The carcinogenic effects of benzoquinones produced by the flour beetle.

Humans and animals come into contact with various compounds in their natural environment. Most of the encountered substances are neutral, yet some may carry adverse health effects. The ingested food may be a source of harmful substances, including benzoquinones which, as shown by research results cited in this paper, demonstrate toxic, carcinogenic and enterotoxic activity. This group of compounds is inclusive of 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ) and 2-ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (EBQ), defensive secretions of the confused flour beetle (Tribolium confusum J. du V) and the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum Herbst). Benzoquinones have a carcinogenic effect, they are inhibitors of growth of various microorganisms, they produce a self-defense mechanism in threat situations and affect population aggregation. As noted by the referenced authors, the properties of benzoquinones have not been fully researched to this date.