FIG. 9.

Model predicting the possible mode of action of L-menthol. As described, the initial response is through Caspase 10 and followed by Caspase 3 and Caspase 7. Caspase 10 may also influence the activation of BID to tBID. This step is inhibited by HSP90, but due to lower expression in L-menthol-treated cell, the availability of HSP90 decreases. After release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, APAF1 and Caspase 9 induce Caspase 3 and Caspase 7 towards apoptosis. HSP90 may not be available in sufficient amount to trigger the AKT- and NFkB-mediated survival pathway. Similarly, BAD (a pro-apoptotic factor) is released from the complex “BAD and BCL-xL” due to low availability of HSP90.