Systematic toxicological analysis of Indian herbal ready-to-chew pouches by gas chromatography mass spectrometry

Abstract

Objective: Systematic toxicological analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry has been applied for the analysis of Indian herbal ready-to-chew pouches. Material and methods: These small packages containing a powder formed by areca nut slices, tobacco, menthol and lime, are available in traditional markets and web sites. Their consumption has been recently spread in the asiatic countries not only among adults but especially among young people. Acute and chronic side effects, an increase in the incidence of oral and esophagus cancer and the possibility to develop dependence and tolerance phenomena following repeated pouches consumption prompted the systematic toxicological analysis of gutka and panmasala pouches. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry was used to verify the presence of declared substances, and to investigate the possible presence of licit and illicit psychoactive compounds. Results: Arecoline (1.35-1.91 mg/g) and nicotine (0.31-0.71 mg/g) and arecoline alone (1.67-2.74 mg/g) were identified in gutkha and panmasala pouches, respectively, together with menthol (1.89-2.78 mg/g gutka and 1.91-2.84 mg/g panmasala). No other pharmacological active compounds were identified. Conclusion: The mg amounts of the two alkaloids found in the pouches together with the reported consumption of several pouches a day may be consistent with health risks. © 2011 Société Française de Toxicologie Analytique.