Analysis and removal of matrine in liquorice raw materials by good manufacturing practices

The quinolizidine alkaloids matrine and its N-oxide oxymatrine, naturally occurring in plants of the genus Sophora , have recently been detected sporadically in liquorice ( Glycyrrhiza sp.) products. This contamination is primarily attributed to the morphological similarity between the liquorice plant and Sophora species (sp.) leading to confusion during harvesting. While the use of matrine as a pesticide has been reported, the primary concern stems from its unintentional presence in liquorice products. The detection of matrine in liquorice raised concerns due to some studies suggesting potential genotoxic activity of matrine and oxymatrine. An LC-MS/MS measurement (QuPPe-PO-Method) was successfully developed and applied used for the identification of matrine/SOP 2887 by SGS in 31 samples selected throughout the liquorice production process. No contamination was obtained in any of the samples analyzed after the application of the internal process model designed by Mafco Worldwide LLC. Microscopic and spectroscopic analysis of the manually separated plants demonstrated not only the effectiveness of the procedure for the control of matrine contamination but also showed for the first time that between the two species can be a valuable and less costly alternative or complementary methodology to quantitative methods. • Good manufacturing practices to prevent liquorice contamination by Sophora sp. • Morphological features are crucial for species identification. • Histological and molecular characterization are essential for quality assurance of food composition.