Published on
Updated
Reading 3 mins.
in collaboration with
Dr Laure Martinat (Anesthesiologist-resuscitator)
In a study conducted for the moment on mice, Spanish researchers have updated a stimulating effect of menthol on cognitive abilities. A path to follow in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease? The opinion of Laure Martinat naturopath and expert in phyto-aromatherapy and micronutrition.
Menthol is not only refreshing. In a new study published in Frontiers in Immunology, it would also have the power, when inhaled, to modulate the immune system and prevent the cognitive decline commonly observed in Alzheimer’s disease. In any case, these are the conclusions of a team of Spanish researchers working on odorants as therapeutic agents.
Menthol would reduce inflammation
Researchers at the Cima University of Navarre exposed healthy mice and mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease to several short sessions of menthol inhalation. The team then noted several effects:
- When analyzing its mechanism of action, they observed that by smelling this aroma, the level of interleukin-1-beta (IL-1b), an essential protein mediating the inflammatory response, was reduced. This reduction in IL-1b levels was associated with improved cognitive abilities in healthy mice and those with Alzheimer’s disease;
- By inhibiting this protein with a drug approved for the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases, they were able to improve the cognitive abilities of these diseased mice.
The researchers conclude that “Inhalation of menthol improves cognitive abilities in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, potentially preventing the cognitive decline typical of the disease.”
“Exposure to menthol and blockade of Treg cells caused a decrease in IL-1b, a protein that may underlie the cognitive decline observed in these models. Additionally, specific blocking of this protein with a drug used in the treatment of certain autoimmune diseases also improved cognitive ability in healthy mice and mice with Alzheimer’s disease. explains Dr. Juan José Lasarte, author of the study.
This research thus highlights the potential of odors and immune modulators as therapeutic agents. In addition, it paves the way for the development of therapies based on the stimulation and training of the olfactory system to prevent or attenuate the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and other diseases of the central nervous system.
Menthol, known to act on the cerebral sphere
Laure Martinat, naturopath and expert in phyto-aromatherapy and micronutrition, and member of our committee of experts explains the interest of this type of research:
“Although the neuroinflammation mediated by the interleukin-1-beta molecule in question here is currently questioned, what is interesting in this study is that it highlights the properties of menthol, a molecule of the monoterpenol family. (found in peppermint essential oil, editor’s note). This molecule has various analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is also known that these essential oils have shown their effectiveness in reducing mental fatigue. They therefore act at the level of the cerebral and nervous spheres”
Olfactory therapy a way to further develop against Alzheimer’s?
Therefore, investing more in the olfactory pathway for patients affected by Alzheimer’s disease seems relevant for our naturopath:
“You should know that there is a close communication in anatomy between the olfactory system and the brain and in particular the emotional brain. This does not mean that menthol is a miracle molecule. But we can see the interest of natural molecules, well tolerated, which have an action on the neuro-physiological sphere.”
Especially since inhaled, this substance is easy to use, requires no ingestion or skin application and is therefore particularly safe.
“We can work through the olfactory way on issues that affect the cerebral sphere, such as sleep, anxiety and neurodegenerative diseases, this is moreover understood and used more and more, in nursing homes, hospitals.. We must encourage this kind of work” she concludes.