Menthol studies

Among the various applications of Menthol, perhaps the best known is that of the introduction of this component in cigarettes.
The national data U.S: A. from 2004 to 2010 showed that, despite the decline in the consumption of non-menthol cigarettes, the consumption of menthol cigarettes remained constant in adolescents (age up to 17 years) and in adults (aged over 25) and increasing in young adults (age 18-25) (1).

Menthol is a penetration enhancer widely used in clinical medicine due to its high efficiency and relative safety (2).

Although the kinetics of microbial inactivation depends on the type of microorganism, Menthol, which is used more often than other phenolic monoterpenic components, has antibacterial characteristics, but lower than Hinokitiol, Thymol, Carvacrol (3). respectively.

References_________________________________________________________________________

(1) Villanti AC, Mowery PD, Delnevo CD, Niaura RS, Abrams DB, Giovino GA. Changes in the prevalence and correlates of menthol cigarette use in the USA, 2004-2014. Tob Control. 2016 Nov;25(Suppl 2):ii14-ii20. doi: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2016-053329. 

Abstract. Introduction: National data from 2004 to 2010 showed that despite decreases in non-menthol cigarette use prevalence, menthol cigarette use prevalence remained constant in adolescents and adults and increased in young adults. The purpose of the current study was to extend these analyses through 2014. Results: Although overall smoking prevalence has decreased, the proportion of past 30-day cigarette smokers using menthol cigarettes was higher (39%) in 2012-2014 compared to 2008-2010 (35%). Youth smokers remain the most likely group to use menthol cigarettes compared to all other age groups. Menthol cigarette prevalence has increased in white, Asian and Hispanic smokers since 2010. Menthol cigarette prevalence exceeded non-menthol cigarette prevalence in youth and young adult smokers in 2014. Among smokers, menthol cigarette use was positively correlated with co-use of cigars. Menthol cigarette and smokeless tobacco co-use also increased from 2004 to 2014. Conclusions: The youngest smokers are most likely to use menthol cigarettes. Among smokers, increases in overall menthol cigarette use and menthol cigarette use in whites, Asians and Hispanics since 2010 are of concern. There is tremendous urgency to limit the impact of menthol cigarettes on public health, particularly the health of youth and young adults.

(2) Yang S, Wang R, Wan G, Wu Z, Guo S, Dai X, Shi X, Qiao Y. A Multiscale Study on the Penetration Enhancement Mechanism of Menthol to Osthole. J Chem Inf Model. 2016 Nov 28;56(11):2234-2242. doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.6b00232. 

Abstract. Menthol is a widely used penetration enhancer in clinical medicine due to its high efficiency and relative safety. However, details of the penetration enhancement mechanism of menthol on the molecular level is rarely involved in the discussion. In this work, the penetration enhancement (PE) mechanism of menthol is explored by a multiscale method containing molecular dynamics simulations, in vitro penetration experiments, and transmission electron microscopy. Osthole is chosen to be the tested drug due to its common use in external preparations and because it often accompanies menthol as a PE in the preparations. The results show that menthol in each testing concentration can impair the lipid packing of stratum corneum (SC) and promote osthole permeating into SC, and the penetration promoting effect has an optimal concentration. At a low concentration, menthol causes the bilayer to relax with a reduction in thickness and increment in the lipid headgroup area. At a high concentration, menthol destroys the bilayer structure of SC and causes lipids to form a reversed micelle structure. The penetration enhancement mechanism of menthol is characterized mainly by the disruption of the highly ordered SC lipid in low concentrations and an improvement in the partitioning of drugs into the SC in high concentrations. The results can provide some assistance for additional studies and applications of menthol as a penetration enhancer.

The diction Menthol refers both to a synthetic chemical inorganic compound, and to a natural monoterpene. In nature it is a natural terpene alcohol found in mint oil and various essential oils. It is known for its refreshing and local anesthetic properties.

Raw Materials and Their Functions

Menthol. A natural organic compound known for its cooling and anesthetic properties. It is commonly extracted from peppermint oil or synthesized artificially.

Peppermint Oil. As above. A natural source of menthol, obtained by steam distillation of peppermint leaves. Contains a high percentage of natural menthol.

Chemical Reagents. Used in the artificial synthesis of menthol, including processes like the hydrogenation of compounds such as thymol.

Industrial Production of Menthol

• Natural Extraction. Menthol is extracted from peppermint oil through steam distillation processes and subsequent crystallization.
• Artificial Synthesis. Menthol can also be artificially synthesized by reacting compounds like thymol with hydrogen, in the presence of a catalyst.
• Purification. After extraction or synthesis, menthol is purified to remove impurities and concentrate the compound.
• Quality Control and Packaging. The purified menthol undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets the required standards. After quality control, it is packaged for use in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products, and as a flavoring in various products.

Form and Color

 Commonly appears in a solid crystalline form, colorless or white.

What it is used for and where

It artificially imparts the taste and scent of mint and is produced as an oil, alcohol or extract.

Much used in cigarettes, baked goods, pharmaceuticals, beverages, chewing gum, toothpastes, mouthwashes.

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as III/338 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. Substance or ingredient reported:     Menthol; dl-menthol; l-menthol; d-menthol. The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.

Denaturant. It makes cosmetics unpalatable. It is sometimes added to cosmetics containing ethyl alcohol to make it unsuitable for ingestion. The ionic or polar molecules of this ingredient included in formulations that interact with protein groups, modulate the properties of the solution to suit specific needs.

Fragrance. It plays a decisive and important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product. 

Refreshing. This ingredient is included in cosmetic products to provide a refreshing or toning sensation to the skin and can also help relieve irritation or redness.

Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.

Commercial applications:

Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Industry: Menthol is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and personal care products such as creams, ointments, lip balms, toothpaste, and fresh breath products.

Oral Care Products: Contributes to the fresh feeling in toothpaste and mouthwashes.

Aromatherapy: Menthol is also used in aromatherapy for its relaxing and calming properties.

Menthol studies

• Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₂₀O
• Molecular Weight: 156.269 g/mol
• CAS: 89-78-1  491-01-0  1490-04-6  15356-70-4
• EC Number: 201-939-0  216-074-4  239-388-3  207-723-2
• FEMA Number: 2665
• PubChem Substance ID 57651951
• MDL number: MFCD00001484
• Beilstein Registry Number: 3194263

Synonyms:

• Menthol, (1alpha,2beta,5alpha)-Isomer
• dl-Menthol
• Levomenthol
• Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-
• 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexanol
• Racementhol
• (+/-)-Menthol
• 5-Methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)cyclohexanol
• 3-p-Menthol
• 2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexan-1-ol
• 1-methyl-4-isopropyl-3-hydroxycyclohexane
• 4-Isopropyl-1-methylcyclohexan-3-ol
• 3-Hydroxy-p-menthane
• (1S, 2S, 5R)-(+)-Neomenthol
• Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, [1S-(1.alpha.,2.alpha.,5.beta.)]-
• 5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexanol
• Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1R,2S,5R)-rel-
• 5-methyl-2-propan-2-ylcyclohexan-1-ol
• Cyclohexanol, 5-methyl-2-(1-methylethyl)-, (1.alpha.,2.beta.,5.alpha.)-