ChEBI: A bicyclic organonitrogen heterocyclic compound comprised of two ortho-fused pyrrolidine rings which share a common nitrogen atom.
World Health Organization (WHO)
Plants containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids have traditionally been
made into teas in the Caribbean and South-East Asia and several of these active
substances have been incorporated into medicines for use in treatment for a
variety of illnesses. The decision to prohibit use of these products was based on
their association with a variety of adverse effects and on their hepatotoxic and carcinogenic potential as seen in both laboratory animals and in communities that
commonly use plants containing these compounds to prepare teas and other
beverages.
Synthesis Reference(s)
Canadian Journal of Chemistry, 50, p. 1167, 1972 DOI:10.1139/v72-184 Journal of the American Chemical Society, 82, p. 1466, 1960 DOI:10.1021/ja01491a047
