Pyrrolizidine alkaloids

Definition

Produced by ragwort, borage, viper's bugloss, comfrey and their relatives as a defence against herbivores. They pass into nectar and therefore into honey, and regulators in several jurisdictions monitor levels in honey and in herbal products. The quantities found in commercial honey are far below any level of concern.

Where the word gets used loosely

The presence of a toxin is sometimes reported as though any detectable amount mattered. It does not follow — dose is the whole question, and honey is not a meaningful exposure route at normal consumption. The genuine concern is with concentrated herbal preparations and with comfrey taken internally, which is restricted or advised against in several countries.

Honey records that discuss this

• Salvation Jane honeyMild and clean with a soft floral sweetness — pleasant, unassertive and produced in enormous quantity.