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EC number: 229-352-5 | CAS number: 6485-40-1
- Life Cycle description
- Uses advised against
- Endpoint summary
- Appearance / physical state / colour
- Melting point / freezing point
- Boiling point
- Density
- Particle size distribution (Granulometry)
- Vapour pressure
- Partition coefficient
- Water solubility
- Solubility in organic solvents / fat solubility
- Surface tension
- Flash point
- Auto flammability
- Flammability
- Explosiveness
- Oxidising properties
- Oxidation reduction potential
- Stability in organic solvents and identity of relevant degradation products
- Storage stability and reactivity towards container material
- Stability: thermal, sunlight, metals
- pH
- Dissociation constant
- Viscosity
- Additional physico-chemical information
- Additional physico-chemical properties of nanomaterials
- Nanomaterial agglomeration / aggregation
- Nanomaterial crystalline phase
- Nanomaterial crystallite and grain size
- Nanomaterial aspect ratio / shape
- Nanomaterial specific surface area
- Nanomaterial Zeta potential
- Nanomaterial surface chemistry
- Nanomaterial dustiness
- Nanomaterial porosity
- Nanomaterial pour density
- Nanomaterial photocatalytic activity
- Nanomaterial radical formation potential
- Nanomaterial catalytic activity
- Endpoint summary
- Stability
- Biodegradation
- Bioaccumulation
- Transport and distribution
- Environmental data
- Additional information on environmental fate and behaviour
- Ecotoxicological Summary
- Aquatic toxicity
- Endpoint summary
- Short-term toxicity to fish
- Long-term toxicity to fish
- Short-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Long-term toxicity to aquatic invertebrates
- Toxicity to aquatic algae and cyanobacteria
- Toxicity to aquatic plants other than algae
- Toxicity to microorganisms
- Endocrine disrupter testing in aquatic vertebrates – in vivo
- Toxicity to other aquatic organisms
- Sediment toxicity
- Terrestrial toxicity
- Biological effects monitoring
- Biotransformation and kinetics
- Additional ecotoxological information
- Toxicological Summary
- Toxicokinetics, metabolism and distribution
- Acute Toxicity
- Irritation / corrosion
- Sensitisation
- Repeated dose toxicity
- Genetic toxicity
- Carcinogenicity
- Toxicity to reproduction
- Specific investigations
- Exposure related observations in humans
- Toxic effects on livestock and pets
- Additional toxicological data

Endpoint summary
Administrative data
Description of key information
Read Across from d-carvone - Subchronic NOAEL (mouse): 375 mg/kg bw/day (equivalent or similar to OECD 408)
Key value for chemical safety assessment
Repeated dose toxicity: via oral route - systemic effects
Link to relevant study records
- Endpoint:
- sub-chronic toxicity: oral
- Type of information:
- migrated information: read-across from supporting substance (structural analogue or surrogate)
- Adequacy of study:
- key study
- Reliability:
- 2 (reliable with restrictions)
- Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:
- other: see 'Remark'
- Remarks:
- L-Carvone and D-Carvone, as enantiomers, are structurally similar compounds with the same molecular weight and molecular formula. The only structural difference is the opposite specific rotation. For example, the chirality is known to influence what olfactory receptors that L- and D-carvone interact with giving different odours/tastes. However, based on the available data, there is no information indicating that one of the isomers is clearly more toxic than the other (see 5. Data matrix). In addition, L-Carvone has a long history of safe use as a flavoring in a variety of foods and beverages, as well as in toothpaste, mouth wash and air fresheners (WHO, 1999). No reliable data on the repeated dose toxicity of L-Carvone is available. The enantiomer D-Carvone has a NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day in a 13-week gavage study (Similar to OECD 408, NTP, 1990; Carvone CLH report, 2012). In addition, no compound-related clinical signs and no increase in neoplastic lesions were seen in two-year gavage study with D-Carvone resulting in a peer-reviewed LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day (Similar to OECD 451, NTP, 1990; Carvone CLH report, 2012). L-Carvone is predicted to have a comparable level of repeated dose toxicity to D-Carvone, so using a read-across approach, a NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for L-carvone. In addition, published toxicokinetic data demonstrates that L- and D-Carvone have no differences in metabolism, which further supports the read-across application (Engel, 2001). On the basis of the metabolism and other toxicological properties (see 5. Data matrix), the information from the source chemical is reliable and read across from D-carvone to L-Carvone for repeated dose toxicity is proposed.
- Qualifier:
- equivalent or similar to guideline
- Guideline:
- OECD Guideline 408 (Repeated Dose 90-Day Oral Toxicity Study in Rodents)
- GLP compliance:
- no
- Remarks:
- Indicated in the report that the experimental and tabulated data were examined for accuracy, consistency, completeness, and compliance with Good Laboratory Practice regulations.
- Limit test:
- no
- Species:
- mouse
- Strain:
- B6C3F1
- Sex:
- male/female
- Details on test animals or test system and environmental conditions:
- TEST ANIMALS
- Source: Charles River Breeding Laboratories, (Portage, MI), USA.
- Age at study initiation: 7-9 weeks
- Weight at study initiation: 20.3 ± 0.6 to 23.6 ± 0.5 (males); 18.2 ± 0.4 to 18.9 ± 0.4 (females)
- Housing: 5 animals per cage (polycarbonate (Hazleton Systems, inc., Aberdeen, MD) with Reemay spun-bonded polyester filters (Snow Filtration, Cincinnati, OH); Beta Chips bedding (Northeastern Products, Inc., Warrensburg, NY). Cages were rotated on the racks throughout the studies.
- Diet (e.g. ad libitum): NIH 07 Rat and Mouse Ration (Zeigler Hros., Inc., Gardners, PA); available ad libitum
- Water (e.g. ad libitum): Automatic watering system (Edstrom Industries, Waterford, WI); available ad libitum
- Acclimation period: 16 days
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
- Temperature (°C): average 23.38°C (74.1°F)
- Humidity (%): average 53.6%
- Air changes (per hr): 6-12 per hr
- Photoperiod (hrs dark / hrs light): Fluorescent light 12 hrs/day
IN-LIFE DATES: From: To:11/6/81 (necropsy) - Route of administration:
- oral: gavage
- Vehicle:
- corn oil
- Details on oral exposure:
- PREPARATION OF DOSING SOLUTIONS:
Feed blends of d-carvone were found to be unstable under the feed blending and simulated dosing conditions. Corn oil was selected as the
vehicle. The stability of d-carvone in corn oil at 0.5% (5 mg/g) stored at room temperature or at 5°C for 21 days was determined. The d-carvone/corn oil solutions were found to be stable for at least 21 days when stored in the dark at room temperature or at 5°C.
Dose preparation: The appropriate weight of d-carvone was dissolved in corn oil to a specified volume in a graduated cylinder.
VEHICLE
- Justification for use and choice of vehicle (if other than water): d-carvone is insoluble in water, so corn oil was selected as the vehicle.
- Concentration in vehicle: 0, 93, 187, 375, 750, 1,500 mg/kg
- Amount of vehicle (if gavage): 10 mL/kg - Analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- yes
- Details on analytical verification of doses or concentrations:
- Dose mixtures were analyzed before the start of, and once during the study. During the study, concentrations of d- carvone in corn oil were determined by gas chromatography with a 10% Carbowax column and flame ionization detection. During the study, all dose mixtures were found to be within ± 10% of the target concentrations by the study laboratory.
- Duration of treatment / exposure:
- 5 days per week
- Frequency of treatment:
- 13 weeks
- Remarks:
- Doses / Concentrations:
93, 187, 375, 750, 1,500 mg/kg
Basis:
other: nominal conc - Remarks:
- Doses / Concentrations:
93, 185, 365, 742, 1480 mg/kg
Basis:
other: actual conc (31-07-81) - Remarks:
- Doses / Concentrations:
87, 176, 363, 762, 1540 mg/kg
Basis:
other: actual conc (11-09-81) - No. of animals per sex per dose:
- 10 male and 10 female (0, 93, 187, 375, 750 mg/kg)
30 male and 10 female (1,500 mg/kg) - Control animals:
- yes, concurrent vehicle
- Details on study design:
- - Rationale for animal assignment (if not random): Animals assigned to groups according to a table of random numbers
- Observations and examinations performed and frequency:
- CAGE SIDE OBSERVATIONS: No
DETAILED CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS: Yes
- Time schedule: Animals were observed two times per day
BODY WEIGHT: Yes
- Time schedule for examinations: Individual animal weights were recorded at the beginning of the studies, once per week thereafter, and at
the end of the studies.
FOOD EFFICIENCY:
- Body weight gain in kg/food consumption in kg per unit time X 100 calculated as time-weighted averages from the consumption and body weight gain data: No
OPHTHALMOSCOPIC EXAMINATION: No
HAEMATOLOGY: No
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY: No
URINALYSIS: No
NEUROBEHAVIOURAL EXAMINATION: No
OTHER: - Sacrifice and pathology:
- GROSS PATHOLOGY: No data
HISTOPATHOLOGY: Yes (see below). Histopathologic examinations were conducted on vehicle controls, animals killed at 2, 4, 6, and 8
weeks, animals that received 750 mg/kg and animals that died before the end of the studies. - Statistics:
- Organ weight to body ratios: Dunnett's test (Dunnett, 1955); P<0.05, P<0.0l
- Clinical signs:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- See details on results
- Mortality:
- mortality observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence):
- See details on results
- Body weight and weight changes:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- See details on results
- Food consumption and compound intake (if feeding study):
- not examined
- Food efficiency:
- not examined
- Water consumption and compound intake (if drinking water study):
- not examined
- Ophthalmological findings:
- not examined
- Haematological findings:
- not examined
- Clinical biochemistry findings:
- not examined
- Urinalysis findings:
- not examined
- Behaviour (functional findings):
- not examined
- Organ weight findings including organ / body weight ratios:
- effects observed, treatment-related
- Description (incidence and severity):
- See details on results
- Gross pathological findings:
- not examined
- Histopathological findings: non-neoplastic:
- no effects observed
- Description (incidence and severity):
- See details on results
- Histopathological findings: neoplastic:
- not examined
- Details on results:
- CLINICAL SIGNS AND MORTALITY
Hypoactivity, ataxia, and hypersensitivity to touch were seen at 1,500 mg/kg. The female that received 1,500 mg/kg and survived to
the end of the study had body tremors, hypersensitivity to touch, and impaired hind limb function during the study.
All 30 male and 9/10 female mice that received 1,500 mg/kg and 1/10 males that received 93 mg/kg died before the end of the studies. All other animals survived until the end of the study (Table 4).
BODY WEIGHT AND WEIGHT GAIN
Final mean body weights of dosed and vehicle control male mice were similar. The final mean body weight of the female survivor at
1,500 mg/kg was 12% lower than that of vehicle controls (Table 4).
ORGAN WEIGHTS
The relative liver weights for mice that received 750 mg/kg were significantly greater than those for vehicle controls (males P<0.01; females P<0.05) (Table 5).
HISTOPATHOLOGY: NON-NEOPLASTIC
No test substance-related lesions were observed. - Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- Effect level:
- 375 mg/kg bw/day (nominal)
- Sex:
- male/female
- Basis for effect level:
- clinical signs
- mortality
- organ weights and organ / body weight ratios
- Critical effects observed:
- not specified
- Conclusions:
- In a 13-week study in mice, D-carvone was toxic at 1,500 mg/kg. At 750 mg/kg, it did not affect body weight, survival, or histopathology,
but relative liver weights were increased. The NOAEL value was 375 mg/kg bw/day. These results are suitable for REACH purposes and using a read-across approach, a NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for L-carvone. - Executive summary:
In a subchronic toxicity study (NTP TR 381), D-carvone was administered to B6C3F1 mice by gavage at dose levels of 0, 93, 187, 375, 750 mg/kg (10 males and 10 females) and 1,500 mg/kg (30 males and 10 females).
Clinical signs noted at 1,500 mg/kg were hypoactivity, ataxia, and hypersensitivity to touch . d-carvone was toxic at 1,500 mg/kg; one female dosed at 1,500 mg/kg survived to the end of the study and had a reduced final mean body weight (12%) and one male that received 93 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The relative liver weights for male and female mice that received 750 mg/kg were significantly greater than those for vehicle controls. There were no other test substance-related effects in body weight, weight gain, organ weight or histopathology.
The NOAEL is 375 mg/kg bw/day.
This subchronic toxicity study in the mouse is acceptable and satisfies the guideline requirement for a subchronic oral study (OECD 408) in mice.
Reference
Study report attachments:
Table 4 Survival and Mean Body Weights (NTP TR 381)
Table 5 Organ weight to body weight ratios (NTP TR 381)
Read-across justification - Full report is attached.
Analogue approach justification
According to Annex XI 1.5, a read-across approach can be used to fill the data gap when certain criteria are fulfilled. The fulfilled of the criteria are discussed below. The information from the REACH technical guidance document R.6 is used for this assessment as well as ECHA’s Practical guide 6 on category and read-across approaches (ECHA REACH TGD; ECHA, 2009).
Quality of the experimental data of the analogues
See data matrix for an overview of the experimental repeated-dose toxicity data.
A 13-week and a 2-year study of the source chemical D-Carvone has been conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) National Toxicology Program (NTP, 1990). The 13-week study is equivalent or similar to OECD guideline 408 and the 2 year study is equivalent or similar to OECD guideline 451. Both of the studies were examined for accuracy consistency completeness and compliance with Good Laboratory Practice regulations by the NTP. Both the 13-week and 2-year study are assigned a Klimisch score of 2.
In addition, metabolic differences were investigated by a metabolism of ingestion correlated amounts (MICA) experiment in humans (Wolfgang Engel, 2001). This data further supports the read across approach, as no differences were noted. Therefore these data have limited uncertainty and can be used in an analogue approach.
Toxicokinetics
The source and target chemical indicate similarity in toxicokinetic behaviour based on the similar physicochemical properties: the molecular weight (150g/mol), physical form (liquids), vapour pressures (low), boiling point 231°C as is shown in the data matrix.
It can be seen that the water solubility of the source chemicals were slightly soluble in water (less than 100 mg/L), and a moderate log Kow about 2.7, the same as target chemicals which own a different specific rotation. The slight differences in the cited data are within the range of uncertainty range of laboratory tests. For the toxicokinetic behaviour of the target chemicals, these physicochemical differences are expected to be minimal considering absorption via the oral, inhalation and dermal route, because these properties of the chemicals are still within the range for expected ready absorption. Experimental data showed no differences in metabolism between L- and D-Carvone in human (Wolfgang Engel, 2001). For repeated dose toxicity, the kinetic behaviour largely supports the application of read across from D-carvone to L-carvone.
Reactivity
The source chemical D-Carvone has been tested in a 13-week repeated dose toxicity study (NTP, 1990). D-carvone was administered to B6C3F1 mice by gavage at dose levels of 0, 93, 187, 375, 750 mg/kg (10 males and 10 females) and 1,500 mg/kg (30 males and 10 females). Clinical signs noted at 1,500 mg/kg were hypoactivity, ataxia, and hypersensitivity to touch. D-carvone was toxic at 1,500 mg/kg; one female dosed at 1,500 mg/kg survived to the end of the study and had a reduced final mean body weight (12%) and one male that received 93 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The relative liver weights for male and female mice that received 750 mg/kg were significantly greater than those for vehicle controls. There were no other test substance-related effects in body weight, weight gain, organ weight or histopathology. The test results receive reliability 2, and were chosen as the key study. A NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was determined and this value is also indicated in the CLH report (CLH, 2012).
In addition, no compound-related clinical signs and no increase in neoplastic lesions were seen in two-year gavage study with D-Carvone (50 males/female B6C3F1 mice; 0, 375, 750 mg/kg) resulting in a peer-reviewed LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day. The 2-year study was given a reliability of 2 and is considered a supporting study. The MICA experimental data indicated no differences in metabolism between L-Carvone and D-Carvone, which supports the read across approach.
In conclusion, a NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived from a repeated dose toxicity study of D-Carvone. In addition, no difference in metabolism between L-Carvone and D-Carvone were noted. A NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for repeated dose toxicity of L-carvone.
Common breakdown products or metabolites
L-Carvone and D-carvone metabolism studied in humans using a metabolism ingestion correlated amounts (MICA) approach indicated metabolic pathways of oxidation of the double bond in the side chain and to a minor extent 1,2- and 1,4+1,2-reduction presented in Figure 1. The major in vivo metabolites were newly identified dihydrocarvonic acid (M1), carvonic acid (M2), and uroterpenolone (M3). Minor metabolites were identified the alcohols carveol (M4) and dihydrocarveol (M5). The author concluded no difference in metabolism between L-Carvone and D- carvone (Wolfgang Engel, 2001).
Similarities in results for toxicological endpoints between the target and source chemicals
As is presented in the data matrix, the acute oral and dermal toxicity data show similar limited acute toxicity for the source and the target chemicals: LD50>2000 mg/kg bw. No eye irritation and skin sensitization were noted for both. No skin irritation was noted for L-Carvone, but mild irritation was noted for D-Carvone. Both chemicals have negative Ames test results; further mutagenicity tests in the dossier (OECD 473, OECD 476) for L-carvone are also negative.
In the 13-week repeated dose toxicity study, a NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived for D-Carvone and in a 2 year study a LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived in 2-year study. A NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for L-carvone for repeated dose toxicity.
Data matrix
Substance |
L-Carvone |
D-Carvone |
Structure |
See attached (left) |
See attached (right) |
CAS No. |
6485-40-1 |
2244-16-8 |
Molecular weight |
150.22 |
150.22 |
Physical state |
liquid |
liquid |
Melting point (ºC) |
9.86ºC (QSAR calculate) |
<15ºC (CRC handbook) |
Boiling point (ºC) |
231ºC (CRC handbook) |
231ºC (CRC handbook) |
Vapour pressure |
15.3 Pa at 25 °C (QSAR calculate) |
1.9 Pa at 20℃ (reviewed report, 2008) |
13.33 Pa at 25 °C, Carvone unspecified isomer ratio (Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, 1999) |
||
Partition coefficient (Log Kow) |
2.74 (S. Griffin, 1999) |
2.71(GESTIS Substance Database) |
Water solubility |
47.2 mg/l (wanxiang test report, 2012) |
27-79 mg/l at 20 °C (reviewed report, 2008) |
sl H2O; vs EtOH; s eth, ctc, chl(CRC handbook) |
sl H2O; vs EtOH; s eth, chl (CRC handbook) |
|
Acute oral toxicity(mg/kg bw) |
4600-6300 (Quest test report, 1986) |
>2000 (reviewed report, 2008) |
Acute inhalation toxicity (g/m3) |
> 5.66(d/lisomerratio of minimally 4:1)(reviewed report, 2008) |
|
Acute dermal toxicity (mg/kg bw) |
>2000 (Symrise test report, 1999) |
>4000 (reviewed report, 2008) |
Skin irritation/corrosiveness |
No irritation(Symrise test report, 1999) |
Mildly irritation (reviewed report, 2008) |
Eye irritation |
Not irritation(Symrise test report, 1999) |
No irritation (reviewed report, 2008) |
Sensitization |
Sensitizing to skin (RIFMtest report, 2007) |
Sensitizing to skin(reviewed report, 2008) |
Genotoxicity – Ames test |
Negative(OECD 471) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
Negative (NTP, 1990) |
Genotoxicity in vitro mouse lymphoma assay |
Negative (OECD 476) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
|
Genotoxicity in vitroChromosomal aberration |
Negative (OECD 473) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
Equivocal The data quality is not very reliable (NTP, 1990) |
Repeated dose toxicity |
Read-across from D-Carvone NOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day |
NOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day in 13-week study (NTP, 1990; CLH report, 2012) |
NOAEL=125 mg/kg bw/day in one-year study The substance is likely to be L-carvone, butthe data quality is not reliable (E.C. Hagan, 1967; CLH report, 2012) |
LOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day in 2-year study (NTP, 1990; CLH report, 2012) |
|
Reproductive and developmental toxicity (mg/kg bw/day) |
Developmental: Read-across from D-Carvone NOAEL=200 mg/kg bw/day |
Developmental: 200 mg/kg bw/day (highest dose tested) (OECD 414) (CLH report, 2012) |
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no adverse effect observed
- Dose descriptor:
- NOAEL
- 375 mg/kg bw/day
- Study duration:
- subchronic
- Species:
- mouse
- Quality of whole database:
- The key study and supporting study were given reliability Klimisch scores of 2. When assessed together the overall quality of the database is high. This decreases the uncertainty in the prediction of the NOAEL for L-carvone.
Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - systemic effects
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Repeated dose toxicity: inhalation - local effects
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - systemic effects
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Repeated dose toxicity: dermal - local effects
Endpoint conclusion
- Endpoint conclusion:
- no study available
Additional information
There is no repeated dose toxicity data available for L-carvone (CAS No. 6485-40-1). A read across approach was conducted with a repeated dose toxicity data from D-carvone(CAS No. 2244-16-8).
Analogue approach justification
According to Annex XI 1.5, a read-across approach can be used to fill the data gap when certain criteria are fulfilled. The fulfilled of the criteria are discussed below. The information from the REACH technical guidance document R.6 is used for this assessment as well as ECHA’s Practical guide 6 on category and read-across approaches (ECHA REACH TGD; ECHA, 2009).
Quality of the experimental data of the analogues
See data matrix for an overview of the experimental repeated-dose toxicity data.
A 13-week and a 2-year study of the source chemical D-Carvone has been conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) National Toxicology Program (NTP, 1990). The 13-week study is equivalent or similar to OECD guideline 408 and the 2 year study is equivalent or similar to OECD guideline 451. Both of the studies were examined for accuracy consistency completeness and compliance with Good Laboratory Practice regulations by the NTP. Both the 13-week and 2-year study are assigned a Klimisch score of 2.
In addition, metabolic differences were investigated by a metabolism of ingestion correlated amounts (MICA) experiment in humans (Wolfgang Engel, 2001). This data further supports the read across approach, as no differences were noted. Therefore these data have limited uncertainty and can be used in an analogue approach.
Toxicokinetics
The source and target chemical indicate similarity in toxicokinetic behaviour based on the similar physicochemical properties: the molecular weight (150g/mol), physical form (liquids), vapour pressures (low), boiling point 231°C as is shown in the data matrix.
It can be seen that the water solubility of the source chemicals were slightly soluble in water (less than 100 mg/L), and a moderate log Kow about 2.7, the same as target chemicals which own a different specific rotation. The slight differences in the cited data are within the range of uncertainty range of laboratory tests. For the toxicokinetic behaviour of the target chemicals, these physicochemical differences are expected to be minimal considering absorption via the oral, inhalation and dermal route, because these properties of the chemicals are still within the range for expected ready absorption. Experimental data showed no differences in metabolism between L- and D-Carvone in human (Wolfgang Engel, 2001). For repeated dose toxicity, the kinetic behaviour largely supports the application of read across from D-carvone to L-carvone.
Reactivity
The source chemical D-Carvone has been tested in a 13-week repeated dose toxicity study (NTP, 1990). D-carvone was administered to B6C3F1 mice by gavage at dose levels of 0, 93, 187, 375, 750 mg/kg (10 males and 10 females) and 1,500 mg/kg (30 males and 10 females). Clinical signs noted at 1,500 mg/kg were hypoactivity, ataxia, and hypersensitivity to touch. D-carvone was toxic at 1,500 mg/kg; one female dosed at 1,500 mg/kg survived to the end of the study and had a reduced final mean body weight (12%) and one male that received 93 mg/kg died before the end of the study. The relative liver weights for male and female mice that received 750 mg/kg were significantly greater than those for vehicle controls. There were no other test substance-related effects in body weight, weight gain, organ weight or histopathology. The test results receive reliability 2, and were chosen as the key study. A NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was determined and this value is also indicated in the CLH report (CLH, 2012).
In addition, no compound-related clinical signs and no increase in neoplastic lesions were seen in two-year gavage study with D-Carvone (50 males/female B6C3F1 mice; 0, 375, 750 mg/kg) resulting in a peer-reviewed LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day. The 2-year study was given a reliability of 2 and is considered a supporting study. The MICA experimental data indicated no differences in metabolism between L-Carvone and D-Carvone, which supports the read across approach.
In conclusion, a NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived from a repeated dose toxicity study of D-Carvone. In addition, no difference in metabolism between L-Carvone and D-Carvone were noted. A NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for repeated dose toxicity of L-carvone.
Common breakdown products or metabolites
L-Carvone and D-carvone metabolism studied in humans using a metabolism ingestion correlated amounts (MICA) approach indicated metabolic pathways of oxidation of the double bond in the side chain and to a minor extent 1,2- and 1,4+1,2-reduction presented in Figure 1. The major in vivo metabolites were newly identified dihydrocarvonic acid (M1), carvonic acid (M2), and uroterpenolone (M3). Minor metabolites were identified the alcohols carveol (M4) and dihydrocarveol (M5). The author concluded no difference in metabolism between L-Carvone and D- carvone (Wolfgang Engel, 2001).
Similarities in results for toxicological endpoints between the target and source chemicals
As is presented in the data matrix, the acute oral and dermal toxicity data show similar limited acute toxicity for the source and the target chemicals: LD50>2000 mg/kg bw. No eye irritation and skin sensitization were noted for both. No skin irritation was noted for L-Carvone, but mild irritation was noted for D-Carvone. Both chemicals have negative Ames test results; further mutagenicity tests in the dossier (OECD 473, OECD 476) for L-carvone are also negative.
In the 13-week repeated dose toxicity study, a NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived for D-Carvone and in a 2 year study a LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day was derived in 2-year study. A NOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day is predicted for L-carvone for repeated dose toxicity.
Data matrix
Substance |
L-Carvone |
D-Carvone |
Structure |
See attached (left) |
See attached (right) |
CAS No. |
6485-40-1 |
2244-16-8 |
Molecular weight |
150.22 |
150.22 |
Physical state |
liquid |
liquid |
Melting point (ºC) |
9.86ºC (QSAR calculate) |
<15ºC (CRC handbook) |
Boiling point (ºC) |
231ºC (CRC handbook) |
231ºC (CRC handbook) |
Vapour pressure |
15.3 Pa at 25 °C (QSAR calculate) |
1.9 Pa at 20℃ (reviewed report, 2008) |
13.33 Pa at 25 °C, Carvone unspecified isomer ratio (Perry’s Chemical Engineers’ Handbook, 1999) |
||
Partition coefficient (Log Kow) |
2.74 (S. Griffin, 1999) |
2.71(GESTIS Substance Database) |
Water solubility |
47.2 mg/l (wanxiang test report, 2012) |
27-79 mg/l at 20 °C (reviewed report, 2008) |
sl H2O; vs EtOH; s eth, ctc, chl(CRC handbook) |
sl H2O; vs EtOH; s eth, chl (CRC handbook) |
|
Acute oral toxicity(mg/kg bw) |
4600-6300 (Quest test report, 1986) |
>2000 (reviewed report, 2008) |
Acute inhalation toxicity (g/m3) |
> 5.66(d/lisomerratio of minimally 4:1)(reviewed report, 2008) |
|
Acute dermal toxicity (mg/kg bw) |
>2000 (Symrise test report, 1999) |
>4000 (reviewed report, 2008) |
Skin irritation/corrosiveness |
No irritation(Symrise test report, 1999) |
Mildly irritation (reviewed report, 2008) |
Eye irritation |
Not irritation(Symrise test report, 1999) |
No irritation (reviewed report, 2008) |
Sensitization |
Sensitizing to skin (RIFMtest report, 2007) |
Sensitizing to skin(reviewed report, 2008) |
Genotoxicity – Ames test |
Negative(OECD 471) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
Negative (NTP, 1990) |
Genotoxicity in vitro mouse lymphoma assay |
Negative (OECD 476) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
|
Genotoxicity in vitroChromosomal aberration |
Negative (OECD 473) (wanxiangtest report, 2007) |
Equivocal The data quality is not very reliable (NTP, 1990) |
Repeated dose toxicity |
Read-across from D-Carvone NOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day |
NOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day in 13-week study (NTP, 1990; CLH report, 2012) |
NOAEL=125 mg/kg bw/day in one-year study The substance is likely to be L-carvone, butthe data quality is not reliable (E.C. Hagan, 1967; CLH report, 2012) |
LOAEL=375 mg/kg bw/day in 2-year study (NTP, 1990; CLH report, 2012) |
|
Reproductive and developmental toxicity (mg/kg bw/day) |
Developmental: Read-across from D-Carvone NOAEL=200 mg/kg bw/day |
Developmental: 200 mg/kg bw/day (highest dose tested) (OECD 414) (CLH report, 2012) |
Repeated-dose toxicity prediction for L-Carvone
For the source chemical D-Carvone a 13-week repeated dose toxicity is available showing a NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day, and also a two-year study with a LOAEL of 375 mg/kg bw/day. In addition, there are no difference in metabolism between D-Carvone and L-Carvone. A NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day for repeated dose toxicity of L-Carvone is predicted.
Uncertainty of the prediction
The quality of the data is main source of uncertainty in the prediction. The key study (13 weeks study) and supporting study were given reliability Klimisch scores of 2. When assessed together the overall quality of the database is high. This decreases the uncertainty in the read across prediction of the NOAEL for L-carvone.
Final conclusion on hazard, C&L, DNEL and risk characterisation
Based on the information presented in this justification and the results in the dossier, we do not expect L-carvone to present an increased hazard compared to D-carvone for repeated dose toxicity. The NOAEL value of 375 mg/kg bw/day is chosen as the dose descriptor for the repeated dose toxicity endpoint for L-carvone. In the CLH report, Carvone (including L-Carvone, D-Carvone and Carvone with unspecific isomer ration) the proposed classification according to the CLP Regulation for STOT RE is ‘not classified’ with a reason for no classification of ‘conclusive but not sufficient for classification’. We also propose that L-carvone does not need to be classified for STOT RE when the criteria outlined in Annex I of 1272/2008/EC are applied. Also, the current self-classification and labelling for L-carvone based on the CLP Regulation criteria do not indicate any classification for STOT RE from any other notifiers (1075 notifiers; 17-09-2012)
Justification for classification or non-classification
Based on the available information in the dossier, the substance L-carvone (CAS No. 6485-40-1) does not need to be classified as specific target organ toxicity (repeated) when considering the criteria outlined in Annex I of 1272/2008/EC.
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