3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde is metabolites of a food additive butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). It has less prominent radical-scavenging activity than butylated hydroxytoluene. As the anthropogenic pollutant, it was detected in human breast adipose tissues. 3,5-di-tert-butyl- 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde was found in essential oil of Sphaeranthus indicus and in the capsules of Asclepias physocarpa. It is used as a reagent in the synthesis of a series of quinolinone-chalcones, which have anti-parasitic activity and in the synthesis of thiazolo[3,2-b][1,2,4]triazole-6(5H)-one derivatives (a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents).

Vanillin (4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde), a pleasant smelling organic aromatic compound, is widely used as a flavoring additive in food, beverage, cosmetic and drug industries. It is reported to cross the blood brain barrier and also displayed antioxidant and neuroprotective activities. Vanillin is a natural substance widely found in many plant species and often used in beverages, foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products. Antioxidant and anticancer potential have been described for this compound. Vanillin has been classified as a bioantimutagen and is able to inhibit mutagenesis induced by chemical and physical mutagens in various cell systems. Vanillin, a selective agonist of TRPV1, has been shown to attenuate i.c.v. STZ and AlCl3+d-galactose induced experimental Alzheime's disease (AD).