A New Herbal Source of Synthesizing Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-9-2024

Publication Title

Int J Imaging Syst Technol

Abstract

This study explores the potential of halophytes, plants adapted to saline environments, as a novel source for developing herbalMRI contrast agents. Halophytes naturally accumulate various metals within their tissues. These metal ions, potentially com-plexed with organic molecules, are released into aqueous solutions prepared from the plants. We investigated the ability of thesecompounds to generate contrast enhancement in MRI using a sequential approach. First, aqueous extracts were prepared fromseven selected halophytes, and their capacity to induce contrast in MR images was evaluated. Based on these initial findings,sample halophytes were chosen for further investigations. Second, chemical analysis revealed aluminum as the primary potentmetal which enhances the contrast. Third, the halophyte extract was fractionated based on polarity, and the most polar fractionexhibited the strongest contrast-generating effect. Finally, the relaxivity of this fraction, a key parameter for MRI contrast agents,was measured. We propose that aluminum, likely complexed with a polar molecule within the plant extract, is responsible for theobserved contrast enhancement in MRI.

Medical Subject Headings

chelation; contrast agent; halophytes; herbal source; magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); metal complexes

PubMed ID

Not assigned.

Volume

34

Issue

4

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