Abstract
(–)-Menthol ([1-α]-5-methyl-2-[1-methylethyl]-cyclohexanol), is a widely used flavoring ingredient in mouthwash, foods, toothpaste and cigarettes. The studies reported here revealed that (–)-menthol induced cytotoxicity against murine leukemia WEHI-3 cells in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of (–)-menthol on WEHI-3 cells in vivo (BALB/c mice) were also examined, and it was observed that the Mac-3 and CD11b markers were decreased, indicating inhibition of differentiation of the precursor of macrophage and granulocyte. The weights of liver and spleen samples from mice treated with (–)-menthol were found to be decreased compared to untreated animals.
Footnotes
- Received September 18, 2006.
- Revision received December 13, 2006.
- Accepted December 18, 2006.
- Copyright © 2007 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved