Current Knowledge on the Vascular Effects of Menthol

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Physiology
• Cardiovascular Research

Background:

• Menthol, a monoterpene alcohol, is common in food and healthcare.
• Menthol impacts vasculature via direct (endothelium, smooth muscle) and indirect (sensory fibers) routes.
• Mechanisms of menthol's vascular action are complex, involving diverse targets and signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically discuss the variable in vivo vascular effects of menthol.
• To elucidate the mechanisms behind menthol-induced changes in perfusion.
• To explore the potential therapeutic roles of menthol in cardiovascular diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on menthol's vascular effects.
• Analysis of in vivo studies examining perfusion changes in different vascular territories.
• Discussion of cellular targets and signaling pathways involved in menthol's action.

Main Results:

• Menthol increases perfusion in directly stimulated skin via nitric oxide (NO), endothelium-derived hyperpolarization factors (EDHFs), and sensory nerves.
• Menthol decreases perfusion in non-stimulated vascular beds, potentially due to sympathetic vasoconstriction or ethanol-induced evaporative heat loss.
• Variability in menthol's vascular response depends on the application site and proximity.

Conclusions:

• Menthol exhibits dual vascular effects (increase/decrease perfusion) dependent on application context.
• Cellular targets of menthol are implicated in cardiovascular diseases like hypertension.
• Menthol and similar drugs warrant further investigation for preventive and therapeutic cardiovascular applications.