Origin and Mechanism of Action
Chemically, menthol (also known as racementhhol) is a terpene alcohol. The primary natural source of this substance is peppermint essential oil, from which it is extracted for further pharmacological use.
The key feature of its specific action is its ability to selectively excite cold receptors. Upon contact with mucous membranes or the skin, the patient experiences distinct subjective sensations: an initial feeling of intense cold, which after some time is regularly followed by a mild local anesthetic (analgesic) effect.
Clinical Application in Cardiology
One of the most important aspects of its medical application is its reflex effect on the cardiovascular system.
The mechanism proceeds as follows:
- The drug enters the patient's oral cavity.
- Local irritation of the mucosal cold receptors occurs.
- In response to this irritation, a reflex dilation of spastic coronary vessels takes place, which helps improve myocardial blood supply.
In cardiology, this effect is utilized via Validol. By composition, it is a 25% solution of menthol dissolved in the menthyl ester of isovaleric acid.
Pulmonology and Topical Application
In addition to cardiology, the agent is widely used in other fields of medicine due to its irritating and anesthetic properties:
- In pulmonology: The substance is actively used in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases of the upper respiratory tract. Dosage forms such as drops and inhalation solutions are used to deliver the active substance to the inflammation site.
- Topical use: The agent acts as an effective counterirritant. In this role, it is an essential component of several well-known combination topical products, including ointments and solutions such as Menovazin, Boromenthol, and Efcamon.