Identification
- Summary
Peppermint oil is an ingredient used in a variety of natural health products and is not an approved medication.
- Generic Name
- Peppermint oil
- DrugBank Accession Number
- DB11198
- Background
Extracted from the stem, leaves, and flowers of Mentha piperita L. plant, peppermint oil (Mentha piperita) is a popular essential oil used in aromatherapy for both external and internal use. Mentha piperita is a hybrid of spearmint (Mentha spicata) and water mint (Mentha aquatica) 6. Medicinal use of herbal ingredients such as peppermint oil has a long history of treating digestive disorders and upper respiratory symptoms and cough 2. There are various over-the-counter and commercial uses of peppermint oil due to its carminative, cholagogue, antibacterial, secretolytic, and choleretic actions 3. Peppermint oil contains pulegone, which is a naturally-occurring pesticide 7. Other active constituents of peppermint oil include Menthol, menthone, cineol, and several other volatile oils 2,3.
Peppermint oil is used as a flavouring agent in foods and fragrance in hygienic or cosmetic products, and as an anti-itch and cooling agent in topical pharmaceutical products. It is also an active ingredient in topical analgesics for the relief of joint and muscle pain. Peppermint oil can be applied topically to temporarily relieve tension-type headache. The use of peppermint oil in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has been investigated in many clinical studies due to its relaxing effects on smooth muscle; however the evidence supporting this use is unclear. Due to its effectiveness in relaxing GI smooth muscle but ability to induce gastroesophageal reflux, enteric-coated formulations of peppermint oil has been established which bypass the upper GI tract unmetabolized, thereby facilitating its effect in the lower GI tract without effects in the upper tract 2. Peppermint oil is safe and well-tolerated at commonly recommended dosage 2.
- Type
- Biotech
- Groups
- Approved, Investigational
- Synonyms
- English black mint oil
- Mentha crispa oil
- Mentha dumetorum oil
- Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf water
- Mentha piperita (peppermint) oil
- Mentha piperita flowering top oil
- Mentha piperita oil
- Mentha X piperita oil
- Menthae piperitae aetheroleum
- Oil of peppermint
- Pepermint oil
- Peppermint american far west bulked
- Peppermint american willamette natural
- Peppermint flowering top oil
- Peppermint indian rectified
- Peppermint oil america
- Peppermint oil mongolia
- Peppermint oil yakima
- Peppermint volatile oil
- External IDs
- FEMA No. 2848
Pharmacology
- Indication
Indicated for the over-the-counter use for:
-the symptomatic relief of minor spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, flatulence and abdominal pain, especially in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.
-the temporary relief of itching associated with insect bites, eczema, minor burn, sunburn, minor skin irritations, minor cuts, scrapes, atopic dermatitis and other skin disorders.
-the temporary symptomatic relief of mild joint and muscle pain as a local topical analgesic.
-the temporary relief of tension-type headache.
Reduce drug development failure ratesBuild, train, & validate machine-learning modelswith evidence-based and structured datasets.Build, train, & validate predictive machine-learning models with structured datasets.- Associated Conditions
- Contraindications & Blackbox Warnings
Avoid life-threatening adverse drug eventsImprove clinical decision support with information on contraindications & blackbox warnings, population restrictions, harmful risks, & more.Avoid life-threatening adverse drug events & improve clinical decision support.- Pharmacodynamics
Peppermint oil induces a dose-related antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal smooth muscles 3. A meta-analysis study and additional clinical studies of patients with IBS demonstrated that the treatment with peppermint oil improves abdominal symptoms compared to the placebo group, resulting in reduced severity of abdominal pain, decreased abdominal distension, reduced stool frequency, and reduced flatulence 2,4. The use of enteric-coated peppermint oil was shown to be effective in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms of non-ulcer dyspepsia 2. In rats, peppermint oil promoted a time-dependent choleretic effect in increasing bile production and biliary output 3. In randomized controlled trials, topical application of peppermint oil was associated with a significant analgesic effect and a reduction in headache intensity compared to placebo 2. In a study of C57BL/6 mice, topical application of peppermint oil for 4 weeks was associated with a prominent hair growth effects; a significant increase in dermal thickness, follicle number, and follicle depth 1.
- Mechanism of action
Dose-dependent antispasmodic effect of peppermint oil is largely mediated by its menthol constituent 3. It is proposed that peppermint oil relaxes gastrointestinal smooth muscle and attenuates contractile responses by reducing the influx of extracellular calcium ions. In rabbit jejunum smooth muscle cells investigated via whole cell clamp configuration technique, peppermint oil was shown to inhibit the potential-dependent calcium currents in a concentration-dependent manner 3. Both a reduction in peak current amplitude and an increase in the rate of current decay were observed, indicating that the pharmacological activity peppermint oil resembles that of dihydropyridine calcium antagonists 3. In a rat small intestine study, peppermint oil in the intestinal lumen inhibited enterocyte glucose uptake via a direct action on the brush border membrane and inhibited intestinal secretion 3. There is also evidence that menthol is an antagonist of L-type Ca2+ channels via interacting with dihydropyridine binding sites and blocks the currents of low-voltage-activated calcium channels 3. Peppermint oil may facilitate hair growth by promoting the conservation of vascularization of hair dermal papilla, which may contribute to the induction of early anagen stage of active growth phase of hair follicles 1.
- Absorption
After oral administration, peppermint is rapidly absorbed 3. Menthol is highly fat-soluble therefore rapidly absorbed from the proximal gut 5.
- Volume of distribution
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Protein binding
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Metabolism
The predominant biliary metabolite of peppermint oil is menthol glucuronide, which undergoes enterohepatic circulation 3. The urinary metabolites are products of hydroxylation at the C-7 methyl group at C-8 and C-9 of the isopropyl moiety, forming a series of mono- and dihydroxymenthols and carboxylic acids, some of which are excreted in part as glucuronic acid conjugates 3.
- Route of elimination
Peppermint oil is eliminated mainly via the bile following oral administration, with glucuronide and sulphate metabolites predominant 3. The metabolites, mainly menthol glucuronide and mono- or di-hydroxylated menthol derivatives, may also undergo approximately equal renal and fecal excretion 3. Renal recovery of total menthol within 24 hours was dose-dependent whereas the recovery in bile was substantially higher over 8 hours 3.
- Half-life
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Clearance
No pharmacokinetic data available.
- Adverse Effects
Improve decision support & research outcomesWith structured adverse effects data, including: blackbox warnings, adverse reactions, warning & precautions, & incidence rates.Improve decision support & research outcomes with our structured adverse effects data.- Toxicity
Oral LD50 value in rat is 2426 mg/kg MSDS. In fasted mice, the LD50 following oral administration was 2410 mg/kg 7. Higher doses of peppermint oil has the potential to induce menstruation, bronchospasm, tongue spasms, and, possibly, respiratory arrest 2 in addition to potential hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity 6.
Overdose may cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, diarrhoea, rectal ulceration, epileptic convulsions, loss of consciousness, apnoea, nausea, disturbances in cardiac rhythms, ataxia and other CNS problems, probably due to the presence of menthol 8. In the event of overdose, the stomach should be emptied by gastric lavage. Observation should be carried out with symptomatic treatment if necessary 8. A near fatal case of high dose peppermint oil ingestion was reported, the overdose was characterized by comatose and reduced heart rate 6.
- Pathways
- Not Available
- Pharmacogenomic Effects/ADRs
- Not Available
Interactions
- Drug Interactions
- This information should not be interpreted without the help of a healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing an interaction, contact a healthcare provider immediately. The absence of an interaction does not necessarily mean no interactions exist.
Drug Interaction Integrate drug-drug
interactions in your softwareAcenocoumarol The serum concentration of Acenocoumarol can be increased when it is combined with Peppermint oil. Alfuzosin The metabolism of Alfuzosin can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Alprazolam The metabolism of Alprazolam can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Aripiprazole The metabolism of Aripiprazole can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Aripiprazole lauroxil The metabolism of Aripiprazole lauroxil can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Atorvastatin The metabolism of Atorvastatin can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Cilostazol The metabolism of Cilostazol can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Colchicine The metabolism of Colchicine can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. Dronabinol The serum concentration of Dronabinol can be increased when it is combined with Peppermint oil. Eliglustat The metabolism of Eliglustat can be decreased when combined with Peppermint oil. 
Identify potential medication risksEasily compare up to 40 drugs with our drug interaction checker.Get severity rating, description, and management advice.Learn more - Food Interactions
- No interactions found.
Products
Drug product information from 10+ global regionsOur datasets provide approved product information including:dosage, form, labeller, route of administration, and marketing period.Access drug product information from over 10 global regions.- Active Moieties
Name Kind UNII CAS InChI Key Peppermint unknown V95R5KMY2B Not Available Not applicable - Over the Counter Products
Name Dosage Strength Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Anti Itch Balm Ointment 0.0952 g/28g Topical Us Organic Group Corp 2013-03-29 Not applicable US 
Anti-Bacterial Sticker Patch 0.25 mg/100mg Topical YCM PRODUCTS CO., LTD 2020-10-13 Not applicable US Colpermin - Src 187mg Capsule, delayed release 187 mg / ecc Oral Reed & Carnrick, Division Of Block Drug Company (Canada) Ltd. 1995-12-31 2000-06-28 Canada 
COLPERMIN CAPSULE 187mg Solution 187 mg Oral WELLCHEM PHARMACEUTICALS PTE LTD 2004-11-04 Not applicable Singapore Colpermin Enteric Coated Cap 187mg Capsule, delayed release 187 mg Oral Tillotts Pharma Ag 1992-12-31 1997-07-22 Canada Dr Tans Pain Releiving 3 day Herabl Patch Patch 0.3 g/1g Topical Great Loong Llc 2017-05-25 Not applicable US Esprit De Menthe Poivref Liquid 10 mL / 100 mL Oral Lab Valmo EnregistrÉ, Division Of Technilab Inc. 1984-12-31 2000-08-24 Canada Luxuriant hair for solutions Liquid 0.1 g/100g Topical Barona Co., Ltd 2016-02-01 Not applicable US MINTEC CAPSULES Capsule, delayed release 184 mg Oral บริษัท เมก้า ไลฟ์ไซแอ็นซ์ จำกัด (มหาชน) 2018-04-09 Not applicable Thailand 
Peppermint Essence 10% Liquid 10 % Oral Stanley Pharmaceuticals, A Division Of Vita Health Products Inc. 1965-12-31 2000-08-17 Canada - Mixture Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Amol Peppermint oil (1.963 %) + Cinnamon oil (0.24 %) + Clove oil (0.1 %) + Lavender oil (0.24 %) Liquid Oral Amol Pharma Gmbh 1999-11-01 2010-03-09 Canada Antiphlamine Coin Plaster Peppermint oil (0.693 mg/0.2832g) + DL-alpha-Tocopherol (0.308 mg/0.2832g) + Diphenhydramine (0.246 mg/0.2832g) + Levomenthol (2.769 mg/0.2832g) + Methyl salicylate (5.541 mg/0.2832g) + Nonivamide (0.046 mg/0.2832g) + Synthetic camphor (1.108 mg/0.2832g) Patch Topical Hanul Trading Co., Ltd. 2016-10-10 Not applicable US Arex Sinsin Pas Peppermint oil (22.73 mg/1) + Levomenthol (45.45 mg/1) + Methyl salicylate (45.45 mg/1) + Synthetic camphor (17.05 mg/1) + Zinc oxide (215.91 mg/1) Patch Cutaneous; Topical; Transdermal Sinsin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2015-08-31 Not applicable US Arex Sinsin Pas Peppermint oil (45.46 mg/1) + Levomenthol (90.9 mg/1) + Methyl salicylate (90.9 mg/1) + Synthetic camphor (34.1 mg/1) + Zinc oxide (431.82 mg/1) Patch Cutaneous; Topical; Transdermal Sinsin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. 2013-07-26 Not applicable US BALSEM GOSOK CAP LANG / EAGLE BRAND BALM Peppermint oil (30.45 %) + Camphor (11.1 %) Ointment Topical EAGLE PHARMA (M) SDN. BHD. 2020-09-08 Not applicable Malaysia 
BUĞUMENTOL BUĞU, 40 G Peppermint oil (2 g) + Eucalyptol (2 g) + Levomenthol (1 g) + Turpentine (2 g) Solution Respiratory (inhalation) DROGSAN İLAÇLARI SAN. VE TİC. A.Ş. 2020-08-14 Not applicable Turkey 
Cal Mo Dol Ont Peppermint oil (7.5 mg / g) + Camphor (15 mg / g) + Eucalyptol (25 mg / g) + Levomenthol (40 mg / g) + Methyl salicylate (100 mg / g) + Turpentine oil (3 mg / g) Ointment Topical Herbes Universelles Inc. 1980-12-31 2009-07-15 Canada Cellzyme ON-TOX Peppermint oil (0.089 g/100g) + Eucalyptus oil (0.092 g/100g) + Ferric oxide (0.084 g/100g) Cream Topical PHARMACAL-INTERNATIONAL. CO., LTD 2017-08-16 Not applicable US Cellzyme ON-TOX Peppermint oil (0.089 g/100g) + Eucalyptus oil (0.092 g/100g) + Ferric oxide (0.084 g/100g) Cream Topical PHARMACAL-INTERNATIONAL. CO., LTD 2017-08-16 Not applicable US Cellzyme ON-TOX Peppermint oil (0.089 g/100mL) + Eucalyptus oil (0.092 g/100mL) + Ferric oxide (0.084 g/100mL) Cream Topical PHARMACAL-INTERNATIONAL. CO., LTD 2017-08-16 Not applicable US - Unapproved/Other Products
Name Ingredients Dosage Route Labeller Marketing Start Marketing End Region Image Anti Itch Balm Peppermint oil (0.0952 g/28g) Ointment Topical Us Organic Group Corp 2013-03-29 Not applicable US Antiphlamine Coin Plaster Peppermint oil (0.693 mg/0.2832g) + DL-alpha-Tocopherol (0.308 mg/0.2832g) + Diphenhydramine (0.246 mg/0.2832g) + Levomenthol (2.769 mg/0.2832g) + Methyl salicylate (5.541 mg/0.2832g) + Nonivamide (0.046 mg/0.2832g) + Synthetic camphor (1.108 mg/0.2832g) Patch Topical Hanul Trading Co., Ltd. 2016-10-10 Not applicable US Co Cool Peppermint oil (0.01 g/100g) + Menthol (0.06 g/100g) + Pine needle oil (pinus mugo) (0.01 g/100g) Liquid Nasal Lydia Co., Ltd. 2019-08-22 Not applicable US Luxuriant hair for solutions Peppermint oil (0.1 g/100g) Liquid Topical Barona Co., Ltd 2016-02-01 Not applicable US Seeone Body Relax Peppermint oil (0.09 g/120mL) + Vanillyl butyl ether (0.48 g/120mL) Cream Topical Rainbow Beauty Cosmetic 2016-12-01 Not applicable US Thera Derm Peppermint oil (13 mg/240mg) + 7-Aminodesacetoxycephalosporanic acid (450 mg/240mg) + Camphor leaf oil (6 mg/240mg) + Menthol (13 mg/240mg) + Methyl salicylate 2-ethylbutyrate (28 mg/240mg) Lotion Topical Manna Omni International Incorporated 2017-10-31 Not applicable US Thera Derm Roll On Peppermint oil (9 mg/90mg) + (-)-menthol 1-propylene glycol carbonate (9 mg/90mg) + Camphor (4 mg/90mg) + Methyl salicylate 2-ethylbutyrate (18 mg/90mg) Liquid Topical Manna Omni International Incorporated 2017-07-31 Not applicable US TheraDerm Peppermint oil (12 mg/120mg) + Camphor (5 mg/120mg) + Menthol (12 mg/120mg) + Methyl salicylate 2-ethylbutyrate (24 mg/120mg) Spray Topical Manna Omni International Incorporated 2017-03-17 Not applicable US Yumaki Original Mint Tooth Peppermint oil (0.05 g/100g) + Aminocaproic acid (0.05 g/100g) + Ascorbic acid (0.005 g/100g) + Green tea leaf (0.1 g/100g) + Levomenthol (0.1 g/100g) + Water (45.15 g/100g) + Xylitol (0.1 g/100g) Paste, dentifrice Topical Jeno And Company 2017-11-01 Not applicable US
Categories
- ATC Codes
- A03AX15 — Menthae piperitae aetheroleum
- Drug Categories
- Alimentary Tract and Metabolism
- Angiosperms
- Antiemetics
- Antifoaming Agents
- Autonomic Agents
- Biological Products
- Central Nervous System Agents
- Complex Mixtures
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2 Inhibitors (strength unknown)
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A Inhibitors
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4 Inhibitors
- Cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4 Inhibitors (strength unknown)
- Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme Inhibitors
- Drugs for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Embryophyta
- Eukaryota
- Gastrointestinal Agents
- Herbs and Natural Products
- Lamiaceae
- Lamiales
- Lipids
- Mentha
- Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract
- Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract
- Oils
- Oils, Volatile
- Parasympatholytics
- Peripheral Nervous System Agents
- Plant Oils
- Plant Preparations
- Streptophyta
- Tracheophyta
- Viridiplantae
- Classification
- Not classified
- Affected organisms
- Not Available
Chemical Identifiers
- UNII
- AV092KU4JH
- CAS number
- 8006-90-4
References
- General References
- Oh JY, Park MA, Kim YC: Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth without Toxic Signs. Toxicol Res. 2014 Dec;30(4):297-304. doi: 10.5487/TR.2014.30.4.297. [Article]
- Kligler B, Chaudhary S: Peppermint oil. Am Fam Physician. 2007 Apr 1;75(7):1027-30. [Article]
- Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P: Pharmacology and preclinical pharmacokinetics of peppermint oil. Phytomedicine. 2005 Aug;12(8):612-6. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.10.007. [Article]
- Khanna R, MacDonald JK, Levesque BG: Peppermint oil for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2014 Jul;48(6):505-12. doi: 10.1097/MCG.0b013e3182a88357. [Article]
- Grigoleit HG, Grigoleit P: Gastrointestinal clinical pharmacology of peppermint oil. Phytomedicine. 2005 Aug;12(8):607-11. doi: 10.1016/j.phymed.2004.10.006. [Article]
- Nath SS, Pandey C, Roy D: A near fatal case of high dose peppermint oil ingestion- Lessons learnt. Indian J Anaesth. 2012 Nov;56(6):582-4. doi: 10.4103/0019-5049.104585. [Article]
- Cosmetic Ingredient Review: Amended Safety Assessment of Mentha Piperita (Peppermint)-derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics [File]
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) COMMITTEE ON HERBAL MEDICINAL PRODUCTS (HMPC): Final Community herbal monograph on Mentha x piperita L Aetheroleum [File]
- External Links
- PubChem Substance
- 347911151
- 33094
- Wikipedia
- Peppermint_extract
- MSDS
- Download (115 KB)
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials
Phase Status Purpose Conditions Count 4 Completed Treatment Episodic Tension Type Headache 1 3 Completed Treatment Abdominal Pain / Functional Colonic Diseases / Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 1 3 Completed Treatment Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 1 3 Recruiting Supportive Care Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 1 3 Terminated Diagnostic Colorectal Adenomas / Malignant Neoplasm of Colon 1 2 Completed Basic Science Abdominal Pain / Colonic Diseases / Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) / Visceral Pain 1 2 Completed Treatment Cannabis Dependence 1 1 Completed Treatment Abdominal Pain 1 1 Enrolling by Invitation Treatment Nausea / Suffering, Physical 1 1 Recruiting Basic Science Abdominal Pain 1
Pharmacoeconomics
- Manufacturers
- Not Available
- Packagers
- Not Available
- Dosage Forms
Form Route Strength Ointment Topical 0.0952 g/28g Patch Topical 0.25 mg/100mg Patch Topical Solution Respiratory (inhalation) Cream Topical Oil Liquid Nasal Capsule, delayed release Oral 187 mg / ecc Capsule Oral Solution Oral 187 mg Gel Transdermal Patch Transdermal Patch Topical 0.3 g/1g Liquid Oral 10 mL / 100 mL Oil Topical Ointment Topical Liquid Respiratory (inhalation) Liquid Topical 0.1 g/100g Rinse Oral Capsule, delayed release Oral 184 mg Liquid Oral; Topical 0.1 mL / mL Lozenge Oral Liniment Topical Patch Cutaneous; Topical; Transdermal Tablet Oral Liquid Oral 10 % Stick Respiratory (inhalation); Topical 0.65 g/100g Paste, dentifrice Dental Lotion Topical Liquid Topical Spray Topical Liquid Oral Capsule Oral Paste, dentifrice Topical Gel Topical Solution Oral Ointment Solution Solution Oral 2 ml/100ml Tablet Solution Oral 10 ml/100ml Capsule, delayed release Oral 187 mg - Prices
- Not Available
- Patents
- Not Available
Properties
- State
- Liquid
- Experimental Properties
Property Value Source boiling point (°C) 215 MSDS water solubility Insoluble MSDS
Enzymes
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Inhibitor
- Curator comments
- Evidence supporting this enzyme action is limited in the literature.
- General Function
- Oxidoreductase activity, acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen, reduced flavin or flavoprotein as one donor, and incorporation of one atom of oxygen
- Specific Function
- Cytochromes P450 are a group of heme-thiolate monooxygenases. In liver microsomes, this enzyme is involved in an NADPH-dependent electron transport pathway. It oxidizes a variety of structurally un...
- Gene Name
- CYP1A2
- Uniprot ID
- P05177
- Uniprot Name
- Cytochrome P450 1A2
- Molecular Weight
- 58293.76 Da
References
- A Review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L) [File]
- Kind
- Protein
- Organism
- Humans
- Pharmacological action
- Unknown
- Actions
- Inhibitor
- General Function
- Vitamin d3 25-hydroxylase activity
- Specific Function
- Cytochromes P450 are a group of heme-thiolate monooxygenases. In liver microsomes, this enzyme is involved in an NADPH-dependent electron transport pathway. It performs a variety of oxidation react...
- Gene Name
- CYP3A4
- Uniprot ID
- P08684
- Uniprot Name
- Cytochrome P450 3A4
- Molecular Weight
- 57342.67 Da
References
- Dresser GK, Wacher V, Wong S, Wong HT, Bailey DG: Evaluation of peppermint oil and ascorbyl palmitate as inhibitors of cytochrome P4503A4 activity in vitro and in vivo. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2002 Sep;72(3):247-55. doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.126409. [Article]
- Sato Y, Sasaki T, Takahashi S, Kumagai T, Nagata K: Development of a highly reproducible system to evaluate inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 activity by natural medicines. J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2015;18(4):316-27. doi: 10.18433/j3vk5g. [Article]
Drug created at December 03, 2015 16:51 / Updated at December 03, 2022 06:44