Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
Sat May 13, 2023, 02:39 PM May 2023

Mouse Study Reveals Unlikely Connection Between Menthol And Alzheimer's

A new study reports something strange: When mice with Alzheimer's disease inhale menthol, their cognitive abilities improve. It seems the chemical compound can stop some of the damage done to the brain that's usually associated with the disease.

In particular, researchers noticed a reduction in the interleukin-1-beta ( IL-1? ) protein, which helps to regulate the body's inflammatory response – a response that can offer natural protection but one that leads to harm when it's not controlled properly.

https://www.sciencealert.com/mouse-study-reveals-unlikely-connection-between-menthol-and-alzheimers

Caution: people are not rodents and it remains to be seen if inhaling peppermint or mentholated products is beneficial

It's nice that my decades long Dr. Bronner's habit has been vindicated.

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies

erronis

(16,863 posts)
2. Funny that. I've started using Vicks on some skin lesions. It makes them feel good and
Sat May 13, 2023, 03:22 PM
May 2023

I've gotten to like the smell.

Vicks VapoRub is really just petroleum jelly (Vaseline) with some essential oils. I'm thinking of making some of my own - eucalyptus, menthol, perhaps lavender.

Or I could add rosemary and thyme and walk around smelling like a Thanksgiving turkey.

No Vested Interest

(5,196 posts)
3. I've been using a little Vicks VapoRub in the nostrils every night at bedtime since Covid
Sat May 13, 2023, 04:10 PM
May 2023

Last edited Sat May 13, 2023, 05:01 PM - Edit history (1)

began - ca 3 yrs ago. (Have not have covid but have been fairly isolated.)

Didn't know if it would help protect the nasal passages from covid, but believe it couldn't hurt.

Am late 80's and still holding my own mentally, so if Vicks VapoRub has been beneficial, that's great.
It's relatively inexpensive and a jar lasts a long time. - "a little dab will do you", as another product proclaims.

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
4. Well, the butts would prevent Alzheimer's from devloping
Sat May 13, 2023, 04:10 PM
May 2023

because they'd kill the smokers off young. There's no inherent advantage to the menthol.

Vick's and Mentholatum might be winners, all the benefit and none of the guilt. Also TicTacs and chewing gum.

malaise

(278,058 posts)
5. There are also several studies re hot pepper and memory
Sat May 13, 2023, 04:15 PM
May 2023

And I swear by the connection because I use pepper in most of my food and still have a very good memory.

3Hotdogs

(13,403 posts)
6. Cayenne pepper goes into almost everything I make.
Sat May 13, 2023, 04:49 PM
May 2023

Other hot pepper, I get from Jane Butel's Pecos River company. (I live in N.J. and have no connection with the company it's just that they have a good variety of chili peppers.)

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Health»Mouse Study Reveals Unlik...