Metabolism of cyclamate and its conversion to cyclohexylamine

Abstract

Since cyclamates were first introduced in the early 1950s, arguments have raged over the potential carcinogenicity of this artificial sweetener. Concern over the safety of cyclamates arises from observations that some individuals and experimental animals can metabolize cyclamate to cyclohexylamine and that cyclohexylamine has been shown to produce testicular atrophy in experimental animals. This study examines the absorption, excretion, and metabolism of cyclamate, particularly its conversion to cyclohexylamine. In addition, the potential toxicity and pharmacology of cyclohexylamine are discussed.