Page 44 - phytochemistry I - PharmD Clinical

3- Abortion provoking effect:
The uterus stimulating effect of some essential oils has been and is still
misused for abortion. Essential oils cause distinct filling of blood vessels
of the pelvis and strong contraction of the uterus. Misuse of essential oils
may be fatal.
ex. High doses of thujone containing essential oils as junipers (‫)اﻟﻌرﻋر‬,
chenopodium oil and parsley fruit (‫ )اﻟﺑﻘدوﻧس‬oil.

4- Nephrotoxic effect:
 Juniperus berry oil has a distinct kidney irritating effect because of a

high percentage of monoterpene hydrocarbons.
 Severe damages of the kidneys could be observed on oral application

of turpentine and sandal wood oil.

5- Hepatotoxic effect:
 Thymol and turpentine oil, on oral application in high doses may

damage the liver. In animal tests also safrol caused such damage.

6- Carcinogenic effect:
 β-asarone has a chromosome-damaging effect on human
lymphocytes (white blood cell).

 Carcinogenic activity (liver carcinoma) may also be caused by safrole
(the main component of sassafras oil, used as spice it has lemon odor).
In some countries safrole is not permitted in food.

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