The Toxicity of Impurities of Illicit Heroin in Rats Publisher Pubmed



Kargar A ; Hassan J ; Koohi M ; Shirzad H ; Adeli S ; Amini A ; Babaei J ; Rad S
Source: Journal of Applied Toxicology Published:2026

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the chemical composition of heroin samples available in the Iranian illicit market and evaluate their toxic effects on brain and liver tissues in an animal model. Different heroin samples were analyzed using gas chromatography and classified into four distinct groups, labeled A, B, C, and D, based on the presence of pharmaceutical additives such as acetaminophen, caffeine, and dextromethorphan. Subsequently, male Wistar rats were treated with these compounds using standard addiction induction models. After the treatment period, the brain and liver tissues of the animals were subjected to pathological and biochemical examinations. The results showed that each type of heroin had a specific pattern of tissue toxicity, and the extent of brain and liver damage varied among the groups. The findings of this research emphasize the importance of accurately identifying the composition of heroin available in the market and its impact on consumers' health, which can serve as a basis for preventive measures and harm reduction policies related to substance abuse. © 2025 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.