Methyl Salicylate

Using two‑electrode voltage clamp in frog oocytes expressing GABAA, NMDA, and Nav1.2 channels, the authors showed that L‑carvone and methyl salicylate concentration‑dependently modulated all three targets. Methyl salicylate inhibited GABAA receptors at low concentrations but potentiated them at high concentrations. When formulated in lipid emulsion and given intravenously to rats, both compounds induced general anesthesia at plasma concentrations of 7.9 mM (L‑carvone) and 2.7 mM (methyl salicylate). At these concentrations, NMDA receptors were inhibited ≥53%, Nav1.2 channels ≥78%, and GABAA receptors were potentiated 30% by methyl salicylate. The data support that these mint extracts produce anesthesia through allosteric modulation of canonical anesthetic targets.

Fig. 1 Linear-log plot of the percent current change from baseline of GABAA receptors exposed to L-carvone. (Brosnan RJ, et al., 2022)

Microcapsules of gelatin and gum Arabic containing methyl salicylate were prepared by coacervation and applied to 100% cotton and 100% polyamide fabrics. The microcapsules had well‑defined geometry and improved thermal stability of the active ingredient. Release followed the Korsmeyer‑Peppas model with a Fickian mechanism. Higher washing temperature (50°C) caused more pronounced release than 37°C. The textile matrix influenced release kinetics and microcapsule durability. These findings guide the design of functional textiles with controlled release of fragrances or active compounds.

Fig. 2 Micrograph of methyl salicylate microcapsules. (Mendes S, et al., 2021)