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Vascular conductance is reduced after menthol or cold application.
Jennifer L Olive1, Brandon Hollis, Elizabeth Mattson
1Department of Exercise Science, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA, USA. jenniferolive@yahoo.com
Summary
Menthol ointment and cold application both significantly reduce forearm blood flow, specifically vascular conductance, within 60 seconds. These effects on blood flow persist for 10 minutes with no significant difference between menthol and cold application.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Therapeutic applications of topical agents
Background:
- Topical applications are used to alter physiological responses.
- Menthol is a common ingredient in topical preparations known for its cooling sensation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effects of 3.5% menthol ointment and cold application on forearm blood flow.
- To investigate the impact on vascular conductance in the brachial artery.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, counterbalanced design study.
- Twelve college-aged students participated in a university research laboratory setting.
- Blood flow in the brachial artery was measured before and after topical application of menthol ointment or cold stimulus.
Main Results:
- Both menthol ointment and cold application caused a significant reduction in vascular conductance (35%) within 60 seconds.
- This reduction in vascular conductance persisted for 10 minutes, averaging approximately 19%.
- No significant difference in the effect on vascular conductance was observed between menthol and cold application.
Conclusions:
- 3.5% menthol ointment effectively reduces brachial artery conductance shortly after application.
- The observed reduction in blood flow by menthol is comparable to that of cold application.
- The physiological effects of menthol ointment on vascular conductance are sustained for at least 10 minutes.
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