Summary
In the Sahelian countries coloquint seed tar is used in traditional medicine. A condensate from the seed of Citrullus colocynthis was obtained in a camel nomad settlement. It contained a large number of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including known carcinogens [e.g., benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(j)fluoranthene]. The dose-related carcinogenic activity of this condensate was established after chronic epicutaneous application to mouse skin. We conclude that the manufacture and use of coloquint tar and related compounds may involve a health hazard and could lead to the development of cancer.
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Dedicated to Professor Hermann Druckrey on the occasion of his 80th birthday
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Habs, M., Jahn, S.A.A. & Schmähl, D. Carcinogenic activity of condensate from coloquint seeds (Citrullus colocynthis) after chronic epicutaneous administration to mice. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 108, 154–156 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390988
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00390988