Phenolic compounds in the treatment of rheumatic fever. II. The metabolism of gentisic acid and the ethanolamide of gentisic acid

The absorption and excretion of gentisic acid has been studied to help clarify the confusion that exists in the literature. Data are given that support the retarding action of methyl cellulose and Benemid and also the manner in which these compounds are metabolized in the human body. The first metabolic study of the ethanolamide of gentisic acid in human subjects is described. Evidence is presented that the antirheumatic property of certain phenolic compounds may be explained by the phenomena of chelation and the possible existence of a reversible hydroquinone-quinone system in the blood stream.