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.
Vanillyl alcohol has a mild, sweet, balsamic, vanilla-like odor.
crystalline white to off-white powder
Used as a flavoring agent. Other possible uses, vanilla, coconut, cream and other dairy nuances, coumarin.
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.
Sweet, creamy and milky with a slightly powdery mouthfeel.
Vanillyl alcohol belongs to the phenolic group of compounds which are widely used as oxidants in food products.
Odor at 1.0%: sweet creamy, phenolic, vanilla and coconut-like with slight brown and coumarinic nuances.
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.
