What is methyl salicylate?
Methyl salicylate is an organic ester or oil naturally produced by several plant species with a strong odor of mint used as pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic additive. Aromatic oil is produced by plants as part of their defense mechanism against herbivorous insects and pathogens. Its industrial applications include the aroma of food, such as cosmetic fragrances and as a rubefacian in pharmaceutical products such as liniments and creams. Although they were considered safe for human use, some fatal cases of excessive dosage have been reported.
Wintergreen is a commonly used general name for methyl salicylate and is derived from a group of plants that contain strong concentrations of oil. These Wintergreens, including the families of shrubs such as Eastern Teaberry, are several plant groups that produce methyl salicylate. Other sources of oil plants include pyrolaceae , betulaeae and spiraea . All these plantsThey were for the production of strong defamated oil as an attractant for beneficial insects that feed on pest insect insect insects. The production of methyl salicylate in these plant species can also serve as a warning against the ferrenoma of others of the presence of certain pathogens.
In the past, commercial production of the substance was achieved by distillation of plants from plants such as sweet birch and eastern tea grooms. Modern methods of synthetic production include the process of esterification of salicylic acid and methanol. Wintergreen is used as an additive and laboratory agent in a diverse selection of applications based on its aromatic odor and a strong rubefacient or dilating properties of blood vessels. As a flavor, Wintergreen is added to toothpaste, candies and soft drinks as an alternative to other coin tastes such as Spearmint and mint. The aromatic odor of the oil is also useful as a scent in many cosmeticsIC preparation.
Oil is also often used as a laboratory agent to clean the tissue samples for microscopy and immunohistochemical work. Once the tissue samples are dehydrated in alcohol, methyl salicylate removes all remnants of pigments blocking light. Wintergreen is also used as a simulation agent for chemicals of deadly chemical wars such as sulfur mustard. Entomologists studying insects, such as orchides, use Wintergreen as a bait to collect insects that use oil to produce fermons. Methyl salicylate is also an antifreeze for chemical transport in cold climate.
However, it is water and creams for pain and joint pain, which are the most famous application of Wintergreen. The oil causes localized capillary expansion, which leads to an increase in temperature in the area of application, which in turn relieves muscle pain. Although the use of Wintergreen in all these products is considered safe, it has cases of accidental overdose, of whichSeveral were fatal. Methyl salicylate in pure form is toxic and excessive use of any product containing therapeutic oil level can lead to poisoning. As with all Wintergreen -containing products, they should only be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.