Butylphthalide facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Butylphthalide |
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Preferred IUPAC name
3-Butyl-2-benzofuran-1(3H)-one
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| Other names | 3-Butylphthalide; 3-n-Butylphthalide; NBP |
| Identifiers | |
| Abbreviations | NBP |
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| Properties | |
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| Molar mass | 0 g mol-1 |
| Appearance | clear oily liquid |
| Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa) | |
Butylphthalide (also known as 3-n-butylphthalide or NBP) is a natural chemical found in celery. It's one of the main things that gives celery its special smell and taste, working alongside another chemical called sedanolide.
Scientists have studied butylphthalide to see what it can do. Research in animals suggests it might help with high blood pressure (a condition called hypertension) and could also protect brain cells (this is called a neuroprotective effect). Because of these possible benefits, NBP was approved in China in 2002 to help treat a condition called cerebral ischemia, which happens when the brain doesn't get enough blood.
Contents
What is Butylphthalide?
Butylphthalide is a special type of chemical compound that comes from plants. It's known for being a key part of what makes celery unique. Think of it as one of the secret ingredients that gives celery its distinctive flavor and aroma.
Where Does Butylphthalide Come From?
Butylphthalide is naturally found in celery oil. When you smell or taste celery, you're experiencing the effects of chemicals like butylphthalide and sedanolide working together. These compounds are part of what makes celery a popular vegetable in many dishes around the world.
How is Butylphthalide Used?
Scientists are very interested in butylphthalide because of its potential health benefits. Most of the studies so far have been done on animals, but the results are promising.
Helping with Blood Pressure
Some studies suggest that butylphthalide might be helpful for people with hypertension, which is the medical term for high blood pressure. Keeping blood pressure at a healthy level is important for your heart and overall health.
Protecting the Brain
Butylphthalide has also shown signs of being "neuroprotective." This means it might help protect brain cells from damage. This is a very exciting area of research, especially for conditions where brain cells might be at risk.
Medical Use in China
In 2002, butylphthalide was approved for medical use in China. Doctors there use it to help treat cerebral ischemia. This condition occurs when parts of the brain don't get enough blood flow, which can cause problems. NBP is used to help improve blood flow to the brain.
Is Butylphthalide Safe?
When butylphthalide has been studied in animals and in people, only minor side effects have been seen. This suggests that it is generally well-tolerated. Scientists continue to study how it works in the body to understand it even better.
