Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from cornmint, 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.

Structure

In the natural compound, the isopropyl group is in the trans orientation to both the methyl and hydroxyl groups. Thus, it can be drawn in any of the ways shown:

Details:
Product Name: Menthol
CAS No. 89-78-1
EINECS: 201-939-0
FEMA: 2665
Molecular Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Weight: 156.27
Molecular Structure:

Appearacne: White crystal
Specification: 99%
Variety: Peppermint Extract
Indications:
-Menthol has effect on inflammation of the eye, sore throat, ulcers in the mouth;
-Menthol is used to treat rubella measles; discomfort with feeling of distension in the chest and hypochondriac regions;
-Menthol has function of headache in influenza, upper respiratory infection and other epidemic febrile diseases at the inital stage.

Application:
-Applied in food field, often used as additives, with distinct fragrance smell, menthol can promote digestion and increase appetite;
-Applied in daily necessities field, menthol can be added into a large amount of oral cleaning products, such as dentifrices, mouthwash and tooth powder;
-Applied in pharmaceutical field, because menthol has the function of inhibition and paralysis to sensory nerve endings, it can be used as counter irritant.
What is Peppermint Extract Menthol?
Menthol is extracted from peppermint, which is also known as Menthapiperita, brandy mint, and lamb mint. Menthol has been used for liver and gallbladder complaints, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, respiratory infections, menstrual cramps, toothache, the common cold, cough, and fever. Topically, Menthol has been used for muscle and nerve pain and as an antiseptic.

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, peppermint's 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.