Sweet-enhancing effect of coolant agent menthol evaluated via sensory analysis and molecular modeling

IF 6.5 1区农林科学 Q1 CHEMISTRY, APPLIED

Food Chemistry: X Pub Date : 2025-02-01 DOI:10.1016/j.fochx.2025.102337

Haiyan Yu , Ting Ao , Haifang Mao , Jibo Liu , Chen Chen , Huaixiang Tian

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Responding to global trends favoring low-sugar diets, this study explored the potential of menthol, a cooling agent, to enhance sweet taste perception through integrated sensory evaluations and molecular modeling. The results of static sensory evaluation (recognition threshold determination, paired comparison test and 15 cm-linear scale) and dynamic sensory analysis indicated that menthol lowered sweetness threshold of HFCS (from 5.98 g/L to 5.02 g/L), while intensifying maximum sweetness intensity and prolonging the duration of sweetness. Sensory analysis identified optimal sweet enhancement at 0.004–0.030 g/L menthol concentrations, while 0.060 g/L caused sweetness suppression through intensified cooling/bitter sensations. Molecular modeling comparing T1R2/T1R3-Glu/Fru system and T1R2/T1R3-Glu/Fru/Men system elucidated that the addition of menthol increased the number of hotspot residues in protein-sugars binding and stabilized interactions by occupying sites near sugar active sites, maintaining the Venus Flytrap Domain in its closed, activated configuration. These findings demonstrated the underlying contribution menthol made to sweet enhancement and sugar reduction.

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来源期刊

Food Chemistry: X CHEMISTRY, APPLIED-

CiteScore

4.90

自引率

6.60%

发文量

315

审稿时长

55 days

期刊介绍： Food Chemistry: X, one of three Open Access companion journals to Food Chemistry, follows the same aims, scope, and peer-review process. It focuses on papers advancing food and biochemistry or analytical methods, prioritizing research novelty. Manuscript evaluation considers novelty, scientific rigor, field advancement, and reader interest. Excluded are studies on food molecular sciences or disease cure/prevention. Topics include food component chemistry, bioactives, processing effects, additives, contaminants, and analytical methods. The journal welcome Analytical Papers addressing food microbiology, sensory aspects, and more, emphasizing new methods with robust validation and applicability to diverse foods or regions.