Analysis of Amines

Biogenic amines (BAs) are among the most common nitrogenous compounds, widely present in plants, microbes and animal cells. Although BAs play an important role in regulating a number of important biological functions in the human body, overuse of certain bases can cause serious toxicological effects. As such, rapid identification and monitoring of BAs in different foods and plants are always a priority. The current chapter describes the structure, properties and classifications of representative biogenic amines. Biological activities, toxicological effects and interactions among BAs have been discussed. Sources of BAs and the approaches commonly used for their extraction, purification and fractionation from different plants have also been discussed.