Description
4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (also known as vanillyl alcohol) is often used as a deodorant component that is active in preventing the formation of body odor. It can also be used as a flavoring agent. Recent studies have also demonstrated that it has certain pharmacological effects. For example, it has been confirmed that it has certain neuro-protective effects through suppressing the oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic activity in toxin-induced dopaminergic MN9D cells, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease.
Chemical Properties
Vanillyl alcohol has a mild, sweet, balsamic, vanilla-like odor.
Chemical Properties
crystalline white to off-white powder
Uses
Used as a flavoring agent. Other possible uses, vanilla, coconut, cream and other dairy nuances, coumarin.
Definition
ChEBI: Vanillyl alcohol is a monomethoxybenzene that is 2-methoxyphenol substituted by a hydroxymethyl group at position 4. It has a role as a plant metabolite. It is a member of guaiacols and a member of benzyl alcohols.
Taste threshold values
Sweet, creamy and milky with a slightly powdery mouthfeel.
General Description
Vanillyl alcohol belongs to the phenolic group of compounds which are widely used as oxidants in food products.
Biochem/physiol Actions
Odor at 1.0%: sweet creamy, phenolic, vanilla and coconut-like with slight brown and coumarinic nuances.
References
Brune, I, et al. "Under the influence of the active deodorant ingredient 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, the skin bacterium Corynebacterium jeikeium moderately responds with differential gene expression." Journal of Biotechnology 127.1(2006):21-33.
Hsu, Lun Chung, Z. H. Wen, and K. Y. Lee. "Use of vanillyl alcohol for the treatment of Parkinson's disease." (2009).
Kim, I. S., D. K. Choi, and H. J. Jung. "Neuroprotective effects of vanillyl alcohol in Gastrodia elata Blume through suppression of oxidative stress and anti-apoptotic activity in toxin-induced dopaminergic MN9D cells." Molecules 16.7(2011):5349.
