MOLECULE

Phytol

Phytol, also known as trans-phytol or (e)-phytol, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as acyclic diterpenoids. These are diterpenoids (compounds made of four consecutive isoprene units) that do not contain a cycle. Thus, phytol is considered to be an isoprenoid lipid molecule. Phytol is a very hydrophobic molecule, practically insoluble in water, but soluble in most organic solvents. It is a colorless clear liquid with a floral, balsamic or waxy odor and a green, berry, tropical or waxy taste. Phytol is a constituent of chlorophyll and is produced in all photosynthesizing plants. Phytol is found in animals that consume plants wherein gut fermentation of ingested plant materials liberates phytol. Phytol has been detected, but not quantified in, several different foods, such as parsnips, rosemaries, red raspberries, common chokecherries, and white cabbages. . Although humans cannot derive phytanic acid from chlorophyll, they can convert free phytol into phytanic acid which is then stored in fats. Refsum disease is an autosomal recessive disorder that results in the accumulation of large stores of phytanic acid in tissues. This disease manifests with peripheral polyneuropathy, cerebellar ataxia, retinitis pigmentosa, anosmia, and hearing loss (PMID:17956237). Phytol and/or its metabolites have been reported to bind to and/or activate the transcription factors PPAR-alpha and retinoid X receptor (RXR). Phytol is used in the fragrance industry and in cosmetics, shampoos, toilet soaps, household cleaners, and detergents. In one study (PMID: 6991645) phytol was the only diterpene reported to exist in the essential oil of cannabis. Phytol is also used in some Cannabis distillate vapes as a diluent