Physiological cooling effect

Menthol Manufacture. Of the menthol isomers, only (-)-menthol [2216-51 -5] and (+)-menthol [15356-70-4] are of commercial importance. The most important natural sources of (—)-menthol are the oUs of Mentha arvensis (75—90%) and Mentha piperita (50—65%). The main suppUers ate Japan, China, BrazU, and Taiwan for the former and the United States, CIS, Bulgaria, and Italy for the latter. (—)-Menthol is known for its refreshing, diffusive odor characteristic of peppermint. It also is known for its strong physiological cooling effect, which is useful in cigarettes, dentifrices, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. 

C13H25NO, Mr 211.35, mp. 88 °C, [a]p° -49° to -54°, is a white, crystalline solid. The compound has a strong physiological cooling effect and is used in a lot of flavor and cosmetic applications to create a cooling sensation. Main use is in oral care products. 

The three most important cyclic monoterpenoids are 1-menthol, 1-carvone and a-terpineol (including its esters). 1-Menthol occurs in a number of mint oils and is used not only for its minty odour, but also, and more importantly, for its physiological cooling effect. Its chemistry is of such interest and significance that it warrants a section of its own, which will be found at the end of this one. 

Menthol (1-methyl-4-isopropylcyclohexan-3-ol) is a monocyclic monoterpenoid, which possesses three asymmetric carbon atoms and therefore exists in eight stereoisomeric forms as shown in Figure 4.23. 1-Menthol is the most highly desired of these since it produces a physiological cooling effect. That is, when applied to skin or mucus membranes, 1-menthol creates the sensation of cooling independent of the... 

From Grub, H., R. Pelzer, R. Hopp, R. Emberger, H.-J. Bertram, Compositions which have a physiological cooling effect, and active compounds suitable for these compositions, U.S. Patent 5266592, 1993, Haarmann Reimer GmbH. With permission. 

Menthol is known for its refreshing, diffusive odor characteristic of peppermint. However, its main uses stem from its physiological cooling effect. When applied to skin or mucus membranes, /-menthol creates the sensation of cooling independent of the actual temperature of the tissue concerned. This property makes it useful in toothpaste and other oral care products, in confectionery, tobacco, cosmetic products, and pharmaceuticals. 

Physiological cooling agents, 24 525-526 Physiological effects, of hydrogen peroxide, 14 60-61... 

C13H24O3, Mr 228.33, [a]p max. -78°, is a white, crystalline substance giving a physiological cooling sensation on skin and mucosa [101a], It is used to create neutral cooling effects in cosmetic or oral care preparations (see p. 58). 

C13H24O3, Mr 228.33, [a]50 -29° to -23°, rag1 1.473-1.480, is a clear, colorless, pale, viscous liquid and creates a physiological cooling sensation on skin or mucosa [193b]. The material is mainly used to create a cooling effect in cosmetic preparations used on skin. 

Although cyclic terpene alcohols occur widely in nature, few have the physiological properties that make them important fragrance or flavor materials. Exceptions are a-terpineol and (—)-menthol, the latter because of its cooling/refreshing effect. Of the bicyclic monoterpene alcohols, bomeol deserves mention. 

Tian Men Dong and Sheng Di Huang are sweet and cold, and enter the Kidney meridian. Because the Liver and Kidney are closely related in physiology and pathology, deficiency of Liver-Yin and Kidney-Yin often exists at the same time. These herbs can indirectly tonify the Liver-Yin as well. Since Sheng Di Huang has a bitter taste, it can effectively cool the blood and reduce the fire. 

Thornhill J. and Asselin J. (1999) The effect of head cooling on the physiological responses and resultant neural damage to global hemispheric hypoxic ischemia in prostaglandin E2 treated rats. Brain Res. 825, 36—45. 

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