Carcinogenic activity of condensate from coloquint seeds (Citrullus colocynthis) after chronic epicutaneous administration to mice.
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.
D000349:Africa; D000818:Animals; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000032:analysis*; D012639:Seeds / Q000032:analysis; D013638:Tars / Q000633:toxicity*
D004202:Disinfectants; D013638:Tars