p-cresol, also known as also 4-methylphenol, is a unique bacterial metabolite from protein fermentation that is not produced by human enzymes, this metabolites has been frequently used to assess the degree of proteolytic fermentation. Recently investigation showed that p-cresol measurements might help to predict cardiovascular disease risk in renal patients over a wide range of residual renal function, beyond traditional markers of glomerular filtration. In addition, there were studies, which revealed, that urinary p-cresol was elevated in young French children with autism spectrum disorder.

Salicyl alcohol is used as a local anesthetic and antiinflammatory. A light brown crystalline powder, stable, incompatible with acids, acid chlorides, acid anhydrides, strong oxidizing agents. It was found in bark of willow tree family and aspen Populus tremula. It is a well-known allergen in phenol-formaldehyde resins found to cause allergic contact dermatitis. Antioxidant activity of 2-hydroxybenzyl alcohol has been reported.

p-cresol, also known as also 4-methylphenol, is a unique bacterial metabolite from protein fermentation that is not produced by human enzymes, this metabolites has been frequently used to assess the degree of proteolytic fermentation. Recently investigation showed that p-cresol measurements might help to predict cardiovascular disease risk in renal patients over a wide range of residual renal function, beyond traditional markers of glomerular filtration. In addition, there were studies, which revealed, that urinary p-cresol was elevated in young French children with autism spectrum disorder.