Production of nitrosamines from ephedrine, pseudoephedrine and extracts of Ephedra foliata under physiological conditions.

ABSTRACT

N-Nitrosoephedrine (NEP) and N-nitrosopseudoephedrine (NPEP) were synthesised at 5 degrees C using different concentrations of various acids. The reaction with acetic acid gave the highest yield (85%) of N-nitrosamine. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were reacted with nitrite under physiological conditions (37 degrees C, pH 1-3) to form NEP and NPEP. The yield of NEP, which is a known carcinogen, and NPEP were the highest (18.5%) at pH 2. Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of Ephedra foliata (100 g dry wt), nitrosated under physiological conditions, produced 0.77 mg and 8.3 mg, respectively, as total nitrosamines. This indicated the potential of the nitrosamine formation from the plant extracts specified.