Several temperature-activated transient receptor potential (thermoTRP) ion channels are the
molecular receptors of natural compounds that evoke thermal and pain sensations. Menthol,
popularly known for its cooling effect, activates TRPM8—a cold-activated thermoTRP ion
channel. However, human physiological studies demonstrate a paradoxical role of menthol
in modulation of warm sensation, and here, we show that menthol also activates heat-
activated TRPV3. We further show that menthol inhibits TRPA1, potentially explaining the …