This review of the literature presents the results of analysis of the publications concerning the prospects of the investigations of ptomaines including their influence on the results of determination of toxic substances present in the putrescent cadaveric tissues and on the  persistence of analytes in the biological materials. Special emphasis is laid on the peculiarities of investigation of  ptomaines and the necessity of the further development of the methods for the detection, isolation, and identification of toxicants in the putrescent and exhumed biological objects bearing in mind that such studies are not infrequently provide the sole opportunity to prove intoxication with certain substances.