| Institution: | 1. Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677 USA
LS3MN2E, CERNE2D, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, 10056 Morocco;2. Natural Products Utilization Research Unit, United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, University, MS, 38677 USA;3. National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677 USA;4. Department of BioMolecular Sciences and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677 USA;5. LS3MN2E, CERNE2D, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat, 10056 Morocco |
| Abstract: | Many plants have been known to be contaminated and accumulate plasticizers from the environment, including water sources, soil, and atmosphere. Plasticizers are used to confer elasticity and flexibility to various fiber and plastic products. Consumption of plasticizers can lead to many adverse effects on human health, including reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, and cancer. Herein, we report for the first time that two plasticizers, bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), have been isolated from the leaves of Capparis spinosa L. (the caper bush), a plant that is widely used in food seasonings and traditional medicine. 297 mg/kg of DEHT and 48 mg/kg of DEHP were isolated from dried and grounded C. spinosa L. leaves using column chromatography and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Our study adds to the increase in the detection of plasticizers in our food and medicinal plants and to the alarming concern about their potential adverse effects on human health. |
