Triclosan in toothpaste, detergents can harm your nervous system: IIT Hyderabad

The study revealed that triclosan can adversely affect an enzyme that helps in regulating a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is important for human brain cells to communicate with each other.  

Antioxidants can help ease harmful effects of triclosan  

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad has found out that triclosan, an antimicrobial compound commonly present in toothpaste, detergents, toys, etc, to increase their shelf life, can harm the nervous system at very low concentrations. The researchers also said antioxidants can help to ease the harmful effects of triclosan. 

A study conducted at biotechnology associate professor Anamika Bhargava’s lab at IIT Hyderabad revealed that triclosan could adversely affect an enzyme that helps in regulating a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine, which is important for human brain cells to communicate with each other. This communication is necessary for the muscles in the human body to work. The IITH research also revealed that antioxidants can be used to protect the enzyme from the harmful effects of triclosan.  

Partial ban on triclosan in US 

There is a partial ban on the use of triclosan by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the food and drug regulator body in the United States of America. “..however, Indian counterparts are not very explicit on the inclusion of triclosan in various consumer products”, said a statement from IIT Hyderabad. 

"Several health-related challenges in the 21st century can be handled using technological innovations. IITH has constantly been striving to provide an excellent research ecosystem wherein research groups such as Dr Anamika’s can provide sustainable solutions for society at large,” said IIT Hyderabad Director BS Murty. 

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