ABSTRACT
A methylenedioxyphenyl substance. Safrole is one of the natural and synthetic flavoring agents. Sassafras, containing high levels of safrole, used to be added to sarsaparilla root beer. Safrole is still present in the diet as a (minor) component of various herbs and spices, for example, cloves. Safrole and related substances have been shown to be carcinogenic. Biotransformation data suggest that the 1′-hydroxysulfate ester of safrole is the ultimate carcinogenic species capable of binding to DNA.
