Furfural

Furfural is a heterocyclic aldehyde derived from the acid-catalyzed dehydration of pentose sugars found in agricultural byproducts like corncobs, oat hulls, and wheat bran (PubChem CID 7362). It is primarily utilized as an industrial solvent, a precursor to furfuryl alcohol, and a flavoring agent in heat-processed foods where it forms via the Maillard reaction (WHO, 2005). In a pharmacological context, furfural is not considered a therapeutic target; rather, it is studied for its toxicological impact on human health and its inhibitory effects on yeast and bacteria during biofuel production (National Toxicology Program, 1990). Human exposure occurs through ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact, leading to metabolism into furoylglycine, which serves as a urinary biomarker (IARC, 1995). While it is associated with irritation of the skin and respiratory tract and potential liver damage at high concentrations, there are no approved drugs that target this molecule for the treatment of disease (PubChem CID 7362).

Other names

2-furaldehydeFuran-2-carbaldehydeFurfuraldehyde2-furancarboxaldehyde2-furyl-methanal

Not applicable as furfural is a chemical compound/metabolite and not a biological therapeutic target.