Menthol 1.5% in Aqueous cream

ObjectiveThis study employed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to systematically evaluate and compare the relative efficacy of three menthol administration routes-ingestion (ING), mouth rinsing (MR), and topical application (Top)-on exercise performance and physiological responses in the heat, aiming to explore potential task-oriented personalized supplementation strategies.MethodsDatabases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CNKI were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating menthol interventions on exercise performance in hot environments (T≥25 °C), with a search deadline of March 2, 2026. Two reviewers independently performed literature screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. Network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 18.0 software.ResultsThe network meta-analysis of the 15 included randomized controlled trials revealed outcome-specific trends in exercise performance, although most pairwise comparisons did not reach statistical significance. Surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) analysis indicated that ingestion (ING) demonstrated a potential trend for improving endurance performance (SUCRA = 76.1%), while mouth rinsing (MR) showed a tendency for enhancing mean power output (SUCRA = 66.9%). Regarding physiological responses, the impact of all administration routes on core temperature (Tc) and heart rate (HR) was modest and lacked statistically significant differences compared to control conditions. Specifically, ING ranked relatively higher in maintaining core temperature (SUCRA = 67.0%), whereas topical application (Top) exhibited the weakest potential for thermoregulation (SUCRA = 6.2%) and might even lead to a slight upward trend in temperature due to the physical obstruction of heat dissipation.ConclusionThe interventional efficacy of menthol in the heat appears to be co-regulated by the administration route and the specific exercise task. While the current evidence does not establish definitive superiority among the administration routes due to the lack of statistical significance, ingestion may serve as an exploratory option for long-duration endurance events, whereas mouth rinsing could be considered for tasks focusing on instantaneous power output. Given that menthol may mask actual subjective thermal perception without alleviating objective physiological heat strain, its application must be combined with objective physiological monitoring in practice to ensure exercise safety.Systematic review registrationwww.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier: CRD420261340546.

Abstract licence: CC BY

ObjectivesThis systematic review evaluated the scientific evidence on the effects of flavors in electronic cigarettes in animal models and their impact on human health, aiming to understand the potential risks associated with their use.MethodsA PubMed search was conducted using MeSH terms such as "e-cigarettes AND flavor AND nicotine AND e-liquid AND cytotoxicity AND cellular damage and health AND adolescent AND young people." We selected original studies that evaluated tissue damage, inflammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage in animal models, as well as health outcomes in humans. In vitro studies, studies with conflicts of interest related to the tobacco industry, and studies that did not meet our objectives were excluded.ResultsFruity, menthol/mint, and sweet flavors increase nicotine consumption and preference for e-cigarettes in animal models and are also linked to inflammation, cellular damage, and cardiovascular changes. In humans, these flavors have been associated with respiratory symptoms, reduced lung function, and DNA damage in oral cells. Neurological effects, such as activation of reward circuits, have also been observed.ConclusionThe evidence available to date suggests that these products can be as harmful to health as combustible cigarettes.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420261346170.

Abstract licence: CC BY

IntroductionThe Food and Drug Administration proposed a rule to ban the sale of menthol cigarettes, but recently withdrew the proposal. This study uses simulation modeling to estimate the impact of a national menthol cigarette ban on tobacco use, life expectancy, and lung cancer.MethodsWe used the Tobacco Use Individual-level Simulation and Tracking (TwIST) Model, a validated microsimulation model of tobacco use in the US adult population. The simulated population and model parameter estimates are primarily informed by data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study. We used findings from a published meta-analysis to inform estimates of the impact of a menthol ban on tobacco use in the model.ResultsTen years after a menthol ban, the model projects a 38.5% reduction in tobacco use prevalence among adults. Declines are even greater in the non-Hispanic Black population (70.4% reduction) and among individuals living in poverty (46.0% reduction). Among a cohort of adults, individual life expectancy is projected to increase by 73 days, on average. Among the non-Hispanic Black population and individuals living in poverty, life expectancy will increase by 193 days and 183 days, respectively. In the cohort, 1-year incidence of lung cancer is estimated to decline by 14.4% in the general population, 32.4% among non-Hispanic Black adults, and 22.1% among individuals living in poverty.ConclusionsA menthol ban would reduce tobacco use and lung cancer rates, while increasing life expectancy. The greatest benefits are expected among non-Hispanic Black individuals and people living in poverty.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Abstract Background: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines to examine the Key Question: Does menthol cigarette use have a differential impact on smoking cessation compared with non-menthol cigarette use?Methods: The original protocol was registered on March 22, 2016 (updated January 10, 2019; PROSPERO: CRD42019119301). Six databases were queried from inception to December 14, 2018.Results: Fifty-seven studies (27 rated “good”, 27 rated as “fair”, and three studies rated as “poor” individual study quality) that compared menthol and non-menthol smokers were qualitatively synthesized across the following cessation measures (total adjusted studies; strength of evidence grade): duration of abstinence (2; low); quit attempts (14; insufficient); rate of abstinence/quitting (28; moderate); change in smoking quantity/frequency (3; insufficient); and return to smoking/relapse (2; insufficient). Overall, the qualitative synthesis failed to show a consistent trend for the association of menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation across the outcomes. Further, meta-analytic results found no difference between menthol and non-menthol cigarette use and the two measures of quit attempts and duration of abstinence.Implications: The overall strength of evidence for an association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation was graded as “low”, based on deficiencies of indirectness and inconsistency in the available body of evidence. Therefore, there is no consistent, significant, or differential association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation.

Abstract licence: CC BY 4.0