Menthol and its pharmacological properties
It is a known fact that menthol has been valued for its properties in pharmacology since ancient times. It began to be actively used in the West at the end of the 18th century. What is the effect of menthol on the human body? What characteristic features does it have?
Menthol has the following effects on the body:
- has antimicrobial and antianginal effects;
Menthol helps relieve symptoms of diseases of the throat and oral cavity
- gives an anti-inflammatory effect;
- reduces the manifestation of pain;
- relieves itching;
- has a vasoconstrictor effect;
- changes the tone of blood vessels, both superficial and deep, providing a venotonic effect;
- has an analgesic effect and reduces migraine symptoms;
- reduces the formation of gases in the gastrointestinal tract, having a carminative effect;
- helps reduce blood pressure;
- has a calming effect on the nervous system.
In addition, menthol stimulates the trigeminal nerve, dilates the coronary vessels, has a cooling effect at elevated temperatures, and warms at lower temperatures.
There is a controversial aspect - does menthol affect potency and if so, how does it affect it? How can he be dangerous? The benefits of this substance and its possible harm to men's health can be judged from the above characteristics. Sexual dysfunction in men can be caused by many factors, including those associated with insufficient blood circulation, excessive emotional and physical stress, and inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system. Menthol has a mechanism of action that affects all of the above processes. But, producing an exclusively therapeutic effect. In order to dispel all possible doubts, it should be noted that the opposite has not been confirmed by science. Moreover, this substance is included in the chemical composition of some potency enhancing agents.
Expert opinion
Despite the fact that menthol can improve potency, an overdose of products containing this substance can lead to the exact opposite effect. Therefore, strictly follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations.
Vascular surgeon, phlebologist
Osipova Ekaterina Yakovlevna
Dosage and method of administration
Directions for use and dosage:
Externally, inhalation, intranasally, orally. For neuralgia and myalgia, it is recommended to rub in a 2% alcohol solution or 10% oil suspension; for itchy dermatoses - 0.5% alcohol solution or 1% lanolin-vaseline ointment, for migraines - lubricating the skin of the temples with a menthol pencil, for inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract - inhalations and nasal drops, for mild forms of angina - 2-2 times under the tongue 3 drops of alcohol solution on a piece of sugar or bread.
Menthol: indications for use and contraindications
Menthol has a fairly wide range of applications due to its properties. It is used in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract - it helps to cope with symptoms of nausea, stops vomiting, improves digestion and appetite. Ointment for joints effectively fights inflammation, and ointments for legs that have cooling properties help relieve muscle pain, at the same time relieving spasms of various etiologies. In the treatment of colds, it is simply irreplaceable - it acts as an anesthetic, affecting the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx. Liquid menthol, as prescribed by a specialist, is used to lubricate the tonsils and gums, to combat swelling of the nasal cavity, and to reduce coughing attacks. Sometimes levomenthol can be found in the composition of the drug. There is no difference, since levomenthol is the active isomer of menthol (Mentholum).
The smell of menthol helps get rid of a runny nose
Therapeutic inhalations are popular - the smell of the substance helps get rid of a runny nose and reduces the viscosity of sputum. Warming ointment with eucalyptus and menthol gives a pronounced therapeutic effect, especially when used in children over 5 years old with inflammatory diseases of the respiratory tract.
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Valerian tincture and the cooling effect of menthol oil solution, when used simultaneously, acts as a sedative and is also used for heart diseases, for example, during an attack of angina.
As a rule, the ratio of such components is determined by the prescription prescribed by the doctor. The oil helps cope with loss of strength, lack of sleep and overexcitement. Treatment with menthol is also effective for allergic skin reactions, common dermatitis (Dermatitis), eczema and other skin rashes.
Contraindications for use are: children under 5 years of age, extensive dermatoses, complications of varicose veins. With all its beneficial properties, menthol also has side effects. First of all, these are allergic reactions; they can be caused by individual intolerance, which in turn is a contraindication for use. Drowsiness, dizziness and loss of coordination of movements are possible. If taken orally and the dosage is violated, abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea are possible.
Expert opinion
When taking medications with menthol orally, you need to remember that this substance slows down the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Therefore, such drugs are prescribed to hypotensive patients with extreme caution.
Vascular surgeon, phlebologist
Osipova Ekaterina Yakovlevna
Medicines containing menthol
Newspaper "News of Medicine and Pharmacy" 1-2(267-268) 2009
Menthol is an organic compound isolated from peppermint (Mentha piperita) or produced synthetically. The earliest mentions of the use of menthol were found in Japanese cultural monuments dating back 2000 years. In Europe, it has been known only since the end of the 18th century.
Currently, menthol is a generally recognized medicine and is included in the pharmacopoeias of most countries of the world. The drug is used both as an independent remedy and in combination with other drugs. Menthol is characterized by a number of pharmacological effects: irritant (causes a feeling of cold), weak local anesthetic (eliminates the feeling of pain), weak antiseptic (some types of bacteria are sensitive to the drug), sedative (the drug is often combined with tincture of valerian or belladonna), antianginal (reflexively dilates the coronary vessels) and weak analeptic (reflexively stimulating the endings of the trigeminal nerve, stimulating breathing and heart rate). The drug is not prescribed to young children, since reflex depression and respiratory arrest are possible.
The convenience of medical use of menthol is ensured by the variety of available dosage forms: powders, tablets, oil and alcohol solutions, inhalation sprays, pencils.
Despite such widespread use of menthol, the mechanism of its action remained poorly understood for a long time. It was, however, known that not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. So, at room temperature, menthol actually causes a feeling of cold. At the same time, if the ambient temperature rises above 37 ° C, then menthol, on the contrary, causes a feeling of warmth. Only research in recent years has made it possible to find answers to some of the emerging questions.
For example, it turned out that menthol, contrary to expectations, affects not one, but three types of receptors: TRPM8, TRPV3 and TRPA1. By stimulating TRPM8 receptors, the drug causes a feeling of cold, activating TRPV3 receptors - a feeling of warmth. Menthol inhibits TRPA1 receptors, which explains its weak local anesthetic effect. The search for the receptors affected by menthol revolutionized the pharmacology of irritants, as it was discovered that other substances also act on several types of receptors.
In rhinolaryngological practice, menthol is used mainly for rhinitis, stomatitis and pharyngitis. At the same time, the problem of using menthol for rhinitis is covered in the literature much less well than for other diseases, so we decided to dwell on this issue in more detail.
Initially, the effectiveness of menthol in inflammatory diseases of the nasal cavity was explained as follows. When the drug is instilled into the nose, it irritates the cold receptors of the mucous membrane. Information from the receptors is transmitted along afferent (sensitive) nerve fibers to the spinal cord. At the same time, before reaching the spinal cord, small branches extend from the nerves, from which, under the influence of menthol, the release of substance P and ATP into the surrounding tissues decreases. The consequence of a decrease in the content of these mediators is a decrease in the release of histamine from mast cells, bradykinin from sweat glands and prostaglandins from mucosal cells and immune cells. With a decrease in the content of all of the listed biologically active substances - substance P, ATP, histamine, bradykinin and prostaglandins - vasoconstriction occurs. As a result, exudation processes decrease, there is less mucus in the nasal cavity and it becomes easier for the patient to breathe.
The effectiveness of menthol lozenges for resorption was explained in a similar way, with the amendment that when the lollipop is dissolved in the oral cavity, menthol vapors are formed, which enter the nasal cavity through the nostrils and nasopharynx, where they exert their effect. However, research carried out in recent years has forced us to reconsider this position.
Thus, one of the studies included 10 healthy volunteers (average age was 28 years). Under initial conditions, they underwent acoustic rhinometry (a research method that makes it possible to objectively assess how the dimensions of the nasal cavity change when exposed to certain pharmacological agents). Then, each subject was sprayed with a menthol solution into one of the nostrils, and after 5 and 10 minutes, acoustic rhinometry was performed again. As the results of the study showed, no significant differences were obtained between the data obtained using acoustic rhinometry under initial conditions and 5 and 10 minutes after the administration of menthol. And the point here is not at all in healthy volunteers: in accordance with standard protocols, if a substance has a decongestant effect (that is, eliminates swelling of the mucous membrane, eliminates nasal congestion, increases the size of the nasal cavity), then it will also show its effects in healthy individuals. The study authors reported another important point: although there was no objective evidence of menthol having a decongestant effect, more than half of the subjects reported that breathing became easier after using menthol.
Another double-blind, randomized study involved 60 people (33 men and 27 women, mean age 22 years, age ranged from 18 to 43 years) with symptoms of the common cold - nasal congestion and hypersecretion of mucus for up to 72 hours. Using a visual analogue scale (a 10 cm long ruler marked “nose completely free” at one end and “nose completely stuffy” at the other) to assess how easily air passes through the nose. Subjects were then randomly assigned to two groups, one receiving a lozenge containing 11 mg of menthol and the other receiving a placebo tablet. At 2 and 30 minutes after taking the drugs, subjects were again asked to rate how easy it was for them to breathe using a visual analogue scale.
The results of the study indicate that in the initial conditions there were no significant differences between the selected groups of patients in the average ratings given using a visual analogue scale. 2 minutes after taking the drugs, the assessments given by both groups of patients shifted towards “the nose is completely free”. However, this shift in the group receiving menthol lozenges was significantly more pronounced than in the group receiving placebo. The differences between the groups remained significant 30 minutes after taking the drugs.
In another study, 11 healthy volunteers (age 23–29 years) inhaled air at a certain respiratory load (resistance 180 cmH2O/l/s or 75.5 cmH2O/l), which certainly caused discomfort. Under these conditions, menthol inhalation eliminated the discomfort associated with respiratory stress.
Summarizing the results of the above studies, it should be noted that although objective data obtained using acoustic rhinometry do not confirm the presence of a decongestant effect of menthol, taking this drug causes a feeling of easier passage of air through the nasal cavity.
This mechanism of action of menthol is currently considered as the main one. It is believed that menthol, taken in any of the available dosage forms, acts on the cold receptors in the nasal cavity, giving us the feeling that the nose has become freer. In fact, this is not so - the drug does not have a decongestive effect.
However, there is no need to rush. Let's take a closer look at the current picture again. Firstly, although menthol “deceives” the body, it does it much more skillfully than placebo (Fig. 1). Secondly, many people simply need to feel normal in order to perform the required activities. The author has seen more than once how, due to discomfort associated with nasal congestion, a lecturer could not read a lecture normally, a student could not study, a programmer could not write programs... In this case, the feeling of a free nose, even if it does not correspond to objective reality, returns people to a normal work schedule. Finally, to eliminate nasal congestion, patients often resort to the use of stronger drugs, which, of course, reduce the production of mucus in the nasal cavity, but lead to the development of numerous side effects: atrophy of the nasal mucosa, the development of cardiovascular pathology, prostate diseases etc. All these side effects are not typical for menthol.
Considering the above, it is necessary to conclude that the data obtained do not in any way detract from the importance of menthol as a medicine for the effective treatment of rhinitis. Menthol still remains one of the main drugs in the treatment of this pathology.
With regard to acute respiratory diseases in general and rhinitis in particular, one very important problem was once raised. The fact is that viral diseases, according to a number of researchers, lead to disruption of certain human functions. For example, patients infected with coronavirus or rhinoviruses may experience impaired coordination of hand and eye movements; when infected with influenza, the ability to quickly respond to presented stimuli is impaired, etc.
Life problems caused by the influenza virus can be explained by viremia - the entry of viral particles into the blood with subsequent damage to internal organs and the development of intoxication. However, with many other infections, such as rhinovirus, generalization of the infection does not occur - the virus multiplies locally, within one organ (for example, the nasal cavity). Why then do disturbances of certain body functions develop? A number of authors have suggested that nasal congestion may be to blame - when it is difficult for air to pass through the nasal cavity, hypoxia of varying severity can develop in the body, which worsens some of the body’s vital signs.
To check whether all of the above was true, the authors of a study in which 60 people with colds took part (see above) asked the subjects to test their ability to respond to suddenly appearing stimuli. For this purpose, a computer was used, on the screen of which a red or white square appeared. The subject's task was to press special buttons at the moment the square appeared. The test was presented in two versions:
1) patients had to press the same button whenever any square appeared (simple test) or 2) patients had to press one of two buttons depending on which square appeared on the monitor screen (choice test). All patients were tested at baseline and 2 and 30 minutes after taking a menthol lozenge or placebo. The results obtained are presented in Fig. 2.
Obviously, under initial conditions, no significant differences were obtained between the selected groups of patients. They were not detected 2 minutes after taking menthol lozenges or placebo. The same thing was observed 30 minutes after taking the drugs. Moreover, the values obtained at different times - initially, after 2 and 30 minutes, within the same test - were the same and corresponded to the values recorded in healthy individuals.
The authors conclude that rhinitis accompanying the common cold does not lead to disruption of any other body functions. Taking menthol in this case also does not have any effect. However, the authors indicate that this issue requires further clarification. In particular, the experiment must be repeated using other tests - for example, on the safety of hand-eye coordination.
In conclusion, I would like to note that many authors note another important characteristic of menthol - the hypoallergenic nature of this compound.
Many of the effects of menthol can be enhanced or supplemented by its combinations with other drugs, such as eucalyptus, honey, lemon, etc.
Menthol: application in medicine and cosmetology
Menthol rightfully occupies its niche in medicine as a fairly popular remedy. The form of release of this substance can be completely different. The pharmaceutical industry actively uses it in the production of ointments, gels and creams. Ointments containing a substance isolated from mint are presented in a wide range: for hemorrhoids, for legs for joint stiffness (with methyl salicylate), etc.
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Gels and creams with this beneficial substance are used mainly for varicose veins to tone the veins and blood vessels.
Thus, “NORMAVEN®” foot cream is a cooling cream with menthol, which helps reduce pain and has a stimulating effect on the veins, improving blood flow. Experienced specialists from the pharmaceutical company VERTEX worked on its creation; the cream has all the necessary documents and quality certificates. The natural composition of the product includes, in addition to menthol, 11 more components that tones the veins, affects inflammatory processes and improves the appearance of the skin. By using in combination a cooling foot cream with menthol “NORMAVEN®” and a foot spray of the same brand, which also contains menthol, you can achieve the maximum effect.
Cream with menthol for vein pathology
Can pregnant women use menthol cream? The declared qualities of the product are confirmed by clinical studies. In particular, the testing of the NORMAVEN® cream, which took place on the basis of the State Health Institution "City Clinic No. 49", in the antenatal clinic No. 12 in 2007, proved the safety and high effectiveness of using the cream during pregnancy: an improvement in the condition was observed in 95.5 % of cases.
Another pharmaceutical form is a dual-action gel (cooling-warming) with an anti-traumatic phytocomplex, camphor and menthol, relieves swelling and activates microcirculation, alternating processes.
Crystal menthol is also used in cosmetology, as a liquid for wrapping against cellulite, as a remedy for rosacea (lotion-tonic with menthol and lemon balm) - reducing irritation and redness of the skin.
Menthol (Mentholum)
Description. Colorless crystals with a strong peppermint odor and cooling taste. Volatile at ordinary temperatures and distilled with steam. When the drug is ground with an equal amount of camphor, chloral hydrate, phenol, resorcinol or thymol, liquids are formed.
Solubility. Very slightly soluble in water, very easily soluble in 95% alcohol, ether, acetic acid, easily soluble in liquid paraffin and fatty oils.
Storage. In a well-closed container, in a cool place.
Methylthiouracilum
Description. White or slightly yellowish crystalline powder, odorless. Solubility. Very slightly soluble in water, slightly soluble in alcohol and ether, practically insoluble in benzene and chloroform, easily soluble in solutions of alkalis and ammonia.
Storage. List B. In a well-closed container, protected from light.
VRD-0.25 g (orally)
VSD-0.75 g (orally)
Antithyroid substance (inhibits thyroid function).
Morphine hydrochloride (Morphini hydrochloridum)
Description. White needle-shaped crystals or white crystalline powder, slightly yellowing when stored.
Solubility. Slowly soluble in water, sparingly soluble in 95% alcohol, very slightly soluble in ether and chloroform.
Storage. List A. In well-closed orange glass jars, protected from light.
VSD inside and under the skin 0.02 g. VSD inside and under the skin 0.05 g.
Analgesic (narcotic) drug.
Arsenic anhydride (Acidum arsenicosum anhydricum)
Description. Heavy white porcelain-like or glassy pieces, often of a layered structure, with a conchoidal fracture, or heavy white powder.
Solubility. Very slowly soluble in water (68-80 parts), easily soluble in hydrochloric acid, glycerin, as well as in solutions of caustic alkalis and alkali metal carbonates.
Storage. List A. In well-sealed jars. All the equipment necessary for dispensing the drug is stored in the same cabinet.
IRR inside 0.005g, IRR inside 0.015g.
Mint water (Agua Menthae piperitae)
Description. Transparent, colorless or slightly cloudy liquid with the smell and taste of mint.
Storage : In a well-closed container, in a cool place
Valerian tincture (Tinctura Valerianae)
Description. A transparent liquid of a reddish-brown color (darkens under the influence of sunlight), a characteristic aromatic odor and a bittersweet spicy taste.
Sedative.
Video: mint - beneficial properties and contraindications
is not responsible for the accuracy of the information presented in this video clip. Source - Elena Malysheva
Sources:
- DOES THE COMBINATION OF NON-STEROID ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS AND MENTHOL INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LOCAL THERAPY? Denisov L.N., Prozorovskaya Z.A., Ivanova O.N., Sorotskaya V.N. // Bulletin of new medical technologies. – 2011. – No. 1. – pp. 34-39.
- MODERN VIEW ON PATHOGENESIS AND TREATMENT OF ITCHY SKIN. Dvornikov A.S., Gilmanova L.V., Kruglova L.S. // Bulletin of new medical technologies. – 2011. – No. 2. – pp. 417-419.
- https://herbalthera.com/mint-useful-properties-peppermint-application-and-contraindications-of-mint/
- https://nopr.niscair.res.in/bitstream/123456789/9437/1/NPR%203%284%29%20214-221.pdf
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0031942213003063?via%3Dihub
For an accurate diagnosis, contact a specialist.
