(-)-Menthol inhibits WEHI-3 leukemia cells in vitro and in vivo

In Vivo. 2007 Mar-Apr;21(2):285-9.

Abstract

(-)-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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Leukemia, Experimental / drug therapy*
  • Leukemia, Experimental / pathology*
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / blood
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Myelomonocytic, Acute / pathology
  • Liver / drug effects
  • Liver / pathology
  • Menthol / blood
  • Menthol / pharmacokinetics
  • Menthol / pharmacology
  • Menthol / therapeutic use*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Spleen / drug effects
  • Spleen / pathology

Substances

  • Menthol