Different Type Uses of Methyl Salicylate

Mar 29, 2023

What is Methyl Salicylate?

Methyl Salicylate sometimes called wintergreen oil, this sweet-smelling member of the aspirin family is one of the most widely used counterirritants. Although it is extremely toxic, manufacturers use methyl salicylate in very low concentrations as a flavouring agent in candy, chewing gum, cough drops and toothpaste.

Methyl salicylate has anti-inflammatory properties and is still used, incorporated into liniments and ointments for joint and muscle pains and for rheumatic conditions.

Methyl Salicylate Structure

Uses and Natural Occurrences

Sources of synthetic Origin: Structurally it is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. Hence, it can be produced from the condensation reaction of salicylic acid and methanol.

1. Cosmetic Products

Methyl salicylate is used in cosmetics as a warming agent and in sport massage products as a rubefacient. The corresponding finished products may contain 3-9% methyl salicylate. It is used in perfumery as a modifier in blossom fragrance and in oral hygiene products as a mild antiseptic. As a denaturant and flavouring agent at concentrations in the range of 0.0001% to 0.6%. As a flavouring agent in toothpastes up to 1%.

The prime purpose of the sports cream/ massage products is to alleviate certain discomforts arising occasionally in connection with sports and physical exercises. They in fact remove muscle aches, it is used as anti-inflammatory, because it would make these products subject to the medicinal products regulations.

Salons proving aromatherapy also use wintergreen oil with a methyl salicylate content of up to 98%. Wintergreen oil is an essential oil. According to their working codex, essential oils are blended with other “base” oils at concentrations in the range of 0.5-5%.

2. In Foodstuff

Methyl salicylate is used as a flavouring agent in chewing gum, baked goods, syrups, candy, non-alcoholic beverages and ice cream. The compound occurs naturally in various vegetables and edible berries.

3. In Medicine

Methyl salicylate has anti-inflammatory properties and is still used, incorporated into liniments and ointments for joint and muscle pains and for rheumatic conditions, but apart from this no plant extract with salicylate is now available in western pharmacies. 12 different methyl salicylate containing topical products to relieve muscle pain, these contain 3-18% methyl salicylate.

Methyl salicylate has the actions of salicylates , as described under Sodium Salicylate , but it is seldom given by mouth . It is readily absorbed through the skin and is applied in liniments and ointments for the relief of pain.