Estragol is a phenylpropene, a natural organic compound. Its chemical structure consists of a benzene ring substituted by a methoxy group and an allyl group. It is an isomer of anethole that differs in the position of the double bond. It is a colorless liquid, although impure samples may appear yellow. Turpentine (pine oil) is a component of several trees and herbs, including anise, fennel, laurel, tarragon, and basil. It is used in the preparation of fragrances.
The European Union Herbal Medicinal Products Committee suspects that the estragole compound is carcinogenic and genotoxic. Several studies clearly demonstrate that the metabolism, metabolic activation, and covalent binding profiles are dose-dependent and their importance is markedly reduced at low exposure levels. In particular, rodent studies indicate that human exposure to this substance is minimal in the dose range of 1-10 mg/kg body weight. For these reasons, it was concluded that the current exposure to estragole from the consumption of herbal medicinal products does not pose a significant cancer risk. However, exposure of estragole to vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant and lactating women should still be minimized.
Estragol is found naturally in many common herbs such as anise, star anise, basil, laurel, tarragon, fennel, marjoram, and is also found in wood turpentine oil. Estragol is found in very high concentrations in essential oils obtained from these plants and trees. Aromas and fragrances containing estragole are used in many food products, perfumes, soaps and detergents. The daily consumption of estragole per capita in the USA is estimated to be 70 mg.
The U.S. Department of Food and Agriculture considers the use of food containing estragole as generally safe, along with many essential oils containing estragole. Estragol is also listed by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) as a high production volume chemical. Estragol can form in indoor air due to wood treated with turpentine oil and because it is a minor component of tobacco smoke.
Essential oils containing estragole have been reported to have insecticidal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties.
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