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Topical menthol increases cutaneous blood flow.

Daniel H Craighead1, Lacy M Alexander1

  • 1The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, United States.

Microvascular Research
|May 2, 2016
PubMed
Summary

Topical menthol increases skin blood flow by activating sensory nerves and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors. Ilex paraguariensis did not affect blood flow in this study.

Keywords:
CutaneousIlex paraguariensisMentholMicrovascularTRPM8

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Area of Science:

  • Physiology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Menthol is a key ingredient in topical analgesics, activating TRPM8 receptors and causing a cooling sensation.
  • Ilex paraguariensis, also used in topical analgesics, may possess vasoactive properties that could influence menthol's effects.
  • Understanding the microvascular impact of these ingredients is crucial for developing effective topical analgesics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microvascular effects of topical menthol and Ilex paraguariensis, individually and in combination.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms underlying menthol-induced alterations in cutaneous blood flow.
  • To test the hypothesis that menthol causes vasoconstriction and ilex does not affect skin blood flow.

Main Methods:

  • Three protocols were used: application of gels (placebo, menthol, ilex, combination) and measurement of red cell flux via laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI).
  • A dose-response curve for menthol was established using seven concentrations.
  • Sensory nerve blockade (lidocaine) and thermal control were employed to determine the role of nerves and endothelium-derived factors.

Main Results:

  • Topical menthol significantly increased skin blood flow (SkBF) in a dose-dependent manner, with an ED50 of 1.0%.
  • Menthol-induced vasodilation was partially attenuated by sensory nerve blockade, indicating a role for sensory nerves and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factors (EDHFs).
  • Ilex paraguariensis did not significantly alter SkBF compared to placebo.

Conclusions:

  • Topical menthol dose-dependently increases cutaneous microvascular blood flow.
  • The vasodilatory effect of menthol is mediated, in part, by sensory nerves and EDHFs.
  • Ilex paraguariensis does not appear to influence cutaneous blood flow when applied topically.