A sensitive UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method for the determination of tropane alkaloids in herbal teas and extracts

A sensitive UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method, coupled with a suitable extraction protocol, was developed and validated for the rapid detection of four tropane alkaloids (anisodamine, atropine, homatropine, scopolamine) in herbal teas and herbal extracts. The method offers good sensitivity, accuracy and precision. The protocol is suitable for routine determination of tropane alkaloids in dried plants and extracts sold as food supplements or phytotherapics, and was applied to 60 commercial samples. Anisodamine, atropine and/or scopolamine were found in 4 herbal teas samples (LOQ–69 μg/kg for atropine and 50 μg/kg for scopolamine) and in a Lepidium meyenii extract sold as food supplement (traces of anisodamine). The level of contamination do not to pose a direct risk for the consumers if compared to the acute reference dose indicated by EFSA, but the detection confirms the need for suitable methods and careful screenings in order to determine a more precise evaluation of dietary intake for tropane alkaloids.