Menthol Crystals

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Large amounts may be unsafe

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About Menthol

Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from corn mint, peppermint or other mint oils. It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear or white in color, which is solid at room temperature and melts slightly above. The main form of menthol occurring in nature is (−)-menthol, which is assigned the (1R,2S,5R) configuration. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant qualities, and it is widely used to relieve minor throat irritation. Menthol also acts as a weak kappa opioid receptor agonist.

Peppermint extract is an extract that is made from the volatile oils of the peppermint plant. It has a very distinctive minty flavor and aroma. It can be used in a wide variety of ways. Some people feel that menthol is great for treating certain medical conditions. Menthol can be typically found in any market, in health food stores and also through an herbalist who may also offer peppermint extract for skin care.

Traditionally the peppermint is steeped either fresh or dried peppermint is steeped in alcohol allowing the oils from the peppermint to seep out and flavor the alcohol. Another way is to dilute pure peppermint oil in alcohol. Now pure peppermint oil is a much more volatile and powerful form of peppermint extract and is usually made by distilling or pressing the peppermint. As a general rule peppermint oil is four times stronger than peppermint extract. Traditionally peppermint extract is used in holiday baking and can be added to things such as ice cream, candy, cakes, cookies and other baked goods. Some cooks like to use it in savory dishes as well spicy dishes tend to pair well with mint. In addition to food uses peppermint can also be found in skin care as it sooths the skin. Peppermint extract included in soaps and lotions as peppermint extract has this delightful aroma that people find pleasurable. Peppermint extract also has antibacterial properties and can sooth a sore throat or an upset stomach.

Like other members of the mint family, peppermints distinctive aroma is largely donated by menthol. Menthol is a substance that is often isolated as a flavoring and a medical ingredient. Although many of the benefits of peppermint appear to come from menthol, peppermint also has other compounds that may contribute as well. Menthol has been known to sooth, cool in inflamed skin, reduce itching and relieve low level pain and inflammation on the surface of the skin. Peppermint also can made at home simply by seeping the leaves in an alcohol like vodka or diluting pure peppermint oil and that is what peppermint extract is.

References on Menthol Crystals

[1]. Nakagawa H, Dobashi Y, Sato T, Yoshida K, Tsugane T, Shimura S, Kirimura K, Kino K, Usami S. Alpha-anomer-selective glucosylation of menthol with high yield through a crystal accumulation reaction using lyophilized cells of Xanthomonas campestris WU-9701. J Biosci Bioeng. 2000;89(2):138-44.

[2]. Sharara AI, El-Halabi MM, Abou Fadel CG, Sarkis FS. Sugar-free menthol candy drops improve the palatability and bowel cleansing effect of polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution. Gastrointest Endosc. 2013 Dec;78(6):886-91.

[3]. Shojaei AH, Khan M, Lim G, Khosravan R. Transbuccal permeation of a nucleoside analog, dideoxycytidine: effects of menthol as a permeation enhancer. Int J Pharm. 1999 Dec 10;192(2):139-46.

[4]. Xu X, Yu N, Bai Z, Xun Y, Jin D, Li Z, Cui H. Effect of menthol on ocular drug delivery. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2011 Oct;249(10):1503-10.

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