Additional notes (click to expand)
Toxicity
Heliotropium species contain heliotrine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, which is both carcinogenic and genotoxic. In male rats, increase in pancreatic islet cell tumours, transitory cell papillomas of the urinary bladder, intestinal testicular tumours. DNA_adduct formation and chromosomal abberations in vivo and in vitro, indicating genotoxicity.
van den Berg, S.J.P.L., Restani, et al., P.. (2011). Levels of Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Compounds in Plant Food Supplements and Associated Risk Assessment. Food and Nutrition Science 2: 989-1010.
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Heliotropium arborescens L. 'Nautilus Power Blue'
Family: BORAGINACEAEGenus: Heliotropium
Species: arborescens L.
Cultivar: 'Nautilus Power Blue'
Distribution summary: Peru
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: H2 - Tender; cool or frost-free greenhouse
Garden status: Not currently grown
Flowering months: May, June, July, August
Reason for growing: Toxic