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Menthol

Clinical trial
Monoterpene alcohol (cyclic)

Mechanism of Action

Activates TRPM8 (transient receptor potential melastatin 8) cold-sensing receptors, producing cooling sensation and mild local anesthesia. Blocks voltage-gated calcium channels in smooth muscle, producing antispasmodic effects. Activates TRPA1 channels at higher concentrations, contributing to analgesic action. Inhibits 5-HT3 receptor-mediated currents in enteric neurons.
Antispasmodic through TRPM8 activation and calcium channel modulation; analgesic reducing visceral pain

Research Notes

Mint / Bo HeTCM

Menthol is the most extensively studied monoterpene in pharmacology. Clinical trials confirm antispasmodic efficacy in IBS via enteric-coated peppermint oil (meta-analysis, Khanna et al., 2014). TRPM8 activation demonstrated in patch-clamp studies on trigeminal neurons. Topical menthol (10%) showed comparable efficacy to acetaminophen for tension headache in an RCT (Gobel et al., 1996). Anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of LTB4 and PGE2 demonstrated in vitro.

Peppermint (digestive focus)Western

Menthol demonstrates potent antispasmodic activity. Multiple clinical trials confirm efficacy in IBS and functional dyspepsia. Enteric-coated formulations show superior IBS symptom reduction.

Found In 2 Herbs

Mint / Bo He

Mint / Bo He

TCM
Peppermint (digestive focus)

Peppermint (digestive focus)

Western

3D Molecular Structure

Monoterpene alcohol (cyclic)
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Menthol

Monoterpene alcohol (cyclic)Aromatic plant metabolites with anti-inflammatory properties

Representative pattern: C₁₀H₁₆O

Atoms
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen

Live Research

Open on PubMed

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