Methoxybenzaldehydes in plants: Insight to the natural resources, isolation, application and biosynthesis

Abstract

Methoxybenzaldehydes in plants are one of the important groups of benzoate derivatives. Some of them, exhibiting refreshing fragrance can be used as flavouring ingredients in food and cosmetics. Therefore, they have important roles in food and cosmetic industries. Methoxybenzaldehydes also exhibit significant medicinal properties and thus have certain prospects in pharmaceutical industry. Biosynthesis of benzoic acid in plants has been explored in the last decade. There has been focus on benzaldehyde and methoxybenzaldehyde biosynthesis as well. There have been several studies regarding the biosynthetic route and mechanism of formation of benzaldehyde via benzoic acid from cinnamate and further addition of 'methoxy' group to it in the last few years. Still there are many ambiguities regarding the medicinal properties and biosynthesis of methoxybenzaldehydes. This review highlights the latest advances in fragrant methoxybenzaldehyde research and the knowledge gaps till date. The review also discusses the occurrence of methoxybenzaldehydes in plants, their separation methods, medicinal properties and biosynthesis.