NCBI Taxonomy: 121383
Illicium lanceolatum (ncbi_taxid: 121383)
found 4 associated metabolites at species taxonomy rank level.
Ancestor: Illicium
Child Taxonomies: none taxonomy data.
Safrole
Safrole, also known as shikimol, is a colorless or slightly yellow oily liquid. It is typically extracted from the root-bark or the fruit of sassafras plants in the form of sassafras oil, or synthesized from other related methylenedioxy compounds. It is the principal component of brown camphor oil, and is found in small amounts in a wide variety of plants, where it functions as a natural pesticide. Safrole is found in anise and nutmeg. Banned by FDA for use in food. Safrole is formerly used as a food flavour It is a precursor in the synthesis of the insecticide synergist piperonyl butoxide and the recreational drug MDMA ("Ecstacy"). Safrole is a natural plant constituent, found in oil of sassafras and certain other essential oils. It is a member of the methylenedioxybenzene group of compounds, many of which (e.g. piperonyl butoxide) are extensively used as insecticide synergists. Safrole is a major source of human exposure to safrole is through consumption of spices, such as nutmeg, cinnamon and black pepper, in which safrole is a constituent. Safrole is also present in root beer, and has been used as an additive in chewing gum, toothpaste, soaps and certain pharmaceutical preparations. Safrole is a weak hepatocarcinogen and it is a matter of considerable interest whether the ally1 moiety or the methylenedioxy group, or both, are involved in the mechanism of its carcinogenesis. Safrole is extensively metabolized, giving rise to a large number of metabolites. Metabolism involves essentially two major routes, oxidation of the ally1 side chain, and oxidation of the methylenedioxy group with subsequent cleavage to form the catechol. Safrole undergoes oxidation of the allylic group to yield the 2, 3-epoxide (safrole epoxide). The dihydrodiol is one of the metabolites of safrole, and presumably arises from the hydration of the 2, 3-epoxide. The principal route of metabolism of safrole is through cleavage of the methylenedioxy group, the major metabolites being allylcatechol and its isomer, propenylcatechol. Eugenol and its isomer I-methoxy- 2-hydroxy-4-allylbenzene have been detected as minor metabolites in rat, mouse and human (PMID:6719936). The Ocotea cymbarum oil made of the Ocotea pretiosa, a plant growing in Brazil, and sassafras oil made of Sassafras albidum, a tree growing in eastern North America, are the main natural sources for safrole. It has a characteristic "candy-shop" aroma Occurs in nutmeg. Banned by FDA for use in food. Formerly used as a food flavour
Anisatin
A sesquiterpene lactone with formula C15H20O8. It is a neurotoxic natural product found in plants of the family Illiciaceae. Anisatin is a natural product found in Illicium henryi, Illicium simonsii, and other organisms with data available. Anisatin is a plant toxin found in the Japanese star anise (Illicium anisatum). The Japanese star anise has been burned as incense in Japan, where it is known as shikimi, as well as used in topical folk remedies. (L1226) Anisatin, a pure toxic substance isolated from the seeds of a Japanese plant (Illicium anisatum) acts as a picrotoxin-like, non-competitive GABA antagonist. Anisatin suppresses GABA-induced currents in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of ~1.10?μM[1]. Anisatin, a pure toxic substance isolated from the seeds of a Japanese plant (Illicium anisatum) acts as a picrotoxin-like, non-competitive GABA antagonist. Anisatin suppresses GABA-induced currents in a concentration-dependent manner with an EC50 of ~1.10?μM[1].
safrole
A member of the class of benzodioxoles that is 1,3-benzodioxole which is substituted by an allyl group at position 5. It is found in several plants, including black pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg, and is present in several essential oils, notably that of sassafras. It has insecticidal properties and has been used as a topical antiseptic. Although not thought to pose a significant carcinogenic risk to humans, findings of weak carcinogenicity in rats have resulted in the banning of its (previously widespread) use in perfumes and soaps, and as a food additive.