The Secret Behind Menthol's Cooling Power

Menthol is a natural substance found in peppermint and corn mint oils. It's widely used in medicines, cosmetics, and food. Out of the eight forms of menthol, (-)-menthol is the most effective at giving a refreshing feeling. Scientists have long known that (-)-menthol feels cooler and more refreshing than other forms. This is because its structure fits tightly with sensors in our skin and mouth, giving us a stronger cooling sensation.This study looked at menthol and some of its related substances, like menthyl acetate and propionate. They tried to understand how the structure and electrical properties of these substances affect how they work in our bodies. They used advanced computer models to see how these substances interact with our body's targets at a tiny, molecular level. This could help in designing better medicines and understanding how these substances work. The researchers found that the way these substances interact with our bodies might be linked to their structure and electrical properties. This could help explain why some work better than others.