WS-12 is a chemical compound that acts as a potent and selective activator of the

TRPM8 Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 8 (TRPM8), also known as the cold and menthol receptor 1 (CMR1), is a protein that in humans is encoded by the ''TRPM8'' gene. The TRPM8 channel is the primary molecular t ...

calcium channel, which is responsible for the sensation of coldness produced by

menthol Menthol is an organic compound, more specifically a monoterpenoid, made synthetically or obtained from the oils of corn mint, peppermint, or other mints. It is a waxy, clear or white crystalline substance, which is solid at room temperature and ...

. It is slightly less potent as a TRPM8 activator compared to

icilin Icilin (AG-3-5) is a synthetic super-agonist of the transient receptor potential M8 (TRPM8) ion channel. Although structurally not related with menthol, it produces an extreme sensation of cold, both in humans and animals. It is almost 200 times ...

, but is much more selective for TRPM8 over related calcium channels. It produces

analgesic An analgesic drug, also called simply an analgesic (American English), analgaesic (British English), pain reliever, or painkiller, is any member of the group of drugs used to achieve relief from pain (that is, analgesia or pain management). It ...

and

antiinflammatory Anti-inflammatory is the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling. Anti-inflammatory drugs, also called anti-inflammatories, make up about half of analgesics. These drugs remedy pain by reducing inflammation as o ...

effects in animal models with similar efficacy to menthol and a reduced side effect profile.

References

{{Transient receptor potential channel modulators Ion channel openers