Sassafras carcinogenic effects

Safrole is a mutagenic and animal carcinogenic monoterpenoid. It is the major component of oil of sassafras, and lesser quantities occur in essential oils from cinnamon, mace, nutmeg, and star anise. Some of its known or possible metabolites have mutagenic activity in bacteria and it has weak hepatocarcinogenic effects in rodents. Experiments in mice have suggested the possibility of transplacental and lactational carcinogenesis. 

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