Dates for Tropane Alkaloid Limits

• September 19, 2021: This date applies to the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids in baby foods and processed cereal-based foods for infants and young children that contain maize or its derived products, as outlined in point 2.2.1 of Annex I.
• September 1, 2022: This date pertains to the maximum levels for tropane alkaloids specified in points 2.2.2 to 2.2.9 of Annex I.
• Food products that were lawfully placed on the market before these specified dates may continue to be sold until their minimum durability or use-by date

https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A02023R0915-20240722

In April 2024, FSSAI increased maximum residue limits (MRLs) for unspecified pesticides in spices and culinary herbs from 0.01 mg/kg to 0.1 mg/kg (100 µg/kg) when no specific national or Codex MRL is available

https://myfssai.in/fssai_updates/fssai-maximum-residue-limits-mrls-of-pesticides-for-spices-and-culinary-herbs/

Types of Tropane Alkaloid Tests We Offer

Eurofins offers advanced testing for Tropane Alkaloids (e.g., atropine, scopolamine, hyoscyamine) in various matrices to ensure safety and compliance with international regulations.

Tested Matrices

• Herbal Teas and Infusions: Chamomile, peppermint, hibiscus, green tea blends
• Spices and Seeds: Detection of accidental contamination (e.g., Datura seeds)
• Sensitive Products: Infant and functional foods requiring ultra-trace analysis

Analytical Methods

• LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry): Ultra-trace detection at parts-per-billion (ppb) levels
• HPLC-UV/DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet/Diode Array Detection): Quantification of alkaloids in extracts
• Cleanup Techniques:
• QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe)
• SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) for managing complex plant matrices

Purpose

• Ensures precise and sensitive detection of tropane alkaloids
• Minimizes contamination risks in food and herbal products
• Ensures compliance with international safety regulations

How Our Testing Process Works

• Sample collection guidelines ensure proper representation of herbs, teas, and plant extracts
• Laboratory testing is conducted in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facilities with global QA/QC protocols
• Turnaround times include fast-track (48h) and standard (3–5 days) options
  Reporting provides detailed compliance insights with corrective action support

Who Needs Tropane Alkaloid Testing

• Herbal tea and spice manufacturers exporting to EU and US markets
• Ayurvedic and traditional medicine companies ensuring product safety
• Food importers and exporters managing compliance with diverse regulations
• Infant food manufacturers with zero-tolerance requirements
• E-commerce wellness brands validating safety for clean-label positioning

Common Issues We Help Clients Solve

Case Study: Safeguarding a Herbal Tea Export

A European tea exporter faced shipment rejection when atropine and scopolamine in chamomile tea exceeded EU limits. Eurofins conducted LC-MS/MS analysis, identified Datura seed contamination, and advised on raw material sorting protocols. Subsequent batches passed compliance checks, enabling smooth exports without further delays.

Why Choose Eurofins for Tropane Alkaloid Testing

• Global expertise with 900+ laboratories across 50 countries
• Advanced chromatographic and spectrometric platforms for trace toxin detection
• Up-to-date knowledge of EU, Codex, and Indian regulatory standards
• Accreditations including NABL, ISO/IEC 17025, and FSSAI recognition
• End-to-end support from sampling to export clearance
• Partner with Eurofins to ensure your herbal products are safe, compliant, and market-ready.
• Contact our food testing experts today for a consultation.
• Schedule tropane alkaloid testing now to meet your regulatory timelines.

Click Schedule Testing Tropane alkaloids in herbs now to stay ahead of regulatory deadlines.

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