Phenol paradoxical toxicity

Polyphenols and flavonoids present in red wine and grape juice, fruits and vegetables, have potent antioxidant activity, which may slow down oxidative modification of LDL, and their subsequent toxicity (Wedworth and Lynch, 1995). Phenolic compounds exert cytoprotection on vascular cultured cells by inhibiting the calcium rise and subsequent oxidized LDL-mediated cell death (Vieira et al, 1998). These compounds may play a role in the relatively low level of coronary heart disease in Prance ( Fnench Paradox ) and other Mediterranean countries (Renaud and Ruf, 1994). 

During a full-face phenol peel, 2.5-5 ml of phenol solution is usually applied on the skin. The conventional formulas (Litton and Baker) use concentrations of around 50%. Applying 3-4 cm of solution therefore leaves 1.5-2 g of phenol on the skin. It is important to be aware of the fact that the toxicity of phenol solutions appears to be paradoxical, as, up to a certain point, diluted solutions can be more toxic than concentrated ones. Publications report that simple aqueous dilutions of 2 parts phenol to 1 part water (i.e. solutions with a concentration of around 33% ) are usually the most dangerous. Some phenol peel formulations still use this concentration, however, confusing speed of penetration with cosmetic effectiveness. 

The toxicity of phenol is paradoxical, and low-concentration solutions are potentially more toxic than high-concentration solutions. 

---

See also in sourсe #XX -- [ ]

---