(–)-Menthol is a monoterpene that has been found in cornmint oil and has diverse biological activities.1 It inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AChE; Ki = 1.25 mM for the bovine enzyme).2 (–)-Menthol (1.6 mM) decreases expression of the genes encoding topoisomerase I, IIα, and Iiβ in, and cell viability of, SNU-5 gastric cancer cells.3 It is active against the plant pathogenic bacteria A. tumefaciens and E. carotovora (MICs = 2.5 and 4 ?g/ml, respectively).4 (–)-Menthol (3-10 mg/kg) reduces acetic acid-induced writhing and increases latency to paw licking in a hot plate test in mice.5
1.Kamatou, G.P., Vermaak, I., Viljoen, A.M., et al.Menthol: A simple monoterpene with remarkable biological propertiesPhytochemistry9615-25(2013) 2.Miyazawa, M., Watanabe, H., and Kameoka, H.Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase activity by monoterpenoids with a p-menthane skeletonJ. Agric. Food Chem.45(3)677-679(1997) 3.Lin, J.P., Lu, H.F., Lee, J.H., et al.(-)-Menthol inhibits DNA topoisomerases I, II α and β and promotes NF-? B expression in human gastric cancer SNU-5 cellsAnticancer Res.25(3B)2069-2074(2005) 4.Rasoul, M.A.A., Marei, G.I.K., and Abdelgaleil, S.A.M.Evaluation of antibacterial properties and biochemical effects of monoterpenes on plant pathogenic bacteriaAfr. J. Microbiol. Res.6(15)3667-3672(2012) 5.Galeotti, N., Di Cesare Mannelli, L., Mazzanti, G., et al.Menthol: A natural analgesic compoundNeurosci. Lett.322(3)145-148(2002)