Frequently (and not so frequently) Asked Questions
BRIEF: Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid phytoerythrin?
QUESTION:
Would you please enlighten me as to the existence of such an alkaloid
phytoerythrin?
ANSWER:
One of the catbolites of chlorophyll is called phylloerythrin and if it is not
excreted efficiently in the bile, then secondary phototoxicty can occur. When
plants have a hepatotoxic effect, phototoxicity due to failure to eliminate
phylloerythrin is a common symptom.