an alkaloid used for obtaining models of hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid‚ C₁₆H₂₇NO₅ ‚ from plants of the Heliotropum genus‚ Boraginaceae.

a single administration of 40 mg/100 g‚ s.c. on rats causes an experimental hepatitis for 20 days.
recommended doses for an experimental cirrhosis:
- 1st week: 20 mg/100 g every other day;
- 2nd week: 15 mg/100 g every other day;
- 3rd week: 10 mg/100 g every other day.

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6. Bull et al., "The chronic pathological effects on the liver of the rat of the pyrrolizidine alkaloids heliotrine, lasiocarpine, and their N-oxides." J. Path. Bact. (1959). 78:483-502