Menthol is an organic compound made synthetically or obtained from 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.
In food field,
Menthol crystals is usually used as additives, with distinct fragrance smell, menthol can promote digestion and increase appetite;
In daily necessities field
Menthol can be added into a large amount of oral cleaning products, such as dentifrices, mouthwash and tooth powder;
In pharmaceutical field,
Due to menthol has the function of inhibition and paralysis to sensory nerve endings, it can be used as counter irritant.