Methyl salicylate is a benzoate ester that is the methyl ester of salicylic acid. It has a role as an insect attractant, a metabolite and a flavouring agent. It is a methyl ester, a member of salicylates and a benzoate ester. It is functionally related to a salicylic acid. Methyl salicylate is a common herbivore-induced plant volatile that, when applied to crops, has the potential to enhance natural enemy abundance and pest control. Methyl salicylate has both stimulatory and inhibitory actions on TRPV1 channels, it shows analgesic effects.