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Leaf salicylate (methyl salicylate) is a natural compound extracted from wintergreen or birch leaves. It is a topical analgesic.
Its primary use is in pain-relief creams, gels, and balms (e.g., Bengay, Icy Hot) for sore muscles, arthritis, and backaches. It works by absorbing through the skin to reduce inflammation and pain locally. It is also used as a fragrance in products like chewing gum and toothpaste.
⚠️ Crucial Warning: It is for external use only. Ingestion, even in small amounts, can be fatal due to aspirin-like toxicity.
Items | Specifications | Results |
Appearance | Colorless to yellowish transparent liquid | Conforms |
Odor | Green-floral,sweet-balsam | Conforms |
Purity | ≥97% | 98.4 |
Refractive index(20℃) | 1.518-1.524 | 1.521 |
Relative density(25℃/25℃) | 1.055-1.062 | 1.059 |
Acid value | ≤10mg/KOH/g | 0.3 |
Conclusion | The product conforms to the above specifications. | |
Leaf salicylate typically refers to methyl salicylate—a natural organic compound derived from certain plants' leaves, most notably wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) and birch (Betula lenta) leaves. It is a type of salicylate, chemically related to acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
This compound is responsible for the characteristic "wintergreen" aroma and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and modern applications.
Wintergreen leaves: Primary natural source.
Birch bark/leaves: Also contains methyl salicylate (sometimes called "sweet birch oil").
Other plants: In smaller amounts in some grasses, spices, and fruits.
When applied topically, methyl salicylate acts as a counterirritant and analgesic.
It is absorbed through the skin and metabolized into salicylic acid, which inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing pain and inflammation locally.
Muscle and joint pain: Creams, gels, and liniments for sore muscles, arthritis, backaches, and strains.
Sports medicine: Used in analgesic balms and patches for athletes.
Provides a fresh, minty scent in soaps, candles, and perfumes.
Sometimes used in small amounts for flavoring (e.g., chewing gum, toothpaste) though synthetic methyl salicylate is more common in food due to cost and purity.
Flavoring agent: In very low concentrations in candies, gums, and dental products.
Odor agent: In some cleaning products and industrial masking scents.
Laboratory solvent: In some chemical processes.
Native American remedies used wintergreen leaf tea/poultices for pain, fever, and respiratory issues.
Caution: Internal use of methyl salicylate-rich oils is highly risky due to toxicity.
Not for ingestion: Even small amounts (as little as 5 mL) of concentrated methyl salicylate can be fatal (aspirin-like poisoning).
Skin irritation: Can cause allergic reactions or irritation in some people.
Children and pregnant women: Should avoid use unless under professional guidance.
Drug interactions: May interact with blood thinners or other salicylates (e.g., aspirin).
Proper dilution: Essential oil versions must be diluted before topical use.
Aspirin: Acetylsalicylic acid, used orally for pain, fever, anti-inflammatory effects, and heart health.
Salicylic acid: Used topically for acne, warts, and skin peeling.
Leaf-derived methyl salicylate: Primarily for external use only, with rapid skin absorption and localized effects.
Bengay®, Icy Hot®: Over-the-counter pain-relief creams.
Deep Heat®, Tiger Balm®: Muscle rubs.
Some essential oil blends: For massage or aromatherapy.
Leaf salicylate (methyl salicylate) is a plant-derived compound with potent topical analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Its uses span from muscle pain relief to fragrance applications. However, due to its potential toxicity, it should be used only as directed, never ingested, and kept away from children. For safe use, follow product instructions and consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.



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