MOLECULE

Methyl salicylate

Methyl salicylate or methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, belongs to the class of organic compounds known as o-hydroxybenzoic acid esters. These are benzoic acid esters where the benzene ring is ortho-substituted with a hydroxy group. Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, a methyl ester of salicylic acid, is a neutral compound. It is a colorless, viscous liquid with a sweet fruity odor reminiscent of a mint and with a peppermint, and wintergreen taste. It is a naturally occurring organic compound in many species of plants, particularly wintergreens and in cannabis plants (PMID: 6991645). Methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate is found in highest concentrations in hyssops and bilberries and was detected in sour cherries, tamarinds, garden tomato (var.), black elderberries, and mandarin orange (clementine, tangerine). This could make methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate a potential biomarker for the consumption of these foods. It is also present in wines (PMID: 31500198; PMID: 31500198), tea, porcini mushroom Boletus edulis, Bourbon vanilla, clary sage, red sage and fruits including cherry, apple, raspberry ( PMID: 31608465), papaya and plum. It is an anti-herbivore used by some plants to recruit beneficial insects (PMID: 15537163). It used as a fragrance and is used in foods such as chewing gum and mints and in beverages. It is a topical analgesic added to liniments (such as Bengay) where it acts as a counter-irritant to relieve joint and muscle pain. As methyl salicyclate is metabolized to salicyclate, it is a potentially toxic compound, particularly to children or to adults who excessive overuse such liniments.