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Alkaloids

Lab test
Foodcare

Alkaloids

Alkaloids occur naturally in a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits and other edible products. Below you can find some examples of alkaloids in AGF (Potatoes, Vegetables, Fruit) and foods:

  • Potatoes contain alkaloids, mainly solanine and chaconine

  • Tomatoes contain alkaloids, including tomatine

  • Eggplants contain alkaloids, such as solasmin and solamargine

  • Several legumes contain alkaloids, such as viciaine in broad beans

  • Peppers may contain alkaloids, including solanine and capsaicin

  • Bananas contain a small amount of the alkaloid harmane

  • Citrus fruits may contain traces of alkaloids, but concentrations are generally low

  • Tea contains alkaloids, such as caffeine. Caffeine belongs to the xanthine alkaloids.

Alkaloids at a glance

  • Guarantee safe consumption through testing for alkaloids

  • We identify harmful concentrations

  • Understand variety and toxicity

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Testing for alkaloids

Testing for alkaloids in AGF (Potatoes, Vegetables, Fruit) is an important aspect of quality control, especially since some alkaloids can be toxic at high concentrations.

When testing for alkaloids, it is important to emphasize that the presence of these compounds is not always harmful. Toxicity depends on the concentration and type of alkaloid. It is also important to use the right methods and equipment to obtain accurate measurements.

Would you like to have your products analyzed for alkaloids? We can measure the following alkaloids:

  • Nicotine

  • Atropine

  • Scopolamine

  • Sum of Atropine / Scopolamine

  • Matrine

  • Histamine

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Alkaloids are natural compounds found in vegetables, fruits and other foods, such as solanine in potatoes, tomatine in tomatoes, and caffeine in tea.

Testing helps determine whether concentrations are safe for consumption, provides insight into variety and toxicity, and identifies harmful levels.

Normec can analyse the following alkaloids: nicotine, atropine, scopolamine, sum of atropine/scopolamine, matrine and histamine.