l-Menthol

L-Menthol is a naturally occurring monoterpenoid and the main form of menthol found in nature. It is an organic compound with a fresh, minty scent that produces a cooling sensation by activating cold-sensitive TRPM8 receptors in the skin and mucous membranes. L-Menthol is widely used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for symptomatic relief of minor irritation, pain (including muscle and joint pain), sore throat, cough associated with colds or inhaled irritants, itching from minor skin conditions or insect bites, and as a topical analgesic. Its mechanism of action includes selective activation of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 8 (TRPM8), kappa-opioid receptor agonism for analgesia, antagonism of voltage-dependent L-type calcium channels to reduce neural activity and muscle contraction, positive allosteric modulation of GABA A receptors contributing to anesthetic effects similar to propofol but less potent. It also has mild antibacterial properties against certain oral bacteria[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8].

Brand names

Absorbine Jr AntifungalMentholatumActivICEAspercreme Heat Pain RelievingBiofreezeBlue GelFlexall

Other names

(-)-menthol(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-Menthol(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexyl alcoholmenthacamphor