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- Theresa L. Charrois, BScPharm, MSc*
- Jessica Hrudey*
- Paula Gardiner, MD†
- Sunita Vohra, MD, MSc*
- *Complementary and Alternative Research and Education (CARE) Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
- †Division for Research and Education in Complementary and Integrative Medical Therapies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass
Introduction
Peppermint has been used since antiquity to treat a variety conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, common cold and respiratory conditions, muscle pain, headaches, and neuralgia. (1)
Definition and Description
Peppermint or Mentha piperita is a common herb grown in Europe and North America. (1) The plant contains about 1.5% essential oil, which consists of menthol, the primary active species. (1) Menthol is the primary component of the essential oil of peppermint (29% to 48%) and is mostly responsible for the agent’s spasmolytic effects. (1)
Peppermint oil often is used in pediatric patients for recurrent abdominal pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, and symptomatic relief of coughs and colds. (1) Peppermint also has been used for aromatherapy to treat nausea and vomiting and topically for relief of minor muscular pain and neuralgias. (1)(2)
Pharmacologic Action
Current evidence suggests that peppermint oil reduces smooth muscle contractions through a calcium channel blocking effect; the blocking effect is believed to be carried out by the menthol component of the oil. (3)(4) This results is an antispasmodic effect on the smooth muscles of the GI tract. (5) Peppermint relaxes GI smooth muscle by reducing cellular calcium influx in the intestines. (6)(7) Menthol also stimulates bile flow, reduces the tone in the esophageal sphincter, facilitates belching, and acts as a carminative and antibacterial agent. …
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