Update to RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 2,4-dimethylbenzyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 62346-96-7.

The MOE is greater than 100. Without adjustment for specific uncertainty factors related to inter-species and intra-species variation, the material exposure by inhalation at 0.0040 mg/day is deemed to be safe under the most conservative consumer exposure scenario.

The RIFM approach to evaluating Natural Complex Substances (NCS).

The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) has evaluated safety data for fragrance materials for 55 years. The safety assessment of Natural Complex Substances (NCS) is similar to that of discrete fragrance materials; all of the same endpoints are evaluated. A series of decision trees, reflecting advances in risk assessment approaches of mixtures and toxicological methodologies, follows a tiered approach for each endpoint using a 4-step process with testing only as a last resort: 1) evaluate available data on NCS; 2) verify whether the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) can be applied; 3) verify whether the NCS risk assessment can be achieved on a component basis; and 4) determine whether data must be generated. Using in silico tools, RIFM examined NCS similarities based on the plant part, processing, and composition of materials across 81 plant families to address data gaps. Data generated from the Creme RIFM Aggregate Exposure Model for over 900 fragrance NCS demonstrate that dermal exposure is the primary route of human exposure for NCS fragrance uses. Over a third of materials are below the most conservative TTC limits. This process aims to provide a comprehensive Safety Assessment of NCS used as a fragrance ingredient.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal, CAS Registry Number 141-92-4.

Hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog hydroxycitronellal diethyl acetal (CAS # 7779-94-4) show that hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material and the exposure to hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal and from read-across material hydroxycitronellal diethyl acetal (CAS # 7779-94-4) show that there are no safety concerns for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; hydroxycitronellal dimethyl acetal 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, p-tolyl acetate, CAS Registry Number 140-39-6.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. p-Tolyl acetate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog ethyl p-tolyl carbonate (CAS # 22719-81-9) show that p-tolyl acetate is not expected to be genotoxic. Data on read-across materials p-cresol (CAS # 106-44-5) and acetic acid (CAS # 64-19-7) provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose and reproductive toxicity endpoints. The skin sensitization endpoint was completed using DST for reactive materials (64 µg/cm2); exposure is below the DST. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; p-tolyl acetate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to p-tolyl acetate is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day).The environmental endpoints were evaluated; p-tolyl acetate 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isobutyl alcohol, CAS Registry Number 78-83-1.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Isobutyl alcohol was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that isobutyl alcohol is not genotoxic. Data on isobutyl alcohol provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity endpoints. Data from read-across material isoamyl alcohol (CAS # 123-51-3) show that there are no safety concerns for isobutyl alcohol for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; isobutyl alcohol is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The local respiratory toxicity endpoint was evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material and the exposure to isobutyl alcohol is below the TTC (1.4 mg/day). The environmental endpoints were evaluated; isobutyl alcohol 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, CAS Registry Number 5471-51-2.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. 4-(p-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is not genotoxic. Data on 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone provide a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity endpoint. The developmental and reproductive toxicity and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone show that there are no safety concerns for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; 4-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl 2-octynoate, CAS Registry Number 111-12-6.

Methyl 2-octynoate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data show that methyl 2-octynoate is not genotoxic. Data provided methyl 2-octynoate a NESIL of 110 µg/cm2 for the skin sensitization endpoint. The repeated dose, developmental and reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class II material, and the exposure to methyl 2-octynoate is below the TTC (0.009 mg/kg/day, 0.009 mg/kg/day, and 0.47 mg/day, respectively). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; methyl 2-octynoate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; methyl 2-octynoate 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl ionone (mixture of isomers), CAS registry number 1335-46-2.

Methyl ionone (mixture of isomers) was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from methyl ionone (mixture of isomers) show that the material is not genotoxic and provided a NESIL of 70,000 µg/cm2 for the skin sensitization endpoint. Data provided a calculated MOE >100 for the repeated dose toxicity and developmental toxicity endpoints, and data from read-across material (E)-ß-ionone (CAS # 79-77-6) provided a calculated MOE >100 for the reproductive toxicity endpoint. For the local respiratory endpoint, a calculated MOE >100 was provided by the read-across material ß-ionone (CAS # 14901-07-6). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on data and UV spectra; the material is not phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated with data from the target chemical and read-across material α-allylionone (CAS # 79-78-7), and the material was not found to be PBT; its risk quotients, based on current volume of use in Europe and North America (PEC/PNEC), are <1.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, propanal diethyl acetal, CAS registry number 4744-08-5.

There are insufficient toxicity data on the target material propanal diethyl acetal (CAS # 4744-08-5). Hence, in silico evaluation was conducted to determine read-across analogs for this material. Based on structural similarity, reactivity, metabolism data, physical-chemical properties, and expert judgment, analogs acetal (CAS # 105-57-7) and butane, 1,1'-[methylenebis(oxy)]bis- (CAS # 2568-90-3) were identified as read-across materials with sufficient data for toxicological evaluation of genotoxicity.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, methyl 2-nonenoate, CAS Registry Number 111-79-5.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Methyl 2-nonenoate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog ethyl trans-2,cis-4-decadienoate (CAS # 3025-30-7) show that methyl 2-nonenoate is not expected to be genotoxic. The repeated dose, reproductive, and local respiratory toxicity endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to methyl 2-nonenoate is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day, 0.03 mg/kg/day, and 1.4 mg/day, respectively). Data from the target and read-across analog isobutyl-2-butenoate (CAS # 589-66-2) do not indicate the material is a sensitizer. The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on data and UV spectra; methyl 2-nonenoate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; methyl 2-nonenoate 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.

RIFM fragrance ingredient safety assessment, isobutyl propionate, CAS Registry Number 540-42-1.

The existing information supports the use of this material as described in this safety assessment. Isobutyl propionate was evaluated for genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, local respiratory toxicity, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, skin sensitization, and environmental safety. Data from read-across analog isobutyl acetate (CAS # 110-19-0) show that isobutyl propionate is not expected to be genotoxic. Data from read-across analog isoamyl acetate (CAS # 123-92-2) show that there are no safety concerns for isobutyl propionate for skin sensitization under the current declared levels of use. The repeated dose and reproductive endpoints were evaluated using the TTC for a Cramer Class I material, and the exposure to isobutyl propionate is below the TTC (0.03 mg/kg/day and 0.03 mg/kg/day, respectively). For the local respiratory endpoint, a calculated MOE >100 was provided by read-across analog butyl acetate (CAS # 123-86-4). The phototoxicity/photoallergenicity endpoints were evaluated based on UV spectra; isobutyl propionate is not expected to be phototoxic/photoallergenic. The environmental endpoints were evaluated; isobutyl propionate is not PBT as per the IFRA Environmental Standards. For the risk assessment, isobutyl propionate was not able to be risk screened as there were no reported volumes of use for North America or Europe in the 2015 IFRA Survey.

Imbalance of folic acid and vitamin B12 is associated with birth outcome: an Indian pregnant women study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Maternal nutrient supplementation in developing countries is generally restricted to provision of iron and folic acid. Along with folic acid, vitamin B12 is also an important determinant of fetal growth and development. During pregnancy, the increased requirement of folic acid is met with supplementation, while vitamin B12 remains untreated and possibly deficient. The objective of our study was to study the combined effect of maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12, and their ratio on birth anthropometrics. SUBJECTS/METHODS: We carried out an observational study on 49 full-term pregnant women at KEM Hospital, Pune, India, during 2006-2008, and measured plasma folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in venous blood at 36 weeks of gestation. Neonatal anthropometrics (birth weight, length, head circumference, abdominal circumference, mid arm circumference, chest circumference, triceps skinfold and subscapular skinfold thickness) were measured within 24 h of birth. RESULTS: Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 were not correlated to neonatal anthropometrics. The combined association of folate and vitamin B12 expressed as folate to vitamin B12 ratio was correlated to the neonatal anthropometrics. Imbalance in the maternal micronutrients with increasing ratio of folate to vitamin B12 was associated with an increase in plasma homocysteine (P=0.014), lowering of neonatal birth weight (P=0.009), birth length (P=0.034), head circumference (P=0.018) and chest circumference (P=0.009), while no significant association to other anthropometrics was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation of vitamin B12 in addition to supplementation of folic acid in pregnancy may be important for improving birth weight, birth length, head circumference and chest circumference.

RAPD Analysis for Determination of Components in Herbal Medicine.

In this study, the RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) technique was employed for determination of the components in an Ayurvedic herbal prescription, Rasayana Churna. One-hundred-and-twenty decamer oligonucleotide primers were screened in the RAPD analysis to identify three Ayurvedic medicines, dried stem of Tinospora cordifolia, dried fruit of Emblica officinalis and dried fruit of Tribulus terestris, the Ayurvedic prescription. Primer OPC-6 simultaneously generated three distinct amplicons, each specific to one component. The marker with 600 bp is specific to Tinospora cordifolia; the marker 500 bp is specific to Emblica officinalis and the remaining marker >1000 bp was present in Tribulus terestris. Presence of three herbal medicines was determined when RAPD reaction with OPC-6 was performed. The technique was proved to contribute to the identification of components in Ayurvedic herbal preparation and thus helping to serve as a complementary tool for quality control.

Indigenous knowledge and uses of medicinal plants by local communities of the Kali Gandaki Watershed Area, Nepal.

A field survey was conducted in the villages of Ramdi, Malunga, Balam, Beltari, Mirmi, Burgha and Ridi in the Kali Gandaki watershed, Nepal; 48 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families were reported, each with local names, traditional uses, methods of preparation and route of administration. Traditional medicine remains an integral part of the health system in these areas. Local people have remarkable knowledge of species identity and their uses as crude drugs.

Role of iron and iron chelation therapy in oxygen free radical mediated tissue injury in an ascending mouse model of chronic pyelonephritis.

The contribution of iron towards the free radical generation leading to renal tissue damage was assessed using a non-obstructive ascending mouse model for chronic pyelonephritis. The parameters studied include luminol dependent chemiluminescence (LDCL), histopathology and some biochemical investigations. We found that iron enhanced the renal tissue damage and led to renal scarring, and end point in chronic renal inflammation, irrespective of the bacterial strain studied. In addition a role of iron chelation therapy as a treatment for chronic renal inflammation is also suggested.

Evaluation of the efficacy of albendazole against the larvae of Taenia solium in experimentally infected pigs, and kinetics of the immune response.

Cysticercosis, a disease of economic and public health importance, is caused by Cysticercus cellulosae, the metacestode stage of Taenia solium. Experimental induction of cysticercosis was achieved in young pigs by feeding an optimum dose of 20,000 T. solium (Indian strain) eggs after immunosuppression, to assess the effect of albendazole and development of the immune response to cysticercus antigens before and after treatment. Histopathological studies revealed the presence of cysticerei in liver, lungs and muscles. Treatment with albendazole at 15 mg kg-1 body weight daily for 30 days starting from day 0 or 15 days post-infection resulted in 100% cure rates. Increases in antibody titre to crude soluble extract and a Sephadek G-200 purified antigenic fraction of Cysticercus cellulosae were found on days 25, 40 and 55 post-infection in untreated pigs and those in which treatment started on day 15 post-infection, whereas no increase in antibody response was observed in pigs in which treatment started on day 0.

Morphological identification of Candida species on glucose agar, rice extract agar and corn meal agar with and without Tween-80.

A comparative study for the identification of 32 known strains of Candida species on the basis of morphology on glucose agar, rice extract agar and corn meal agar with and without Tween 80 revealed that when Tween 80 is incorporated in the media identification is possible for 96.8% of the species within 48 hours on rice extract agar and for 96.8% of the species within 48 hours on rice extract agar and for 90.6% of the species on glucose agar. The germ tubes and chlamydospores were also produced more on rice extract agar than on 0.1% glucose agar. Rice extract agar with Tween 80 can be used as single medium for morphologic identification of Candida species. The inoculated medium is first incubated at 37 degrees C for 3 hours and examined for germ tube formation and then incubated at 25 degrees C for 24 to 72 hours and examined for appearance of chlamydospores and mycelial morphology.

Triterpene quinone-methides from Gymnosporia montana.

Iguesterin, pristimerin, tingenone, beta-amyrin, beta-sitosterol and maytenonic acid have been isolated from the light petroleum extract of the stem bark and iguesterin, pristimerin, tingenone, beta-amyrin and beta-sitosterol from the root bark of Gymnosporia montana.