(-)-Menthol inhibits WEHI-3 leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo.
(-)-Menthol ([1-alpha]-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 (BALBIc 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.
Lu
Hsu-Fung
HF
Department of Clinical Pathology, Cheng Hsin Rehabilitation Medical Center, Taipei.
Liu
Jia-You
JY
Hsueh
Shu-Ching
SC
Yang
Yi-Yuan
YY
Yang
Jai-Sing
JS
Tan
Tzu-Wei
TW
Kok
Lai-Fong
LF
Lu
Chi-Cheng
CC
Lan
Sheng-Huei
SH
Wu
Shan-Ying
SY
Liao
Shiu-Shin
SS
Ip
Siu-Wan
SW
Chung
Jing-Gung
JG
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D007942:Leukemia, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D015479:Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008610:Menthol / Q000097:blood / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D013154:Spleen / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology
D008610:Menthol