Term Name: | (+-)-menthol |
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Synonyms: | (+/-)-menthol, d,l-menthol, dl-menthol, rac-(1R,2S,5R)-5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)cyclohexan-1-ol, rac-menthol, racementhol, racementholum, racementol |
Definition: | A racemate comprising equimolar amounts of (+)- and (-)-menthol. Both (+-)- and (-)-menthol are used to relieve symptoms of conditions such as bronchitis and sinusitis. When applied to the skin, menthol dilates the blood vessels, giving a sensation of coldness followed by an analgesic effect that relieves itching. It is therefore used in creams and ointments for the relief of pruritis and urticaria. |
Ontology: | ChEBI [CHEBI:76310] ( EBI ) |