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The effects of peppermint on exercise performance
Abbas Meamarbashi1, Ali Rajabi
1Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil 56199-11367, Iran. a_meamarbashi@yahoo.com.
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
|March 23, 2013
Summary
Daily consumption of peppermint essential oil significantly enhanced athletic performance in young males. This natural supplement improved exercise capacity, respiratory function, and metabolic efficiency, supporting its effectiveness for athletes.
Area of Science:
- Sports Science
- Human Physiology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Athletic performance enhancement is a key goal for athletes and researchers.
- Mint, known for its medicinal properties, has been explored for athletic benefits.
- Previous studies on inhaled mint aroma showed no significant impact on exercise performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of daily peppermint essential oil consumption on exercise performance and physiological parameters in young male students.
- To evaluate changes in spirometry, blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise capacity after a ten-day supplementation period.
Main Methods:
- Twelve healthy male students consumed 500ml of mineral water with 0.05ml peppermint essential oil daily for ten days.
- Measurements included spirometry (FVC, PEF, PIF), blood pressure, heart rate, and a treadmill exercise test with metabolic gas analysis.
- The Bruce protocol was used for the exercise test, with assessments conducted before and after supplementation.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in forced vital capacity (FVC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and peak inspiratory flow (PIF).
- Exercise performance metrics, including time to exhaustion, work, and power, significantly increased.
- Respiratory gas analysis showed significant increases in oxygen consumption (VO2) and carbon dioxide production (VCO2).
Conclusions:
- Peppermint essential oil supplementation effectively enhanced exercise performance, spirometry parameters, and gas exchange in young male students.
- Potential mechanisms include bronchial smooth muscle relaxation, increased ventilation, enhanced brain oxygenation, and reduced blood lactate levels.
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