(±)-Menthol

(±)-Menthol is a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol found in peppermint which is known to exhibit biological activity such as antibacterial, antifungal, antipruritic, anticancer and analgesic effects. (±)-Menthol is widely used as a product in cosmetics, a flavoring agent, and a synthetic intermediate. (±)-Menthol is a racemic mixture of the (-)-menthol [M0545] and (+)-menthol [M3170]. (-)-Menthol is more common than (+)-menthol in nature, and exhibits, antibacterial, anticancer, and analgesic properties, as well as inhibits cholinesterase. In contrast, (+)-menthol has antifungal activity, but does not exhibit antibacterial, anticancer, analgesic properties, or cholinesterase inhibitory activities.¹⁾ It has been reported that menthol's characteristic pleasant cooling sensation is due to the activation of sensory neurons generally termed transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, in particular transient receptor potential melastatin family member 8 (TRPM8) and transient receptor potential subfamily ankyrin 1 channel (TRPA1).^2-4) (The product is for research purpose only.)