Furylfuramide: Difference between revisions

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'''Furylfuramide''' (also known as '''AF-2''') is a synthetic [[antimicrobial]] agent. It was first synthesized in the 1960s and has been used in various applications, including as a food preservative and in the treatment of certain [[bacterial infections]]. However, its use has been limited due to concerns about its potential [[carcinogenic]] effects.
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Furylfuramide}}


== History ==
== Furylfuramide ==
[[File:Furylfuramide.svg|thumb|right|Chemical structure of Furylfuramide]]


Furylfuramide was first synthesized in the 1960s by a team of researchers at the [[University of Tokyo]]. It was initially used as a food preservative due to its antimicrobial properties. However, subsequent studies revealed that it could also be effective in treating certain bacterial infections, leading to its use in the medical field.
'''Furylfuramide''', also known as '''AF-2''', is a synthetic [[chemical compound]] that was once used as a [[food additive]] for its [[antimicrobial]] properties. It is a member of the [[nitrofuran]] class of compounds, which are characterized by the presence of a [[furan]] ring with a nitro group attached.


== Medical Uses ==
== Chemical Properties ==
Furylfuramide is a [[heterocyclic compound]] with the molecular formula C__H_N_O_. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in [[water]] and [[organic solvents]]. The compound is known for its ability to inhibit the growth of [[bacteria]] and [[fungi]], which led to its initial use as a preservative in food products.


Furylfuramide has been used in the treatment of various bacterial infections, including those caused by [[Escherichia coli]], [[Salmonella]], and [[Staphylococcus aureus]]. It works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, thus helping to control the spread of the infection.
== Historical Use ==
Furylfuramide was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s as a food preservative in [[Japan]] and other countries. It was added to various food products to extend their shelf life by preventing microbial spoilage. However, concerns about its safety emerged when studies indicated that it could be a potential [[carcinogen]].


== Side Effects and Risks ==
== Health Concerns ==
Research conducted in the 1970s revealed that furylfuramide could cause [[mutations]] in [[bacterial]] cells, leading to concerns about its potential to cause [[cancer]] in humans. Subsequent studies in [[laboratory animals]] showed that the compound could induce [[tumors]], prompting regulatory agencies to reevaluate its safety.


Despite its potential benefits, the use of furylfuramide has been limited due to concerns about its safety. Studies have shown that it can cause [[DNA damage]], which can potentially lead to the development of cancer. As a result, it is classified as a possible human carcinogen by the [[International Agency for Research on Cancer]].
== Regulatory Actions ==
In response to the findings, furylfuramide was banned as a food additive in many countries, including Japan, in the late 1970s. The [[World Health Organization]] and other international bodies have since classified it as a potential human carcinogen, and its use in food products is no longer permitted.


== Current Status ==
== Current Status ==
Today, furylfuramide is primarily of historical interest, serving as a case study in the regulation of food additives and the importance of [[toxicological]] testing. It is no longer used in food products, and its production is limited to research purposes.


Due to the potential risks associated with its use, furylfuramide is not widely used today. However, research is ongoing to determine if it can be made safer for use, or if its antimicrobial properties can be harnessed in other ways.
== Related Pages ==
 
* [[Nitrofuran]]
== See Also ==
 
* [[Antimicrobial resistance]]
* [[Food preservation]]
* [[Carcinogen]]
* [[Carcinogen]]
* [[Food additive]]
* [[Mutagen]]


[[Category:Antimicrobials]]
[[Category:Food additives]]
[[Category:Carcinogens]]
[[Category:Carcinogens]]
[[Category:Medicine]]
[[Category:Nitrofurans]]
 
{{medicine-stub}}

Latest revision as of 11:02, 15 February 2025


Furylfuramide[edit]

Chemical structure of Furylfuramide

Furylfuramide, also known as AF-2, is a synthetic chemical compound that was once used as a food additive for its antimicrobial properties. It is a member of the nitrofuran class of compounds, which are characterized by the presence of a furan ring with a nitro group attached.

Chemical Properties[edit]

Furylfuramide is a heterocyclic compound with the molecular formula C__H_N_O_. It is a yellow crystalline solid that is soluble in water and organic solvents. The compound is known for its ability to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, which led to its initial use as a preservative in food products.

Historical Use[edit]

Furylfuramide was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s as a food preservative in Japan and other countries. It was added to various food products to extend their shelf life by preventing microbial spoilage. However, concerns about its safety emerged when studies indicated that it could be a potential carcinogen.

Health Concerns[edit]

Research conducted in the 1970s revealed that furylfuramide could cause mutations in bacterial cells, leading to concerns about its potential to cause cancer in humans. Subsequent studies in laboratory animals showed that the compound could induce tumors, prompting regulatory agencies to reevaluate its safety.

Regulatory Actions[edit]

In response to the findings, furylfuramide was banned as a food additive in many countries, including Japan, in the late 1970s. The World Health Organization and other international bodies have since classified it as a potential human carcinogen, and its use in food products is no longer permitted.

Current Status[edit]

Today, furylfuramide is primarily of historical interest, serving as a case study in the regulation of food additives and the importance of toxicological testing. It is no longer used in food products, and its production is limited to research purposes.

Related Pages[edit]