Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
DOI: 10.18579/jopcr/v25.i4.135
Year: 2026, Volume: 25, Issue: 4, Pages: 209-218
Systematic Review
Yogesh S Ahire1, Rakesh S Ahire2*, Vaishnavi D Jadhav3, Pankaj S Patil4
1Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, KBHSS Trust’s Institute of Pharmacy, Malegaon, Dist. Nashik, Maharashtra, India
2Research Scholar, Department of Pharmacology, KBHSS Trust’s Institute of Pharmacy, Malegaon, Dist. Nashik, Maharashtra, India
3Research Scholar, Department of Pharmacology, MGV’s Pharmacy College Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
4Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology, MGV’s Pharmacy College Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra, India
*Corresponding author. Rakesh S Ahire
Email: [email protected]
This study focuses on the potential impact of plasticizers on hormones in the body, as they are a common component of numerous plastic items. The research looks at the detrimental effects of traditional phthalate plasticizers including DEHP, DBP and BBP as well as newer non-phthalate alternatives on the reproductive system, brain, thyroid and adrenal glands by reviewing several studies that have been conducted on rodents. The results indicate that these chemicals can induce significant endocrine disruption, particularly in the early development and pregnancy. Male offspring of those exposed to plasticisers had reproductive abnormalities including decreased anogenital distance and disrupted hormone production, and females had lower fertility, irregular reproductive cycles, and changes in ovarian structure. The study also documents behavioural changes, brain development issues and thyroid and adrenal hormone dysfunction. It was discovered that these impacts can last long-term and impact future generations. The study also notes how plasticizers disrupt the binding of hormones to their receptors, processes that involve enzymes that are crucial to the production of hormones, and the regulation of genes. While the study primarily focused on rodents, it offers compelling evidence showing that plasticizers could be a significant health concern for humans, and further research and safety measures are warranted.
Keywords: Phthalates, Microplastics, Endocrine disruption, Environmental exposure, Reproductive toxicity, Hormonal imbalance
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© 2026 Published by Krupanidhi College of Pharmacy. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
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