Botanical Sources Research Articles

Extraction and Analytical Study of Semecarpus Anacardium L. Seed Oil

Bhallataka, also known as the marking nut or dhobi nut, is a potent ingredient in Ayurvedic medicine. Despite its irritant nature, it's been used for centuries to treat a myriad of diseases. Its oil, extracted using the Patala Yantra, is a key formulation in Ayurvedic pharmaceutics. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, is gaining global recognition for its holistic and natural approach to health. A significant part of Ayurvedic treatments are plant-based, ranging from raw plant materials to refined extracts. One such plant is Semecarpus anacardium Linn, the botanical source of Bhallataka. The plant is being traditionally used by the ancient healers in clinical practice. Apart from the clinical uses the plant was also used for marking clothes, as hair dyes and in many non-therapeutic uses as well. Bhallataka is a plant which holds much significance in Siddha and Unani system of medicine. Various studies have been conducted to understand its physical and chemical nature of the plant, in order to understand its use in therapeutic purposes. Chemical and phytochemical analysis of Bhallataka nut reveals a treasure trove of bioactive compounds- biflavonoids, phenolic compounds, bhilawanols, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. These compounds make Bhallataka effective against various diseases like arthritis, tumors, and infections. The oil of Bhallataka, extracted using the Patala Yantra method, is particularly noteworthy. This oil is an integral part of Ayurvedic pharmaceutics, and its application is referenced in various ancient texts.

The Effects of D‐Allulose on the Gelatinization and Recrystallization Properties of Starches from Different Botanical Sources

AbstractD‐allulose (Alu), a rare sugar, has proven to be a low‐caloric sugar with potential health benefits. Previous studies have reported that compared with sucrose (Suc), Alu suppresses an increase in gelatinization temperature and retards retrogradation in glutinous rice starch. This study investigates the effect of Alu on gelatinization, water activity, and recrystallization behavior of various starch sources (potato, wheat, tapioca, corn, normal rice, and glutinous rice). MicroDSC results show that compared with D‐glucose (Glc), D‐fructose (Fru), and Suc, Alu does not significantly increase the gelatinization temperatures of the starch suspensions. Alu decreases water activity in the same degree as Fru in wheat, tapioca, corn, normal rice, and glutinous rice starch gels but not potato starch gels. Alu has a stronger suppression effect on recrystallization of normal and glutinous rice compared to potato, wheat, and tapioca after 14‐day storage of 2% starch pastes at 4 °C. These findings suggest that Alu can be a better plasticizer than Suc, Glc, and Fru in most starch sources but retards recrystallization of only normal and glutinous rice starches.

Characterization of Secondary Metabolites of Leaf Buds from Some Species and Hybrids of Populus by Gas Chromatography Coupled with Mass Detection and Two-Dimensional High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography Methods with Assessment of Their Antioxidant Activity.

Poplars provide medicinal raw plant materials used in pharmacy. Leaf buds are one of the herbal medicinal products collected from poplars, having anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, but there are no quality standards for their production and there is a need to determine their botanical sources. Therefore, the chemical compositions of the leaf buds from four species and varieties of poplars, Populus balsamifera, P. × berolinensis, P. × canadensis 'Marilandica', and P. wilsonii were investigated and compared using gas chromatography coupled with mass detection (GC-MS) and two-dimensional high-performance thin-layer chromatography (2D-HPTLC) in order to search for taxa characterized by a high content of biologically active compounds and with a diverse chemical composition that determines their therapeutic effects. The presence of 163 compounds belonging to the groups of flavonoids, phenolic acids derivatives, glycerides, and sesquiterpenes was revealed. Moreover, the conditions for the separation and identification of biologically active compounds occurring in analyzed leaf buds using 2D-HPTLC were optimized and used for metabolomic profiling of the studied poplars, enabling their fast and simple botanical identification. The total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents of examined extracts were determined and their antioxidant capacities were estimated by spectrophotometric DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. Based on the analysis of phytochemicals and antioxidant activity, P. × berolinensis buds were selected as the raw plant material for medicinal purposes with the highest content of active compounds and the strongest antioxidant activity.

Distinctive properties of the pine, oak, chestnut and multifloral blossom and honeydew honeys

AbstractAlthough blossom and honeydew honeys are produced from different nectar sources, it is very difficult to distinguish them. In this study, physicochemical and biochemical properties were compared to distinguish honeydew and blossom honeys obtained from different botanical sources. The honeys of pine (Pinus spp.) and oak (Quercus, spp.) were used as honeydew honey, and chestnut (Castania sativa L.) and highland honey were used as blossom honey. Turbidity, specific optical rotation (SOR) [α]20, electrical conductivity (EC), CIEL* a*b color parameters, and moisture and pH were assessed as physical parameters. Proline, invertase activity, sugar composition, total phenolic and flavonoid contents, and antioxidant capacity were used as biochemical properties. It was determined that SOR values were the most important parameters in distinguishing honeydew and blossom honeys. Turbidity stands out as a crucial factor in differentiating between pine and oak honeys. Except for chestnut honey, electrical conductivity, CIE color Lab values, and sugar profiles were identified as additional distinguishing factors among the tested honeys.

Pharmacological Activities of Plant-Derived Fraxin with Molecular Mechanisms: A Comprehensive Review.

This study focuses to investigate the pharmacological activities, botanical sources, and biopharmaceutical profile of the phytochemical fraxin based on different preclinical and non-clinical studies to show the scientific evidence and to evaluate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the therapeutic effects against various ailments. For this, data was searched and collected (as of February 15, 2024) in a variety of credible electronic databases, including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The findings demonstrated favorable outcomes in relation to a range of diseases or medical conditions, including inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders such as cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) and depression, viral infection, as well as diabetic nephropathy. The phytochemical also showed protective effects such as osteoprotective, renoprotective, pulmoprotective, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective effects due to its antioxidant capacity. Fraxin has a great capability to diminish oxidative stress-related damage in different organs by stimulating the antioxidant enzymes, downregulating nuclear factor kappa B and NLRP3, and triggering the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathways. Fraxin exhibited poor oral bioavailability beacuses of reduced absorption and a wide distribution into tissues of different organs.

Bio-based starch nanoparticles with controlled size as antimicrobial agents nanocarriers

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have been synthesized by nanoprecipitation method using starches from different botanical sources in native form and modified with octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA). SNPs were characterized in terms of size, morphology, charge, XRPD, FTIR and thermal properties. Spherical particles were obtained with sizes ranging from 54 to 108 nm and zeta potential values from −2 to −27 mV. Changes in size and stability related to the % OSA were observed for each starch. Starch granules showed A-type crystalline pattern while a loss of crystallinity was observed for SNPs. FTIR spectra demonstrated that OSA modification was barely affected by the nanoprecipitation and SNPs showed thermal properties similar to those of starch granules. SNPs with specific size can be synthesized by selecting the appropriate starch granules as raw material. This is especially relevant in certain bio-applications, where size must be precisely controlled, e.g., as nanocarriers for drug release or food fortification.To investigate the feasibility of SNPs as nanocarriers, vanillin-loaded SNPs were synthesized, achieving encapsulation efficiencies of 30% and loading capacities of 60%. The antimicrobial activity of vanillin-loaded SNPs was tested against Escherichia Coli (E. coli) with satisfactory results.

Exploration of the Synergistic Effects of Phytoconstituents of Ashwagandha, Amla, and Ginger as a Potent Immunity-Boosting Agent for Covid-19 Affected Individuals

Abstract: The ongoing threat of COVID-19 has prompted us to search for innovative strategies to enhance immune responses in affected patients. Phytoconstituents derived from Ashwagandha, Amla, and Ginger have gained attention due to their historical usage in traditional medicine and potential immune-modulatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. This review investigates the synergistic effects of phytoconstituents from Ashwagandha, Amla, and Ginger to identify potential immunity-boosting agents for COVID-19 patients. The investigation involved a comprehensive analysis of the immune-modulatory compounds present in Ashwagandha, the high vitamin C content in Amla, and the immunomodulatory constituents in Ginger. The concept of "phytochemical synergy" was explored, hypothesizing that their combined effects could enhance antiviral capabilities. The combined phytoconstituents from Ashwagandha, Amla, and Ginger demonstrated a potential synergistic interaction, suggesting an amplified immune-boosting effect. The adaptogenic properties of Ashwagandha, the rich vitamin C source in Amla, and the immunomodulatory components of Ginger appeared to complement each other, contributing to a holistic approach to viral resistance. While the investigation into the synergy of Ashwagandha, Amla, and Ginger holds promise as an immunity-boosting strategy, careful consideration is warranted due to factors like appropriate dosing, safety profiles, and potential interactions with conventional treatments. This study underscores the significance of combining traditional wisdom with modern research efforts. As the world continues to combat the complexities of COVID-19, exploring these botanical sources serves as a reminder of the abundant resources nature offers. While further rigorous research and clinical trials are essential, pursuing these phytoconstituents exemplifies our commitment to exploring all viable avenues in the battle against COVID-19.

Unraveling Amentoflavone's Therapeutic Potential in Alzheimer's Disease: A Preclinical Assessment.

Alzheimer's disease is one of the neurodegenerative diseases which causes cognition deficit. There are currently few medications available to treat Alzheimer's disease, even though researchers have devoted a great deal of time studying the condition and offering many benefits. Thus, only a few drugs are available for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Amentoflavone is a dietary component found in many plants and herbs that has several health advantages. Amentoflavone has demonstrated strong protective benefits against a range of brain illnesses in preclinical trials, most frequently in Alzheimer's disease. Amentoflavone, a biflavonoid, can be identified in a variety of herbs upon isolation. Considering the beneficial properties of this compound, this review emphasizes the pharmacological effects and botanical sources of amentoflavone, as well as the compound's benefits and possible applications in the treatment of Alzheimer's disorders.

Comprehensive Characterization of Starch from Diverse Sources: Physicochemical, and Functional Properties

AbstractThe present study is based on the comprehensive characterization of starches from pearl millet, sorghum, mango kernel, and water chestnut. The starches are analyzed to observe the difference in physicochemical, pasting, rheological, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) properties. The amylose content from diverse sources ranges from 17.3 to 26.3%. The swelling power and solubility of the starches are influenced by the increase in temperature. It is observed that an increase in temperature results in increased swelling power and solubility. At 90 °C, mango kernel starch shows the highest swelling power while pearl millet starch shows the lowest. The botanical sources influence the pasting and rheological properties, and a significant difference (p < 0.05) is observed in all the parameters recorded. The peak viscosity (PV) of starches ranges from 1256 to 2101 cP. All the starches possess almost similar and typical starch FTIR spectra. The starches from all sources show prominent peaks at 15.2, 17, 18.3, and 23 (2θ), corresponding to a typical A‐type starch crystallinity organization.

Determination of ITS1 haplotypes of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus by amplicon sequencing

BackgroundFritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is an antitussive and expectorant Chinese medicinal material derived from the dried bulbs of six Fritillaria species. In the 2015 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) is the officially listed method for their authenfication. Specifically, the ~ 300-bp ITS1 amplicon of only Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus but not other Fritillaria species can be cleaved into two smaller fragments with restriction enzyme SmaI. Considering repeated reported cases of incomplete digestion of ITS1 amplicon, this study aims to investigate the possibility of heterogeneous ITS1 sequences contained in the Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus.MethodsIn this study, ITS1 amplicons of Fritillaria Cirrhosae Bulbus and four other Fritillaria species were sequenced on Illumina platform. We utilised high-throughout amplicon sequencing to determine ITS1 haplotypes and their frequencies in Fritillaria genomes.ResultsOur results showed that all six botanical sources of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus indeed possess ITS1 haplotypes with no SmaI restriction site, and the average percentages of ITS1 reads containing SmaI restriction site ranged from 63.60% to 91.81%.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the incomplete digestion in PCR–RFLP analysis of Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus is caused by the presence of ITS1 haplotypes without SmaI restriction site due to intragenomic heterogeneity.

Vanilla Growing in South Florida

Vanilla extract is popular around the world as an ingredient in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical applications. The botanical source of vanilla extract is primarily the cured beans of Vanilla planifolia. The United States is the world's largest importer of vanilla beans, but domestic production is minimal. Southern Florida has a favorable growing environment for vanilla cultivation. Though currently there is no commercial production of vanilla in southern Florida, it has the potential to be a highly profitable crop in the future. This publication aims to provide basic information to growers interested in establishing a vanillery.

Chromatographic authentication of botanical origin: Herbaceous pollen profiling with HPLC, HPTLC and GC-MS analysis.

This study describes a robust chromatographic authentication methodology for herbaceous pollen, employing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high-performance thin liquid chromatography (HPTLC) protocols. The comprehensive profiling of organic compounds not only distinguishes between different botanical sources but also establishes a reliable framework for quality control and assessment of herbaceous pollen authenticity. Traces of quercetin were detectable using HPTLC in Chaenomeles japonica, and the composition of the mobile phase led to distinct phenolic acid tracks in the extracts of free phenolic compounds. In Lonicera nummulariifolia, prominent chlorogenic acid signal and traces of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were identified, along with the presence of vanillic, trans-ferulic, p-coumaric and p-hydroxybenzoic and sinapic as phenolic acid standards. The HPLC chromatogram identified six peaks representing bioactive phenolic compounds such as gallic acid measuring 5.89 ± 0.56 mg g-1 , hydroxybenzoic acid 2.39 ± 0.78 mg g-1 and caffeic acid 2.83 ± 0.11 mg g-1 . The combined use of GC-MS, HPTLC and HPLC techniques provides a powerful and reliable means of authenticating the botanical origin of herbaceous pollen, offering valuable insights for quality control and ensuring the accuracy of botanical source identification.

Enhancing Essential Oil Extraction from Lavandin Grosso Flowers via Plasma Treatment.

This study explores the impact of plasma treatment on Lavandin Grosso flowers and its influence on the extraction of essential oils (EOs) via hydrodistillation. Short plasma treatment times enhance the yield of EO extraction from 3.19% in untreated samples to 3.44%, corresponding to 1 min of plasma treatment, while longer treatment times (10 min) show diminishing returns to 3.07% of yield extraction. Chemical characterization (GC/MS and ATR-FTIR) indicates that plasma treatments do not significantly alter the chemical composition of the extracted EOs, preserving their aromatic qualities. Investigations into plasma-surface interactions reveal changes at the nanometer level, with XPS confirming alterations in the surface chemistry of Lavandin Grosso flowers by reducing surface carbon and increasing oxygen content, ultimately resulting in an increased presence of hydrophilic groups. The presence of hydrophilic groups enhances the interaction between the surface membrane of the glandular trichomes on Lavandin Grosso flowers and water vapor, consequently increasing the extraction of EOs. Furthermore, microscopic SEM examinations demonstrate that plasma treatments do not affect the morphology of glandular trichomes, emphasizing that surface modifications primarily occur at the nanoscale. This study underscores the potential of plasma technology as a tool to enhance EO yields from botanical sources while maintaining their chemical integrity.

Effects of continuous and repeated dry heat treatment on the technological properties of green banana (Musa paradisiaca) starch

Starch is an important ingredient used in numerous industrial applications. The utilization of nonconventional sources of this carbohydrate enables the improvement of functional properties and reduces waste from certain botanical sources such as green bananas. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dry heat modification with varying cycles (1–3) and times (3–9 h) on the thermal, paste, structural, and morphological properties, and digestibility of green banana starch, comparing them with native starch. The gelatinization enthalpy decreased with the applied treatment, especially for starches treated with repeated cycles. The peak viscosity, as observed in the RVA curve, decreased after treatment. X-ray diffractometry remained unchanged, while relative crystallinity decreased. The morphology exhibited slight alterations after the treatment. The slow digestibility of the treated starches showed a significant increase compared to the digestibility of native starch.

Natural dyes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs): An overview of extraction, characterization and performance

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a promising technology for solar energy conversion due to their affordability and adaptability. Natural dyes derived from various botanical and fruit sources are gaining attention as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic counterparts in DSSCs. This comprehensive review offers insights into the extraction techniques, characterization methods and effectiveness of natural dyes as sensitizers in DSSCs. Moreover, it examines the variables impacting the efficiency of DSSCs using natural dyes and investigates strategies to enhance their overall performance. By presenting this comprehensive overview, the paper aims to underscore the viability of natural dyes for DSSCs, promoting continued exploration and advancement in this area of research.

Determination of chemical composition and insecticidal potential of leaf essential oil of Mentha piperita L.

Pulverised fresh Mentha piperita leaves was subjected to hydrodistillation for three hours in a Clevenger-type apparatus. The oil obtained was characterised using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and also evaluated for insecticidal activity on Callosobruchus maculatus (bean weevils) and Sitophilus zeamais (maize weevils). The oil afforded a yield of 0.78% (w/w). A total of 39 compounds were identified from their mass spectra representing 98.9% of the oil. The classes of compounds identified revealed predominance of oxygenated monoterpenoids (72.4%), hydrogenated monoterpenoids accounted for 6.0%, hydrogenated sesquiterpenoids and oxygenated sesquiterpenoids constituted 12.2 and 4.0% respectively. Other non-terpenic compounds detected in the oil accounted for 4.3% of the total oil. The most abundant compound was menthol (40.4%), other major compounds identified were menthone (12.3%), menthofuran (9.2%), 1, 8-cineole (5.6%) and limonene (5.5%). The percentage mortality of between 68-94.5% and 65-90.2% were recorded for bean weevils and maize weevils respectively after exposure to 10µl essential oil vapour in fumigation chambers for 6, 12, 18 and 24 hours. The insecticidal activity of the oil compared favourably with that of standard insecticide and so can be used to formulate an alternative insecticide from botanical source.

Differences in physicochemical, rheological, and prebiotic properties of inulin isolated from five botanical sources and their potential applications

This study compares the physicochemical and prebiotic properties of inulin isolated from five botanical sources. The average degree of polymerization (DP) for inulin ranged from 5.00 to 13.33. Notably, inulin from Dahlia tubers (DP = 13) and Platycodonis Radix (DP = 8) demonstrated granular, clustered morphology under SEM, semi-crystalline structures via X-ray diffraction, and exhibited shear-thinning behaviors from shear rate 1 s−1 to 500 s−1. In contrast, inulin from Jerusalem artichoke (DP = 5), chicory root (DP = 7), and Asparagi Radix (DP = 5) showcased rough flake morphologies under SEM, amorphous structures in X-ray patterns, and similar shear-thinning behaviors. All inulin types showed acid stability at pH levels below 2.0, with a reducing sugar conversion ratio (RRS) under 1 %. Furthermore, the isolated inulin from the different sources presented prebiotic capacity when added as a sole carbon source in the culture media of the probiotics Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium longum. This study provides the properties of inulin from various sources, thereby offering a reference for the selection of appropriate inulin in industrial applications based on the desired characteristics of the final product.

Assessing the potential of phytogenic feed additives: A comprehensive review on their effectiveness as a potent dietary enhancement for nonruminant in swine and poultry.

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) often referred to as phytobiotics or botanical feed additives, are natural compounds derived from various plants, herbs, spicesand other botanical sources. These feed additives are intended to serve a variety of purposes, including an immune system regulator, an antimicrobial, an antimutagenic, an antioxidantand a growth promoter. They are composed of bioactive compounds extracted from plants, including essential oils, polyphenols, terpenoidsand flavonoids. They are mostly utilized as substitute antibiotic growth promoters in nonruminant (swine and poultry) livestock production, owing to the prohibition of antibiotic usage in the feed industry. It has been thoroughly examined to ascertain their impact on intestinal health and activity, correlation with animals'effective health and well-being, productivity, food securityand environmental impact. The potential uses of these feed additives depend on the properties of herbs, the comprehension of their principal and secondary components, knowledge of their mechanisms of action, the safety of animalsand the products they produce. They are gaining recognition as effective and sustainable tools for promoting animal health and performance while reducing the reliance on antibiotics in nonruminant nutrition. Their natural origins, multifaceted benefitsand alignment with consumer preferences make them a valuable addition to modern animal farming process. However, because of their inconsistent effects and inadequate knowledge of the mechanisms of action, their usage as a feed additive has been limited. This review offers a comprehensive assessment of the applications of PFAs as an effective feed supplement in swine and poultry nutrition. In summary, this comprehensive review provides current knowledge, identifies gaps in researchand emphasizes the potential of phytogenic additives to foster sustainable and healthier livestock production systems while addressing the global concerns associated with antibiotic use in livestock farming.

Assessing monofloral bee pollens from Türkiye: Palynological verification, phenolic profile, and antioxidant activity.

Honey bee pollen (HBP) is a hive product produced by worker bees from floral pollen grains agglutination. It is characterized by its excellent nutritional and bioactive composition, making it a superior source of human nutrition. This study aimed to evaluate the monofloral bee pollen samples, including Cistus, Crataegus monogyna, Cyanus, Elaeagnus angustifolia, Papaver somniferum, Quercus, Salix, Sinapis, and Silybum from Türkiye according to palynological analysis, antioxidant activity, phenolic profiles, and color. The phenolic profiles were detected using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. Bee pollens were categorized into monofloral, bifloral, and multifloral, underscoring the significance of confirming the botanical source of them depending on palynological analyses. Total phenolic content (TPC) of bee pollens ranged from 4.5 to 14.4mg gallic acid/g HBP. The samples exhibited antioxidant activity for 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+ ) ranging from 94.9 to 233.5µmol trolox/g HBP, whereas lower values were seen for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) ranging from 25.86 to 70.81µmol trolox/g HBP. A yellowish-red tint color was also displayed for whole samples, whereas only E. angustifolia bee pollen indicated a darker color (L*=31.6). Among the phenolic compounds, luteolin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin, rutin, and genistein were the most abundant, and their profiles varied across the samples. It was also observed that TPC, antioxidant activities, and polyphenol composition were higher in samples containing pollen grains of P. somniferum, Quercus, Plantago, and E. angustifolia species. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The increasing number of new findings on honey bee pollen is crucial to food science and technology. In this sense, this study offers a robust method for verifying the authenticity and quality of 11 monofloral bee pollens, which is crucial for the food industry. It also identifies potential sources of high-quality pollen, benefiting producers, and consumers seeking superior bee pollen products.

Analysis of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids in Stingless Bee Honey and Identification of a Botanical Source as Ageratum conyzoides.

Stingless bee honeys (SBHs) from Australian and Malaysian species were analysed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) for the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and the corresponding N-oxides (PANOs) due to the potential for such hepatotoxic alkaloids to contaminate honey as a result of bees foraging on plants containing these alkaloids. Low levels of alkaloids were found in these SBHs when assessed against certified PA standards in targeted analysis. However, certain isomers were identified using untargeted analysis in a subset of honeys of Heterotrigona itama which resulted in the identification of a PA weed species (Ageratum conyzoides) near the hives. The evaluation of this weed provided a PA profile matching that of the SBH of H. itama produced nearby, and included supinine, supinine N-oxide (or isomers) and acetylated derivatives. These PAs lacking a hydroxyl group at C7 are thought to be less hepatoxic. However, high levels were also observed in SBH (and in A. conyzoides) of a potentially more toxic diester PA corresponding to an echimidine isomer. Intermedine, the C7 hydroxy equivalent of supinine, was also observed. Species differences in nectar collection were evident as the same alkaloids were not identified in SBH of G. thoracica from the same location. This study highlights that not all PAs and PANOs are identified using available standards in targeted analyses and confirms the need for producers of all types of honey to be aware of nearby potential PA sources, particularly weeds.