Compound Monograph
Menthone
Menthone is a minty monoterpene ketone found in peppermint and other mint oils.
Classification
Menthone is a monoterpene ketone, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (4)
Menthone is a naturally occurring monoterpene ketone, found in Peppermint, Pennyroyal and 2 other sources. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Menthone is a cyclic monoterpene ketone and one of the characteristic aroma constituents of peppermint and other Mentha essential oils, where it occurs alongside menthol. It contributes a fresh, minty note and is used as a flavour and fragrance ingredient. It is biosynthetically related to menthol, into which it can be reduced. Beyond its sensory role, little specific pharmacology is established for menthone on its own.
Toxicity & Safety
Menthone is used in flavour and fragrance applications at low levels and is generally considered safe at those concentrations. Detailed human toxicology data for the isolated compound are limited.