What Is Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)? Other Names: BHT, Butil Hidroxitoluen, Dibutylated Hydroxytoluene

What is Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a synthetic antioxidant widely used in various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It is known for its ability to prevent oxidative rancidity in fats and oils, thereby extending the shelf life of products. This article explores the chemical properties, applications, and potential health effects of BHT. Other names include: 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-creosol, BHT, Butil Hidroxitolueno, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxytoluene, Butylhydroxytoluène, Butyl Hydroxytoluène, Dibutylated Hydroxytoluene, Dibutylhydroxytoluène, Hydroxytoluène Butylé.

Chemical Properties

BHT, also known as 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol, is a lipophilic organic compound. Its chemical structure allows it to act as a free radical scavenger, which is the basis for its antioxidant properties. BHT is often used in combination with other antioxidants like Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) to enhance its effectiveness6.

Applications of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Food Industry

BHT is extensively used as a food additive to preserve the freshness of products by preventing oxidative degradation. It is commonly found in low-fat foods, fish products, and packaging materials6.

Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals

In the cosmetics industry, BHT is used to stabilize formulations and prevent the oxidation of ingredients. It is also used in pharmaceuticals to maintain the efficacy of active ingredients over time3.

Medical Research

BHT has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects. For instance, it has shown promise in reducing the severity of lesions in genital herpes simplex virus infections1 2. Additionally, BHT has been investigated for its protective effects against hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethylnitrosamine in animal models3.

Health Effects of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Antioxidant Benefits

BHT’s antioxidant properties have been shown to offer protective effects in various biological systems. For example, it has been found to enhance antioxidant status and prevent histopathological and biochemical alterations in liver tissues exposed to carcinogens3. BHT also demonstrated protective effects against stress-induced physiological changes in rats5.

Potential Risks

Despite its benefits, BHT is not without risks. High doses of BHT have been associated with liver toxicity and oxidative stress. Studies have shown that BHT can induce oxidative and metabolic alterations in cardiac tissues and serum lipids, mimicking some pathological conditions8. Additionally, BHT has been linked to exacerbations of chronic urticaria in sensitive individuals7.

Cognitive Effects

Research has indicated that BHT may impair learning and memory in animal models. In a study on passive avoidance learning in rats, BHT administration resulted in decreased time spent in light, suggesting impaired cognitive function6.

Tumor Promotion

While BHT has shown some protective effects against cancer, it has also been reported to have tumor-promoting properties in certain contexts. For instance, BHT was found to enhance leukocytic infiltration and dysplasia in pulmonary cells at high doses9.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Adverse Effects of Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT)

Impairment of Learning and Memory

BHT has been shown to impair learning and memory in male rats, as evidenced by decreased performance in passive avoidance learning tests1.

Motor and Neurobehavioral Toxicity

High doses of BHT, especially when heated, significantly reduce motor activity and cause neurobehavioral changes, including negative geotaxis and cliff avoidance test performance2.

Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Alterations

Long-term administration of BHT induces oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation, and alters serum lipid profiles, leading to elevated triacylglycerols, VLDL, and LDL-cholesterol concentrations3.

BHT exposure results in decreased antioxidant enzyme levels (SOD, CAT, GSH) and increased markers of oxidative stress (MDA, 8-OH-dG)4.

Hepatotoxicity

BHT causes significant liver injury, as indicated by elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST), total bilirubin, and histopathological changes such as vascular congestion and hydropic degeneration5 6.

Co-exposure to BHT and other antioxidants like ethoxyquin exacerbates liver damage and oxidative stress4 6.

Cardiac and Pulmonary Toxicity

BHT induces pathological changes in the heart and lungs, including coagulative necrosis, muscle atrophy, interstitial pneumonia, and pulmonary emphysema2.

Protective Effects in Specific Contexts

Despite its adverse effects, BHT has shown protective effects against certain conditions, such as reducing the severity of lesions in herpes simplex virus infections and mitigating the negative effects of starvation on physiological parameters7 8 9 10.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

How has Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Improved Patient Outcomes?

Reduction in Herpes Simplex Virus Symptoms

Topical application of BHT has been shown to slightly reduce the time from lesion onset to dry crust formation and shorten the duration of vesicle-ulcer stages in patients with recurrent herpes simplex labialis1.

In guinea pigs with genital herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), BHT treatment reduced lesion duration, although it did not affect maximum lesion severity or virus titers2.

Cancer Prevention

BHT has demonstrated protective effects against the initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Pretreatment with BHT enhanced antioxidant status, reduced oxidative stress, and prevented histopathological and biochemical alterations associated with diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC3.

Potential Adverse Effects

In some patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, BHT exacerbated symptoms. Elimination of BHT from the diet led to a marked reduction in the frequency, severity, and duration of urticaria episodes4.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Mechanisms of Action

Antiviral Activity

BHT shows in vitro activity against enveloped viruses, including herpes simplex virus, by reducing lesion duration and virus excretion in treated subjects1 4.

Antioxidant Properties

BHT enhances antioxidant status by increasing levels of glutathione and superoxide dismutase, which helps in reducing oxidative stress and preventing histopathological changes in liver tissue2 5 6.

BHT pretreatment can mitigate oxidative stress induced by hepatocarcinogens like diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and endotoxins, thereby protecting liver function2 6.

Oxidative Stress and Toxicity

Long-term administration of BHT can induce oxidative stress, leading to increased lipid peroxidation and alterations in serum lipids and cardiac energy metabolism7.

BHT can cause nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity, as evidenced by increased levels of urea, uric acid, and liver enzymes, along with decreased albumin and glutathione levels9 10.

Impact on Learning and Memory

BHT impairs learning and memory in rats, as shown by decreased performance in passive avoidance learning tasks3.

Adverse Reactions

BHT can exacerbate chronic urticaria in sensitive individuals, indicating potential allergenic or irritant properties8.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Common Complaints Associated with Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) Use

Exacerbation of Chronic Urticaria

BHT can aggravate symptoms in patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria, leading to increased frequency, severity, and duration of urticaria episodes1.

Impairment of Learning and Memory

BHT has been shown to impair learning and memory in animal models, specifically in passive avoidance learning tasks in male rats2.

Liver Toxicity

BHT pre-treatment can lead to significant liver injury, especially in the presence of endotoxins, as evidenced by increased liver enzyme levels and decreased glutathione levels3.

Learn more with Consensus:

 

---

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.