Comparative Analysis of Estragole, Methyleugenol, Myristicin, and Elemicin Regarding Micronucleus Formation in V79 Cells.

Alkenylbenzenes occur as natural constituents in a variety of edible plants, in particular those herbs and spices used to give a distinctive flavor to a range of food and feed items. Some alkenylbenzenes with relevance for food, such as estragole and methyleugenol, are known to be genotoxic and carcinogenic in rodents. However, the genotoxic and carcinogenic potential of other structurally related alkenylbenzenes, such as myristicin and elemicin, is still under scientific discussion.