menthol

an optically active organic compound found in peppermint oil and used as an antiseptic, in inhalants, and as an analgesic. Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

menthol

[′men‚thȯl]

(organic chemistry)

CH₃C₆H₉(C₃H₇)OH An alcohol-soluble, white crystalline compound that may exist in levo form or a mixture of dextro and levo isomers; used in medicines and perfumes, and as a flavoring agent. Also known as peppermint camphor.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Menthol

3-methyl-6-isopropylcyclohexanol; colorless crystals with a peppermint odor and a slightly bitter taste.

Menthol is readily soluble in organic solvents and slightly soluble in water. It has a strong cooling effect on the skin. There are 12 known stereoisomers, the most widely occurring in nature being the levorotatory ( — )-menthol (melting point, 43°C; boiling point, 216°C). This form is the principal constituent of peppermint oil (to 50 percent) and Japanese mint oil (to 90 percent); the congelation process is used to extract it. Menthol is usually synthesized by the hydrogenation of thymol.

Menthol is a mild analgesic and disinfectant. It is used externally in alcohol, ether-alcohol, and oil-based solutions to relieve itching, neuralgia, and migraine. Menthol ointments, inhalants, and nose drops are prescribed for inflammations of the upper respiratory tract (common cold, tracheitis). Menthol is prepared in emulsion form for internal use as a sedative in the treatment of certain gastrointestinal diseases. Ingakamf inhalers, Zelenin drops, and Validol are menthol-containing products. Menthol is also used in perfume and cosmetics (in dental-care products), in the food industry (liqueurs, candy), and in flavoring tobacco.

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References in periodicals archive

"There are hundreds of menthol oil drums inside the warehouse and they are exploding," Fire Officer Arun Kumar Singh told ANI.

Major fire breaks out at menthol warehouse in Greater Noida

This report focuses on the Menthol Tonka Bean in global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa.

Menthol Tonka Bean Market Shipment, Price, Revenue, Gross Profit, Interview Record, Business Distribution to 2019-2024

The 10-milliliter bottle is available in 38 different flavors, ranging from traditional tobacco and menthol to hookah flavored e-liquid such as Cool Lemon, Melon Fusion and Choco-Nana, a chocolate and banana mix.

NACS is smokin': the rapidly growing smokeless tobacco category figures to generate much excitement at the NACS Show

Most of the second- and third-degree burns were associated with products that contain menthol as the single active ingredient and with products that contain a combination of menthol (concentration greater than 3%) and methyl salicylate (concentration greater than 10%).

Burned by pain relievers

Like other Djarum cigar styles, Mild and Menthol Black will be offered in 12-count packs to avoid confusion with cigarettes, the company stated.

OTP New Products

The tobacco industry advertises menthol as a substance which alleviates harshness and enhances taste and smoothness, "but menthol may also facilitate nicotine delivery and increase the sensory impact of cigarettes," says the report.

Scenihr report offers ammunition for anti-tobacco lobby in oncoming EU ingredients directive review

Chief executive Heinz-Juergen Bertram said, 'Symrise is already the global market leader in menthol production.

Symrise to double synthetic menthol production capacity

According to a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, more than 70% of African American smokers buy menthol cigarettes.

United, if not unanimous: menthol cigarette issue smokes out Congressional Black Caucus

A study exploring tobacco industry manipulation of menthol levels in specific American cigarette brands concluded that there was a deliberate strategy to "recruit and addict young smokers".

Added menthol; In association with the NHS

Co-author Howard Koh, Professor and Associate Dean for Public Health Practice at the school, said: "For decades, the tobacco industry has carefully manipulated menthol content not only to lure youth but also to lock-in lifelong adult customers."

Youngsters lured into smoking by masking menthol - report; INTERNATIONAL

Pharmacokinetic studies reveal that fractionated urinary recovery of menthol is dependent on the kind of formulation used for the application of PO.

Gastrointestinal clinical pharmacology of peppermint oil