p-Cymene metabolism in rats and guinea-pigs.

The metabolism of p-cymene was studied in rats and guinea-pigs. Following intragastric or inhalation dosage (100 mg/kg) urinary metabolite excretion was nearly complete within 48 h, amounting to 60-80% dose. The inhalation experiments gave the lowest values. 18 urinary metabolites were detected and identified. Of these, rats did not excrete two and guinea-pigs did not excrete a third. No ring-hydroxylation of p-cymene was detected in rats, but guinea-pigs formed small amounts of carvacrol and hydroxycarvacrol. Oxidation of both the methyl and isopropyl groups of p-cymene occurred extensively in both species. The following types of metabolites were formed: monohydric alcohols, diols, mono- and di-carboxylic acids and hydroxyacids. Conjugation with glycine of the cumic acid formed was extensive in guinea-pigs.