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Wintergreen is a group ofaromatic plants.[1] The termwintergreen once commonly referred toplants that remaingreen (continuephotosynthesis) throughout thewinter. The termevergreen is now more commonly used for this characteristic.
Most species of theshrub genusGaultheria demonstrate this characteristic and are called wintergreens inNorth America, the most common generally being the American wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens).[2] Wintergreens in the genusGaultheria contain an aromatic compound,methyl salicylate, and are used as a mintlike flavoring.
The berries of most species can be eaten raw or used in pies.[3]
Wintergreen is a common flavoring in American products ranging fromchewing gum, mints, and candies tosmokeless tobacco such asdipping tobacco (American "dip" snuff) andsnus. It is a common flavoring fordental hygiene products such asmouthwash andtoothpaste. It is often a component ofroot beer, which originated in the United States.
Wintergreen oil is an ingredient in some vegetable-oil based lubricants used infirearm maintenance. These products, sold under the names Seal1 and Frog Lube, are proprietary blends ofvegetable oils intended to clean, lubricate and preserve the metal surfaces offirearms.[4] They have the advantages overpetroleum-based products of beingnon-toxic andbiodegradable.
Artificial wintergreen oil, which is pure methyl salicylate, is used in microscopy because of its highrefractive index.[5] Natural wintergreen oil can be distinguished from artificial by gas chromatography (GC) and GC isotope ratio mass spectrometry analysis.[6]
TheGaultheria species share the common characteristic of producing oil of wintergreen. Wintergreen oil is a pale yellow or pinkish fluid liquid that is strongly aromatic with a sweet, woody odor (components:methyl salicylate (about 98%),α-pinene,myrcene,delta-3-carene,limonene,3,7-guaiadiene, anddelta-cadinene) that gives such plants a distinctive "medicinal" smell whenever bruised.Salicylate sensitivity is a common adverse reaction to the methyl salicylate in oil of wintergreen; it can produce allergy-like symptoms orasthma.[medical citation needed]
Wintergreen essential oil is usually obtained bysteam distillation of the leaves of the plant following maceration in warm water. Methyl salicylate is not present in the plant until formed by enzymatic action from aglycoside within the leaves as they are macerated in warm water.[7] Oil of wintergreen is also manufactured from some species ofbirch, but thesedeciduous trees are not called wintergreens.Spiraea plants also contain methyl salicylate in large amounts and are used similarly to wintergreen. Wintergreen has a strong "minty" odor and flavor; however, theGaultheria-genus plants are not true mints, which belong to the genusMentha.
Wintergreen also is used in some perfumery applications and as aflavoring agent fortoothpaste,chewing gum,soft drinks,confectionery,Listerine, andmint flavorings. Wintergreen is used for rust removal and degreasing of machinery and is particularly effective for breaking through sea water corrosion.[citation needed]
One milliliter (20 drops) of wintergreen oil is equivalent to about 1860 mg of aspirin, or almost six regular-strength adult aspirin tablets.[8]
Treatment is identical to the other salicylates. Early use ofhemodialysis in conjunction with maximal supportive measures is encouraged in any significant ingestion of methyl salicylate.[9]