Phloroglucinol

Phloroglucinol is an antispasmodic and a derivative of phenol.

Phloroglucinol (phlo) is a phenol derivative that shows a cytoprotective effect from oxidative damage by enhancing the activity of cellular catalase. It can also be used to prepare synthetic analogs of A-type proanthocyanidins (PACs) such as 2,8-dioxabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane derivatives by reacting with the corresponding flavylium salts. Phlo can react with benzaldehyde derivatives to form phloroglucinol-based microporous polymeric organic frameworks (phlo-POF) with potential applications in ion exchange and gas adsorption.

Phloroglucinol has been used to stain root sections. It has also been used to stain plant sections to identify plant materials like lignin.

Phloroglucinol has been used to prevent hyperhydricity by promoting the lignification of shoots. It has also been used in PG (phloroglucinol)-sucrose treatments for the growth and development of in vitro derived shoot tips. Phloroglucinol has been used to stain root sections. It has also been used to stain plant sections to identify plant materials like lignin.

Phloroglucinol displays antispasmodic activity. It is a trihydroxybenzene with antithrombotic, profibrinolytic, antimicrobial, antimalarial, cancer chemopreventive, anti-HIV, and anti-leishmanial activities. Phloroglucinol (PG) is a biosynthetic precursor of the 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (DAPG) an antibiotic against soil-borne diseases. Phloroglucinol is a useful intermediate because it is polyfunctional.