Mammalian Toxicity of Some Commercially Commonly Used Plant Growth Regulators: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) have become an integral part of modern agriculture for enhancing the yield and quality of crops. Plant growth regulators, or exogenous plant hormones, are a class of artificial compounds that behave physiologically similar to endogenous plant hormones. However, concerns persist regarding their residue level in crops and potential adverse effects on mammalian health. Persistence of plant growth regulator residues in crops raises apprehensions about their consumption by humans and livestock. Various studies have identified hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects, reproductive toxicity, carcinogenicity linked to specific plant growth regulators, emphasising the importance of understanding the mechanisms and dose-response relationships involved, which is an essential part for assessing the risks and designing mitigation strategies. Further research is imperative to bridge knowledge gaps, ensuring the judicious and safe use of PGRs in modern agriculture. As awareness of the hazardous effects of PGRs grows, there is a growing interest in sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives for plant management, which can be provided by biostimulants.