Vanilla

Related Terms

Acetic acid, aldehyde, americanin A, beta-D-glucosidase, beta-glucosidase, cellulose, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, coumaric acid, diphenolase, ethyl vanillin, ferulic acid, glucose, glucoside A, glucoside B, glucovanillin, homocitric acid, malic acid, methyltransferases (OMT-2 and Van OMT-3), natural vanilla, Orchidaceae (family), p-coumaric acid, peroxidase, phenols, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase isoforms, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde glucoside, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, piperonal, sucrose, Vanilla barbellata, vanilla bean, Vanilla claviculata, Vanilla dilloniana, vanilla extract, Vanilla fragrans, vanilla ice cream, Vanilla madagascariensis, Vanilla planifolia, Vanilla pompon, Vanilla tahitensis, vanillic acid, vanillin, vanillyl alcohol, vanilmandelic acid.

Background

Vanilla is derived from orchids in the genus Vanilla. Traditionally, vanilla has been used as a food flavoring as well as for scent. Vanilla planifolia, native to Mexico, is the predominant species throughout the world. Vanilla supply is threatened, and many vanilla-flavored products are not made with natural vanilla.
Vanilla has few reported medicinal uses. There is limited evidence that vanilla has antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, insect repellant, food preservative, and radioprotective properties. It may be useful in treating sickle cell anemia. The scent of vanilla has been shown to have calming effects on newborns.
Some vanilla products have been contaminated with bacteria, as well as coumarin, a compound in plants that prevents blood clotting. Allergic reactions have been reported. Vanilla may also affect the taste of breast milk, which may influence food preference in breastfed adults.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


In human study, the odor of vanilla was effective in significantly reducing crying and grimacing during a heel stick in full-term newborns that had been familiarized with the scent, and distress after the procedure was reduced. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


In human study, the odor of vanilla was effective in significantly reducing crying and grimacing during a heel stick in full-term newborns that had been familiarized with the scent, and distress after the procedure was reduced. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


In laboratory study, a compound in vanilla reduced sickling of blood cells. In human study, the compound decreased the percentage of sickled red blood cells in patients with sickle cell anemia. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C


In laboratory study, a compound in vanilla reduced sickling of blood cells. In human study, the compound decreased the percentage of sickled red blood cells in patients with sickle cell anemia. Additional study is needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for vanilla in adults. For sickle cell anemia, one gram of vanillin has been used daily for 40 days.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Some vanilla products have been found to be adulterated with coumarin, a compound in plants that prevents blood clotting. Therefore, vanilla may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Constituents in vanilla may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be increased or decreased in the blood and may cause increased or decreased effects or potentially serious adverse reactions. Patients using any medications should check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Vanilla may also interact with antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, antisickling agents (for sickle cell anemia), agents that inhibit the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, cisplatin, contraceptives, mosquito repellants, radiotherapy, and raloxifene.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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