Trans -anethole concentrations in bogma raki
2016; SAGE Publishing; Volume: 36; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1177/0960327116641737
ISSN1477-0903
Autores Tópico(s)Fermentation and Sensory Analysis
ResumoWe read with great interest the article entitled ‘‘Electron Microscopic Examination of Effects of Bogma Raki and Walnut on Cochlea: An Experimental Study’’ by Cevik et al. presenting a 4-week bogma raki, walnut, and bogma raki þ walnut consumption effects on cochlea of Wistar male albino rats by electron microscopy. As the authors mention, the relationship between acute or chronic alcohol consumption and hearing remains unclear. In their study, they utilized bogma raki samples produced by homemade traditional methods, in Turkey. Cevik et al. analyzed samples of bogma raki given to the rats by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and the content of bogma raki was presented as shown in Table 1. Trans-anethole (1-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) benzene) is the principal aromatic molecule originated from anise in raki and also used for flavor in many alcoholic drinks such as Middle Eastern arak, Colombian aguardiente, French spirits absinthe, anisette and pastis, Greek ouzo, Bulgarian and Macedonian mastika, German Jagermeister, Italian sambuca, Dutch brokmopke, Portuguese, Peruvian, and Spanish anisado, Herbs de Majorca, and Mexican xtabentun. According to the Turkish Food Codex, the minimum limit for trans-anethole in raki is 800 mg/L. Many papers present trans-anethole concentrations found in Turkish raki and bogma raki samples with measurement as ‘‘weight of trans-anethole’’/’’volume of beverage’’. Gueven examines 14 nationally certified brands of raki available in the local markets and stated that trans-anethole levels ranged between 747 mg/L and 1547 mg/L. Trans-anethole levels in bogma raki samples were investigated in a MSc thesis by Bulur, which revealed trans-anethole concentrations ranging between 441.46 mg/L and 2098.10 mg/L in 12 samples. Trans-anethole concentration detected in the study by Cevik et al. is abnormally high, according to our experience. Additionally, in a lately conducted, unpublished, study by our team, trans-anethole level was 1.93% (v/v), in local bogma raki sample. In this context, we did a calculation in order to find out the concentration of trans-anethole in bogma raki sample utilized by Cevik et al. Trans-anethole density is 0.988 g/mL at 25 C. Considering 10.94%v/v volume of trans-antehole in the sample, the concentration of trans-anthole in Cevik et al.’s sample is 108,087 mg/L, which is theoretically impossible compared to the related literature. Although the data regarding to trans-anethole toxicity is insufficient, oral median lethal dose values for trans-anethole were reported to be 1.8–5.0 g/kg in mice; 2.1–3.2 g/kg in rats. Additionally, literature reveals that doses of equal or higher than 120 mg/kg/day cause severe weight loss and dehydration. Considering high trans-anethole concentrations found in calculation above, in the study by Cevik et al., rats given bogma raki regimen should have present
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