Research Area: Endocrinology
Biological Activity:
Vanillylacetone is similar in chemical structure to other flavor chemicals such as vanillin and eugenol. It is used as a flavor additive in spice oils and in perfumery to introduce spicy aromas.Fresh ginger does not contain vanillylacetone; cooking the ginger transforms gingerol, which is present, into vanillylacetone through a retro-aldol reaction. Vanillylacetone is likely the active constituent responsible for the antidiarrheal efficacy of ginger. [1]