Estragole

Estragole is a volatile compound that has been found in basil oil and has diverse biological activities.1,2,3,4 It induces mortality in 100% of adult C. capitata, B. dorsalis, and B. cucurbitae fruit flies exposed to wicks impregnated with estragole at concentrations greater than or equal to 2.5%.1 Estragole (60 mg/kg) reduces carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice.2 It increases survival in a mouse model of infection with the ME49 strain of T. gondii when administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg per day.3 Estragole (2.5 μmol/g, p.o., twice per week) increases the percentage of hepatoma-bearing mice and the average number of hepatomas per mouse in male, but not female, mice when administered prior to weaning.4