Effect of castor oil and benzyl benzoate used as a vehicle for antiandrogens on the adrenal cortex

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, phenethyl phenylacetate, CAS Registry Number 102-20-5

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Phenethyl phenylacetate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that phenethyl phenylacetate is not genotoxic. Data provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity endpoint. Data on read-across analog benzyl benzoate (CAS # 120-51-4) provide an MOE >100 for the developmental toxicity endpoint. The fertility and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to phenethyl phenylacetate is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from analog benzyl phenylacetate (CAS # 102-16-9) show that there are no safety concerns for phenethyl phenylacetate for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV/Vis spectra; phenethyl phenylacetate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; phenethyl phenylacetate was found not to be PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards and its risk quotients, based on its current volume of use in Europe and North America (i.e., PEC/PNEC), are <1.

Histochemical studies on genetical control of hormonal enzyme inducibility in the mouse. V. Histochemical evidence for androgen inducibility of beta-glucuronidase in the epididymis

The enzyme beta-glucuronidase (beta G) is shown, by histochemical methods, to be androgen inducible in the mouse epididymis. This trait has previously been believed to exist only in the kidney. Its presence in the genital tract constitutes a valuable tool in study of the developmental genetics of the reproductive system. Data presented here and previously imply co-ordinated genetic control of heterogeneous lysosomal populations. The results reported also provide a system for study of X-chromosomal activation, and of the developmental androgen dependence of the epididymis.

Actions of ricinoleic acid and structurally related fatty acids on the gastrointestinal tract. II. Effects on water and electrolyte absorption in vitro

Ricinoleic acid, the active component of castor oil, and related fatty acids were studied to determine their relative inhibitory effects on water and electrolyte absorption using everted hamster jejunal and ileal segments. Differences were found between hydroxylated and nonhydroxylated congeners as well as between cis and trans geometric isomers. At a mucosal concentration of 2.0 mM, the unsaturated fatty acids had the following rank order of potency on inhibition of water absorption: ricionoleate greater than or equal to ricinelaidate- greater than equal to linoleate greater than oleate greater than linelaidate greater than elaidate. Ricinoleyl alcohol was effective at 2.0 mM but the methyl ester of ricinoleic acid was ineffective at this concentration. Among a series of saturated fatty acids including palmitate, stearate, a mixture of 9- and 10-hydroxystearate, and 12-hydroxystearate, only the last compound had any inhibitory effect on water absorption. The results define those portions of the ricinoleic acid molecule required for its effect on water and electrolyte absorption and suggest that classification of this cathartic as an "irritant" or "stimulant" should be re-evlauated.