Update on analytical methods for toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Methods for the determination of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in plants and foods are described with emphasis on the important aspects of sample extraction and clean-up and the now preferred determination by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The efficiencies of different extraction solvents and methods are described, as are the methods of reduction of N-oxides. Appropriate liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry conditions are tabulated. This concise review is intended to guide analysts towards adopting a more unified and reliable approach to the analysis of these important toxins.