Methylparaben
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This article is about this particular compound. For the class of hydroxybenzoate esters, including discussion on possible health effects, see paraben.
Methylparaben

Other names methyl paraben;
methyl p-hydroxybenzoate;
methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
nipagin;
E number E218
Properties
Molecular formula C8H8O3
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state
(at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references
Methylparaben, also methyl paraben, one of the parabens, has formula CH3(C6H4(OH)COO). It is the methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is an anti-fungal and a popular preservative for food and cosmetics. The compound is often found in carpules of local anaesthetic, acting as a bacteriostatic agent and preservative.


Methylparaben (also called Nipigin, Tegosept, Ethyl Paraben, Rubidium, and Mycocten), is commonly used as an anti-fungal agent in Drosophila food media. Usage of methylparaben is known to slow Drosophila growth rate in the larval and pupal stages.

- The following information comes from the National Institute of Health's "Household Products Database" Human Health Effects:





[edit] Headline text
Toxicity Summary:

- Methyl paraben is a methyl ester of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is a stable, non-volatile compound used as an antimicrobial preservative in foods, drugs and cosmetics for over 50 years. Methyl paraben is readily and completely absorbed through the skin and from the gastrointestinal tract. It is hydrolyzed to p-hydroxybenzoic acid, conjugated, and the conjugates are rapidly excreted in the urine. There is no evidence of accumulation. Acute toxicity studies in animals indicate that methyl paraben is practically non-toxic by both oral and parenteral routes. In a population with normal skin, methyl paraben is practically non-irritating and non-sensitizing. In chronic administration studies, no-observed-effect levels (NOEL) as high as 1050 mg/kg have been reported and a no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) in the rat of 5700 mg/kg is posited. Methyl paraben is not carcinogenic or mutagenic. It is not teratogenic or embryotoxic and is negative in the uterotrophic assay. The mechanism of cytotoxic action of parabens may be linked to mitochondrial failure dependent on induction of membrane permeability transition accompanied by the mitochondrial depolarization and depletion of cellular ATP through uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation. Parabens are reported to cause contact dermatitis reactions in some individuals on cutaneous exposure. Parabens have been implicated in numerous cases of contact sensitivity associated with cutaneous exposure; however, the mechanism of this sensitivity is unknown. Sensitization has occurred when medications containing parabens have been applied to damaged or broken skin. Allergic reactions to ingested parabens have been reported, although rigorous evidence of the allergenicity of ingested paraben is lacking. [Soni MG et al; Food Chem Toxicol 40 (10): 1335-73 (2002) ]**PEER REVIEWED** PubMed Abstract

NIH-Hazardous Substance Databank [1]

For further information on this compound and for a list of current products containing this compound on file with the National institute of Health go to the following site:

NIH/NLM [2]
15:06, 2 April 2008 (UTC)kathy-7915:06, 2 April 2008 (UTC