Trans-Anethole: A Key Compound in Bogma Raki

Anethole [1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl)benzene] is a natural flavor commonly used for covering unpleasant odors and in certain food materials and especially in alcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages like raki, absinth, mastika include anethole as flavoring agent. Anethole levels are 747-1547 mg/L in nationally certified brands of raki and 441.46-2098.10 mg/L or 0.01-2.6% in bogma raki (illegaly homemade raki) in Turkey. Toxicity and systemic effects of trans-anethole will be discussed in this presentation. Trans-anethole, especially its epoxide metabolite induces the liver cytochrome p450 enzyme. Decreased weight gain, low body weight, anorexia, lethargy, reduction in adiposity, elevated alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, gama-glutamyltransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels, hepatocellular dysmorphology were among effects of trans-anethole observed in animal studies. Inhibition of platelet aggregation as potently as aspirin and antithrombotic activity was revealed in literature. Trans-anethole inhibits pregnancy in a dose-dependent manner because of impaired hormonal balance. Additionally, it was suggested that trans-anethole consumption should be avoided in pregnancy, in breastfeeding mothers or in patients with estrogen- sensitive cancers or endometriosis. It is suggested that pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, patients with endometriosis and estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid consumption; furthermore, patients with bleeding disorder, hemophilia, major surgery, and diabetes mellitus should be informed and warned about its toxicity.