How does menthol contribute to skin wound healing. What are the anti-inflammatory properties of menthol in wound healing. How does menthol stimulate the antioxidant defense system. What is the role of menthol in increasing epithelialization. How does menthol affect transient receptor potential channels in wound healing.

The Healing Power of Menthol: A Natural Wound Care Solution

Menthol, a compound found naturally in peppermint and other mint plants, has been gaining attention in the medical community for its potential benefits in skin wound healing. This organic compound, known for its cooling sensation and pleasant aroma, possesses remarkable properties that can aid in the complex process of wound repair.

What is menthol and how is it produced?

Menthol is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol with the chemical formula C10H20O. It is primarily derived from plants of the Mentha genus, particularly peppermint (Mentha piperita). The biosynthesis of menthol in these plants involves a series of enzymatic reactions, starting from the precursor limonene. The final step in this process is catalyzed by the enzyme (−)-menthol dehydrogenase, which converts menthone to menthol.

How does menthol interact with the human body?

Menthol interacts with the human body primarily through its effects on transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, particularly TRPM8 and TRPV3. These channels are involved in temperature sensation and pain perception. When menthol binds to these channels, it can trigger a cooling sensation and potentially modulate pain signals.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Menthol in Wound Healing

One of the key benefits of menthol in wound healing is its anti-inflammatory potential. Inflammation is a crucial part of the wound healing process, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can impede proper healing and lead to complications.

How does menthol reduce inflammation in wounds?

Menthol has been shown to reduce inflammation through several mechanisms:

• Inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines: Menthol can suppress the production of inflammatory mediators such as TNF-α and IL-6.
• Modulation of immune cell activity: It may influence the behavior of immune cells, potentially reducing their over-activation in the wound area.
• Activation of TRPM8 channels: This activation can lead to an anti-inflammatory response in certain cell types.

By tempering the inflammatory response, menthol may help create an environment more conducive to efficient wound healing.

Menthol’s Role in Stimulating the Antioxidant Defense System

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in wound healing, and the body’s antioxidant defense system is crucial in managing this stress. Menthol has been found to have a positive impact on this system.

How does menthol enhance antioxidant activity?

Menthol’s antioxidant-enhancing properties include:

1. Upregulation of antioxidant enzymes: Menthol can increase the activity of enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase.
2. Scavenging of free radicals: It may directly neutralize harmful free radicals in the wound area.
3. Promotion of glutathione production: Menthol might stimulate the synthesis of glutathione, a crucial antioxidant in cellular defense.

By bolstering the antioxidant defense system, menthol helps protect wound tissues from oxidative damage, potentially accelerating the healing process.

Increased Epithelialization: Menthol’s Impact on Skin Regeneration

Epithelialization, the process by which new skin forms over a wound, is a critical phase of wound healing. Menthol has shown promise in enhancing this process.

How does menthol promote epithelialization?

Menthol may support epithelialization through several mechanisms:

• Stimulation of keratinocyte proliferation: Menthol can encourage the growth and division of keratinocytes, the primary cells in the epidermis.
• Enhancement of cell migration: It may improve the ability of cells to move into the wound area, a crucial step in wound closure.
• Modulation of growth factors: Menthol could influence the production or activity of growth factors involved in skin regeneration.

These effects collectively contribute to faster and more efficient wound closure, potentially reducing the risk of infection and scarring.

Menthol and Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) Channels in Wound Healing

The interaction between menthol and TRP channels is a key factor in its wound healing properties. These channels play diverse roles in cellular processes relevant to wound repair.

Which TRP channels does menthol affect?

Menthol primarily interacts with:

• TRPM8: Known as the “cold receptor”, this channel is the primary target for menthol’s cooling effect.
• TRPV3: This channel is involved in keratinocyte differentiation and skin barrier function.
• TRPA1: While not directly activated by menthol, this channel may be indirectly affected, influencing pain perception.

How do these channel interactions contribute to wound healing?

The activation of TRP channels by menthol can lead to various effects beneficial for wound healing:

1. Pain modulation: Activation of TRPM8 can provide analgesic effects, potentially reducing wound-associated pain.
2. Improved blood flow: TRP channel activation can lead to vasodilation, enhancing blood supply to the wound area.
3. Cellular signaling: TRP channels influence various cellular processes, including proliferation and migration, which are crucial for wound repair.
4. Barrier function: TRPV3 activation may help in restoring the skin’s barrier function after injury.

Menthol’s Potential in Diabetic Wound Healing

Diabetic wounds present significant challenges in wound care due to impaired healing processes associated with the disease. Menthol’s unique properties may offer particular benefits in this context.

Why might menthol be beneficial for diabetic wounds?

Menthol could potentially address several issues common in diabetic wound healing:

• Reduced inflammation: Diabetic wounds often suffer from chronic inflammation, which menthol may help mitigate.
• Improved circulation: The vasodilatory effects of menthol could enhance blood flow to diabetic wounds, which often have poor circulation.
• Antioxidant support: Diabetic patients often have compromised antioxidant defenses, which menthol may help bolster.
• Pain management: The analgesic properties of menthol could be particularly beneficial for painful diabetic wounds.

While more research is needed, these properties suggest that menthol could be a valuable addition to diabetic wound care regimens.

Formulations and Applications of Menthol in Wound Care

The practical application of menthol in wound care requires careful consideration of formulation and delivery methods to maximize its benefits while minimizing potential side effects.

What are some effective ways to apply menthol for wound healing?

Menthol can be incorporated into various wound care products:

1. Topical ointments: Menthol-infused ointments can provide direct application to the wound site.
2. Wound dressings: Menthol-impregnated dressings may offer sustained release of the compound.
3. Hydrogels: Menthol-containing hydrogels can provide a moist healing environment while delivering the active compound.
4. Nanoformulations: Advanced delivery systems like nanoparticles may enhance menthol’s bioavailability and efficacy.

Are there any precautions to consider when using menthol for wound care?

While generally safe, some considerations for menthol use in wound care include:

• Concentration: The optimal concentration of menthol may vary depending on the wound type and individual patient factors.
• Skin sensitivity: Some individuals may be sensitive to menthol, necessitating patch testing before widespread use.
• Interaction with other treatments: The potential interactions between menthol and other wound care products should be evaluated.
• Wound type: The appropriateness of menthol use may depend on the specific wound characteristics and healing stage.

Future Directions in Menthol-Based Wound Healing Research

The promising results observed with menthol in wound healing open up exciting avenues for further research and development in this field.

What are some potential areas for future investigation?

Future research directions may include:

• Synergistic effects: Investigating how menthol interacts with other wound healing agents could lead to more effective combination therapies.
• Molecular mechanisms: Further elucidation of the precise molecular pathways through which menthol influences wound healing could inform more targeted treatments.
• Clinical trials: Large-scale clinical trials are needed to definitively establish the efficacy and safety of menthol-based wound care treatments in various patient populations.
• Novel delivery systems: Development of innovative formulations could enhance the bioavailability and targeted delivery of menthol to wound sites.
• Chronic wound applications: Exploring the potential of menthol in managing difficult-to-heal chronic wounds could address a significant medical need.

As research in this area progresses, we may see menthol playing an increasingly important role in both traditional and advanced wound care strategies.

The use of menthol in wound healing represents a promising intersection of natural product research and modern medical science. Its multi-faceted effects on inflammation, antioxidant defense, epithelialization, and cellular signaling through TRP channels make it a compound of significant interest in the field of wound care. As our understanding of menthol’s mechanisms of action deepens, and as new formulations and applications are developed, we may see this familiar compound emerge as a valuable tool in addressing the complex challenges of wound healing. From everyday cuts and scrapes to chronic diabetic ulcers, menthol-based treatments could offer a safe, effective, and potentially cost-efficient approach to promoting optimal wound repair. Continued research and clinical trials will be crucial in fully realizing the potential of this intriguing natural compound in the realm of wound healing.

The Use of Menthol in Skin Wound Healing—Anti-Inflammatory Potential, Antioxidant Defense System Stimulation and Increased Epithelialization

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Menthol Topical: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Uses

This medication is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). Menthol works by causing the skin to feel cool and then warm. These feelings on the skin distract you from feeling the aches/pains deeper in your muscles and joints.

How to use Menthol 5 % Topical Patch

Use this medication on the skin only. Clean and dry the affected area. Remove the backing from the patch and apply the patch to the affected area. Do not apply the patch to skin that is injured or irritated (such as skin that is cut, scraped, sunburned, infected, or has a rash). Leave the patch on the affected area for up to 12 hours. Use this medication as directed by your doctor or follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Take the patch off before bathing and do not apply the patch right after bathing. Do not bandage or wrap the area where the patch is applied unless directed to do so by the doctor. Do not apply heat (such as a heating pad) on the patch. Doing so may increase the risk of side effects.

Wash your hands well after handling the patch. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.

After removing each patch, fold the used patch with the sticky sides together, and throw away in the trash away from children and pets.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts for more than 7 days, or if it gets worse, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

Side Effects

Redness, mild itching, or irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: blistering/swelling at the application site, increased/unusual pain at the application site.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to menthol; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel if you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

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Overdose

This medication patch may be harmful if chewed or swallowed. If someone has overdosed, remove the patch if possible. For serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Keep all regular medical and lab appointments.

If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. Different brands of this medication have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. (See also How to Use section.) Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Menthol – ingredient description, instructions for use, indications and contraindications
ProWellness

Table of contents

• Description of menthol
• Pharmacological properties of menthol
• Use of menthol
• Contraindications and side effects

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the site
Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product. This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The Site Owner is not liable to any party who has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of misuse of materials posted on this resource.

Description of menthol

Menthol is an organic substance isolated from mint essence or produced synthetically. The compound is a secondary metabolite of plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is a colorless crystal with a minty aroma and a cooling taste.

Menthol exhibits weak antiseptic activity, cools the skin and mucous membranes, and has a local anesthetic effect. It is included in the formulation of the vasodilator drug Validol.

Pharmacological properties of menthol

Menthol has the following properties:

• relieves the symptoms of diseases of the mouth and throat;
• exhibits antimicrobial activity;
• suppresses inflammatory processes;
• reduces the severity of pain;
• eliminates itching;
• constricts blood vessels;
• tones the veins;
• is an effective analgesic;
• relieves migraine attacks;
• has a carminative effect;
• lowers pressure;
• calms the central nervous system;
• excites the trigeminal nerve;
• cools at high body temperature, warms at low body temperature.

Attention! Menthol improves potency. However, when the drug is abused, it has the opposite effect. Therefore, you must strictly adhere to the instructions for its use.

The use of menthol

Menthol is used in the complex therapy of gastrointestinal pathologies. It stimulates appetite, normalizes digestion and eliminates nausea. With colds, the drug acts as an anesthetic and reduces the frequency and severity of coughing attacks.

In liquid form, menthol is used to lubricate sore tonsils and gums. Menthol ointment for the joints suppresses inflammation, and for the legs – cools, dulls pain, relieves spasms.

Menthol inhalation helps to cure a runny nose and reduce the viscosity of sputum. When using a solution of menthol in combination with valerian tincture, a calming effect can be achieved. This combination is used for cardiac pathologies, for example, with angina attacks.

Menthol oil is used for weakness, overexcitation. The remedy is indicated for allergic skin reactions, dermatitis and other rashes. The cooling effect of menthol helps to reduce itching and irritation.

Contraindications and side effects

Menthol is contraindicated in the following conditions:

• under 5 years of age;
• complications of varicose veins;
• extensive dermatitis;
• individual intolerance;
• allergy.

Adverse reactions possible. The most common ingestion is nausea, vomiting, pain in the abdomen. When applied externally, drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination of movements may occur.

Disclaimer

Please note that all information posted on the site
Prowellness is provided for informational purposes only and is not a personal program, a direct recommendation for action, or medical advice. Do not use these materials for diagnosis, treatment, or any medical procedure. Consult your physician before using any technique or using any product. This site is not a specialized medical portal and does not replace the professional advice of a specialist. The Site Owner is not liable to any party who has suffered indirect or direct damage as a result of misuse of materials posted on this resource.

Menthol

Menthol (from lat. Mentha – mint) is an organic substance, an important secondary metabolite of plants of the Lamiaceae family, obtained synthetically or isolated from mint essential oil. It has weak local anesthetic properties, stimulates cold receptors of the skin and mucous membranes, a weak antiseptic. It is widely used in the food industry and in medicine. In particular, validol is the main component of the reflex vasodilator.

Physical and chemical properties

Transparent crystalline substance, melts easily at room temperature. Prismatic or needle-shaped, colorless or white lustrous crystals with a characteristic fresh, minty odour. Melting point: 42.5°C There are 8 isomers with fairly similar properties.

Security

Menthol has low toxicity, but should not be used in the first trimester of pregnancy. Direct contact of the pure substance with the skin may cause allergic reactions.

Pharmacological properties

In humans, menthol is metabolized to menthol glucuronide, in the urine the concentration of menthol glucuronide reaches 65-68% of the total absorbed menthol. Other less significant metabolites are hydroxyl menthol glucuronide, dihydroxy menthol glucuronide, menthol sulfoconjugate, as well as menthol aldehyde-hydroxyl glucuronide or menthol dialdehyde glucuronide in very low concentrations. The half-life of menthol averages 1.34 hours, sometimes slightly longer, with a range of 0.42–5.84 hours. The concentration in the blood and Tmax of menthol vary quite widely, glucuronidation, the main reaction of the II phase of metabolism, predominates. Menthol inhibits calcium channels at IC50s of 7.7-28.1mcg/mL (gut cells), 17.2-26.6mcg/mL (retinal cells) and 10.1-68.5mcg/mL (heart cells) and is twice as potent as the oil itself peppermint (IC50 concentration in retinal cells is 20.3-41.7 µg/ml). Menthol has a greater effect on intestinal cells than on heart and nerve cells; in terms of its effect, it can compete with nitrendipine, a calcium channel blocker. Menthol is a calcium channel antagonist with the same binding sites as nitrendipine.

Clinical

Menthol, when applied to mucous membranes or rubbed into the skin, irritates the nerve endings, causing a sensation of cold and tingling. When the cold receptors are excited, the superficial vessels constrict and the vessels of the internal organs reflexively expand. This explains the relief of pain under the action of menthol in angina pectoris (coronary vessels expand reflexively).

Menthol is also used for pain in the heart area. It is prescribed for disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, spastic colitis and enterocolitis, as an antiseptic and analgesic. It has a mild local anesthetic effect. Irritating the receptors of the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, menthol enhances peristalsis.

Menthol is part of Zelenin drops; is produced in the form of a powder, 1-2% menthol oil, 1-2% alcohol solution of menthol and menthol pencil, which includes 1.0 menthol, 3.5 paraffin and 0.5 caeserin. Rub the whiskey with a menthol pencil for migraines and headaches.

Menthol and peppermint oil are used for runny nose, colds, flu; these substances have been used in the Ingacamf inhaler.

With angina pectoris, Validol is taken – a solution of menthol in methyl ester of isovaleric acid.

Pure menthol in the form of various alcohol (menovazin) and water preparations is used in the complex treatment of eczema, dermatitis, neurodermatitis, urticaria, pruritus.

Validol – 25-30% solution of menthol in methyl ester of isovaleric acid.

Zelenin drops consist of 0.2 parts of menthol. The tooth drops contain 3.1 parts of peppermint oil. Boromenthol (ointment) includes 0.5 parts of menthol. Also, menthol is part of such drugs as pectusin, menovazin, equatol, camphomen, ingacamf (pocket inhaler), Efkamon ointment, which is used for arthritis, myositis and neuralgia.

Literature

Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P. Pharmacology and preclinical pharmacokinetics of peppermint oil. Phytomedicine. (2005)

The Merck Index, 7th edition, Merck & Co, Rahway, New Jersey, USA, 1960.

Kasyanov G.I. Natural food flavors – CO – extracts / G.I.Kasyanov, A.V.Pekhov, A.A.