As an antiseptic, it is marketed as S.T.37 by Numark Laboratories, Inc. (in a 0.1% solution) for oral pain relief and as a topical antiseptic. It is available for use topically on small skin infections or as an ingredient in throat lozenges.
As an anthelmintic, 4-hexylresorcinol was sold under the brand Crystoids.[3]
Sytheon Ltd., USA markets 4-hexylresorcinol (trade named Synovea HR).
A study published in Chemical Research in Toxicology[4] shows that 4-hexylresorcinol used as a food additive (E-586) exhibits some estrogenic activity, i.e. resembles action of the female sex hormone estrogen. However, a recent study published in Applied Sciences[5] shows that 4-hexylresorcinol did not change the expression of estrogen receptor-α, -β, or p-ERK1/2 in MCF-7 cells. In an ovariectomized animal model, the 4HR group showed similar levels of ERα, ERβ, and prolactin expression in the pituitary gland compared to the solvent only group, while the estradiol group showed higher levels. Serum prolactin levels were similar between the 4HR and solvent only groups.[5]
^Gisvold O (1966). Wilson CO, Gisvold O, Doerge RF (eds.). Textbook of Organic Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry (5th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott. pp. 237–262.
^"Anthelmintic Crystoids"(Object in collection). National Museum of American History. ID number 1985.0481.142. Retrieved 19 April 2024.
^Adams R, Loewe S, Smith CM, McPhee WD (1942). "Tetrahydrocannabinol Homologs and Analogs with Marihuana Activity. XIII1". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 64 (3): 694–697. doi:10.1021/ja01255a061.
