Menthol
Menthol is an isolated compound rather than a whole plant drug.
| Substance type | Isolated compound or extract, not a whole plant drug |
|---|
The evidence at a glance
4papers on this site for this drug, published 1994 to 2023, every one with a DOI.
- 4Other clinical studies and reviews
A count is not a conclusion and a tier is a study design, not a verdict. Each paper is listed with what it measured on the page below. See the research index for how papers are tiered.
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Menthol |
What is it made of?
The marker compounds are listed under Dosage forms and preparation, below.
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Crystals (topical), Essential oil, Inhalation preparation, Lozenges, Topical balm/ointment, Gel, Nasal spray, Oral thin films, Transdermal patches
Standard Dosage: Topical: 1-10% in formulations. Oral (lozenges): 5-10 mg per lozenge. Inhalation: 2-5 drops in steam. Internal: 0.2-0.4 mL peppermint oil (50-55% menthol) in enteric-coated capsules.
Optimal Timing: Topical: as needed for pain or cooling. Lozenges: as needed for throat/nasal congestion. Enteric capsules: 30 minutes before meals. Inhalation: as needed for respiratory relief.
Storage: Store menthol crystals in airtight glass containers at 15-25 deg C (sublimes at higher temperatures). Protect from heat and light. Essential oil in amber glass, tightly sealed. Topical products at room temperature. Lozenges in individually wrapped, moisture-proof packaging.
Marker Compounds: L-Menthol, Menthone, Menthyl acetate, Isomenthone, Neomenthol, Pulegone (impurity, must be below 1%)
Synergistic Combinations
- Camphor (counter-irritant analgesic combination)
- Methyl salicylate (pain relief synergy in balms)
- Eucalyptus oil (respiratory decongestant)
- Capsaicin (hot-cold analgesic therapy)
- Mentha piperita oil (complete peppermint spectrum)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Other clinical studies and reviews4
- 2023. Menthol: An underestimated anticancer agentFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 37007039 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2023.1148790
- 2022. Do products containing menthol exacerbate allergic rhinitis? A narrative reviewEuropean review for medical and pharmacological sciences. PMID 36524912 · doi:10.26355/eurrev_202212_30484
- 1994. Menthol and related cooling compoundsThe Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology. PMID 7529306 · doi:10.1111/j.2042-7158.1994.tb03871.x
- 2017. Cellular and Molecular Targets of Menthol ActionsFrontiers in pharmacology. PMID 28769802 · doi:10.3389/fphar.2017.00472
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Available from Age Ayurveda
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