Biotransformation of allylbenzene analogues in vivo and in vitro through the epoxide-diol pathway

Abstract

1. The epoxidation of allylbenzene, safrole, estragole, eugenol and eugenol methyl ether was investigated in rats pretreated with these compounds and also in vitro using hepatic microsomal preparations and adult rat liver cell cultures.

2. Dihydrodiols were detected in the urine and liver of rats pretreated with allylbenzene compounds. Similarly, incubation of allylbenzene epoxides with hepatic microsomal preparations and adult rat liver cell cultures gave rise to the formation of dihydrodiols.