So what’s in the menthol turns our mouths into a deep freezer? Just like, how does the menthol creams are applied to the area where they are applied?
Here is the secret curtain behind the mentol.
The feeling of coolness and refreshment, which is not seen in any food, occurs only in mentholic foods.
In fact, this is because the mentol interacts with receptors that detect temperature in the body. Although this interaction is not a real temperature drop, it sends signals to the human brain that gives a feeling of coldness.
On the other hand, the human body has a number of special receptors to detect environmental temperature changes. For example, one of them is a receptor called Trpm8. Trpm8; It is located on the upper breaks roads, the border ends on the skin, the mouth and nasal mucosa.
This receptor detects low temperatures in ordinary rules and sends a cold signal to the brain. However, menthol activates these receptors and causes a feeling of coldness even if the outdoor temperature does not change.
Essentially, this receptor movement system is closely linked to the molecular structure.
When the menthol molecule is taken orally, it connects to the Trpm8 receptors in the oral mucosa and activates it. This activation allows the opening of ion channels. In addition, border cells send electrical signals to detect the cold sense of the brain.
When a menthol cream in the same form is applied, the TRPM8 receptors on the skin are triggered and quickly a feeling of coolness occurs behind behind. In addition, this influence is used in medical practices as we all know.
For example, menthol creams relieve muscle pain due to the feeling of coldness and sometimes accelerate blood flow and offers a relaxing effect. In addition, scientists continue to work on drugs that center Trpm8 receptors in the treatment of disorders such as inflammation and chronic pain.
In short, the reason why mentol gives a feeling of refreshment and coldness is related to the Trpm8 receptors in the human body. It makes you feel quite weird, isn’t it?
