Determination of β-Carboline Alkaloids in Foods using QuEChERS with Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Among the naturally occurring indole alkaloids in foods, β-Carboline (βC) alkaloids have been reported to have toxic as well as pharmacologic effects. The globalization of food markets has increased the potential for exposure to toxin candidates; however, existing studies have performed only limited monitoring of the heterocyclic amine class. Therefore, we focused on monitoring six βC alkaloids in food products distributed in the Republic of Korea. A total of 304 samples from 41 food products were selected for monitoring, considering the food consumption in the Republic of Korea and the previous detection history of βC alkaloids. The analytical procedure was conducted using the QuEChERS-based liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method developed in this study, which is rapid and simple, while improving selectivity and detection limits compared to conventional methods. The developed method was validated in four representative food matrices, and an additional 10 matrices were evaluated for applicability. The monitoring results showed that βC alkaloids were detected in 87.2% of the 304 food samples, with norharman and harman being the most frequently detected. Concurrent exposures were determined in 36 of the 41 food products, and exposure to previously unexamined βC alkaloids was identified in 12 food products; however, the levels of βC alkaloids in the 41 foods are estimated to be insufficient to cause toxicity in humans compared to previous toxicity studies. In this study, to understand the risk associated with βC alkaloids from food consumption, we determined the βC alkaloid contents in various foods. We are currently conducting monitoring on additional food products, and these results will provide essential foundational data to ensure food safety.