Bioactivation of estragole and anethole leads to common adducts in DNA and hemoglobin

The phenylpropanoid estragole (1-methoxy-4-(prop-2-en-1-yl)benzene) and its isomer anethole (isoestragole, 1-methoxy-4-(prop-1-en-1-yl)benzene) are major constituents of the essential oils of various herbs like tarragon, chervil, basil, and fennel. However, estimating the total dietary exposure to these substances is challenging, but nevertheless of relevance due to their known toxic properties. In the current study, the authors wanted to test the contribution of sulfotransferases to the bioactivation of anethole using a hepatic activation system (S9) supplemented with the cofactor 3′-phosphoadenosine-5′-phosphosulfate (PAPS).

The study was published in the journal “Food and Chemical Toxicology”.

Bioactivation of estragole and anethole leads to common adducts in DNA and hemoglobin

Nick Bergau, Uta M. Herfurth, Benjamin Sachse, Klaus Abraham, Bernhard H. Monien
Food and Chemical Toxicology
Volume 153, July 2021, 112253
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2021.112253