Menthol and Eucalyptus inhalation

BackgroundUpper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) impact all age groups and have a significant economic and social burden on society, worldwide. Most URTIs are mild and self-limiting, but due to the wide range of possible causative agents, including Rhinovirus (hRV), Adenovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Coronavirus and Influenza, there is no single and effective treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, including traditional medicines and those containing plant derived substances, help to alleviate symptoms including inflammation, pain, fever and cough.PurposeThis systematic review focuses on the role of the major plant derived substances in several OTC remedies used to treat cold symptoms, with a particular focus on the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in pain and cough.MethodsLiterature searches were done using Pubmed and Web of Science, with no date limitations, using the principles of the PRISMA statement. The search terms used were 'TRP channel AND plant compound', 'cough AND plant compound', 'cough AND TRP channels AND plant compound', 'cough AND P2X3 AND plant compound' and 'P2X3 AND plant compound' where plant compound represents menthol or camphor or eucalyptus or turpentine or thymol.ResultsThe literature reviewed showed that menthol activates TRPM8 and may inhibit respiratory reflexes reducing irritation and cough. Menthol has a bimodal action on TRPA1, but inhibition may have an analgesic effect. Eucalyptus also activates TRPM8 and inhibits TRPA1 whilst down regulating P2X3, aiding in the reduction of cough, pain and airway irritation. Camphor inhibits TRPA1 and the activation of TRPM8 may add to the effects of menthol. Activation of TRPV1 by camphor, may also have an analgesic effect.ConclusionsThe literature suggests that these plant derived substances have multifaceted actions and can interact with the TRP 'cough' receptors. The plant derived substances used in cough and cold medicines have the potential to target multiple symptoms experienced during a cold.

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BackgroundThe need to reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics for the treatment of pediatric acute respiratory tract infections (ARTIs) calls for therapeutic alternatives. The use of herbal medicines (phytopharmaceuticals) to treat ARTIs has increased worldwide. However, the evidence of phytopharmaceutical treatment, especially for children with ARTIs, has not yet been comprehensively presented.ObjectiveTo identify evidence on the efficacy and tolerability of phytopharmaceuticals in children suffering from ARTIs.MethodsWe searched the literature using two databases (PubMed and Cochrane Library) in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines to identify records of clinical studies investigating the administration of phytopharmaceuticals in children with upper ARTIs (AURTIs) and/or lower ARTIs (ALRTIs).ResultsA total of 45 reports met the eligibility criteria and were included in our review. Of these, only nine reported double-blind, placebo-controlled trials investigating the efficacy and tolerability of phytopharmaceuticals in pediatric ARTIs. Overall, the included reports covered phytopharmaceuticals with the following single active ingredients: various purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea L.) preparations, ivy (Hedera helix L.) leaf dry extract, African geranium (Pelargonium sidoides L.) root extract (EPs 7630), and pineapple fruit and stem extract preparation. In addition, various reports were included for fixed combination phytopharmaceutical products: eucalyptus oil combinations, five-herb fixed combination extract [BNO 1012 syrup], seven-herb fixed preparation [BNO 1030 solution], thyme herb and ivy leaf extracts, purple coneflower and sage leaf spray, thyme and primrose root extracts, and a preparation containing upper plant parts and roots of purple coneflower, propolis and vitamin C. The most robust efficacy and tolerability evidence available was found for EPs 7630: six double-blind, placebo-controlled trials, eight meta-analyses, four prospective open-label studies, and two observational studies, demonstrating efficacy and good tolerability.ConclusionAmong the phytopharmaceuticals identified by our systematically conducted, comprehensive literature review, EPs 7630 is supported by sufficient evidence to be regarded as an appropriate treatment to reduce the severity and duration of AURTIs and ALRTIs in children. Regarding other phytopharmaceuticals reported in the literature for the treatment of pediatric ARTIs, further research is needed to close existing evidence gaps.

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Essential oils have emerged as popular natural alternatives to synthetic ingredients in cosmetic products, drawing attention for their therapeutic potential in treating skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis. This systematic review analyzed 70 studies from the past decade across multiple databases to evaluate their effectiveness and safety in derma cosmetic applications. The research encompassed clinical trials, in vitro studies, and in vivo experiments examining various essential oils in different cosmetic formulations, including lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia), chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), peppermint (Mentha piperita), hemp (Cannabis sativa), Euphorbia characias, hierba de San Guillermo (Agrimonia eupatoria) and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). Key findings demonstrated that tea tree oil was particularly effective for acne treatment, while lavender and rosemary oils showed promising anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. Plant extracts from Ocimum gratissimum and Matricaria chamomilla also yielded positive results for skin health improvement. Various formulations such as gels, creams, and serums showed different levels of effectiveness in enhancing skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance. While the clinical evidence suggests significant potential for essential oils in cosmetic and dermatological applications, researchers emphasize the need for more comprehensive, longterm clinical trials to establish their efficacy and safety profiles fully.

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Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in adults with an overall prevalence of 0.85% in the adult population of the US, affecting over 2 million adults annually. Most current treatment modalities are not supported by sufficient evidence to recommend one particular strategy over another. Topical application of analgesics for soft tissue pain is well established, however the plantar fascia presents challenges in this regard due to thick skin, fibrotic tissue, and an often thickened fat pad. Sixty-two patients with plantar fasciitis were randomized to a placebo controlled trial testing the efficacy of a topical solution of plant terpenes containing camphor, menthol, eugenol, eucalyptol, and vanillin. Skin permeation of the mixture was enhanced with 15% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1% limonene, and rosemary oil. One ml of solution was applied topically twice daily, and pain scores evaluated on Day 0, Day 1, Day 3, and Day 10. Using the validated foot function index 78.1% of patients reported an 85% or greater decrease in their total pain score by day 10 while placebo treatment was without effect (One Way ANOVA, P < 0.01). This study adapts the treatment modality of topical analgesia for soft tissue pain to a problematic area of the body and shows therapeutic promise.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05467631.

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Essential oils (EOs) are gaining ground and have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. The essential components of EOs have been recognized for diverse therapeutic activities and have gained significant attention for their potential antibacterial activities. Despite the popularity of EOs and potent biological properties, their bioactive components and their derivatives are still not comprehensively characterized. This review explores the antibacterial efficacy of selected EO components and their derivatives, focusing on monoterpenes chosen (i.e., carvacrol, menthol, and thymol) and phenylpropanoids (i.e., cinnamaldehyde and eugenol). Furthermore, this review highlights recent advancements in developing derivatives of these EO components, which have shown improved antibacterial activity with reduced toxicity. By summarizing recent studies, this review reveals the potential of these natural compounds and their derivatives as promising candidates for pharmaceuticals, food preservation, and as alternatives to synthetic antibiotics in combating bacterial resistance.

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