Repeated Inhalation of Peppermint Essential Oil Improves Exercise Performance in Endurance-Trained Rats

Abstract

Peppermint essential oil, being natural and safe, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, has long been a research interest in relieving fatigue and improving exercise performance. However, the related studies report controversial results, and the mechanisms remain unclear. Here we found that inhalation of peppermint essential oil significantly extended the exhaustion time in rats subjected to 2-week weight-bearing swimming training. Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to a 2-week weight-loaded forced swimming regimen. Prior to each swimming session, the rats were administered peppermint essential oil via inhalation. An exhaustive swimming test was performed at the end of the protocol. Rats treated with essential oil had significantly extended time to exhaustion compared with exercised rats without essential oil treatment. In addition, treated rats also showed reduced oxidative damage induced by endurance exercise. Notably, the rats receiving two-week essential oil inhalation while not subjected to swimming training did not show improved exercise performance. The findings demonstrate that repeated inhalation of peppermint essential oil enhances the effects of endurance training and improves exercise performance partially by preventing oxidative damage.

Assessment of Lavender, Frankincense and Peppermint Oils Trans-dermal Nano Spray Formulation Effect on Wound Healing Activity in Rat Model

“…The combination 0.5 mix and mix Nano emulsions was superior to the individual ones at different time intervals which proves its anti-oxidant effect when combined together during burn healing, suggesting that they can help in preventing the production and scavenging of ROS. Prolonged inflammatory response is a serious issue in patient with severe burn injuries and can lead to systemic complications [34]. It has been shown that lavender [35]., frankincense [36] and peppermint [37] oils are significantly able to reduce inflammation.…”

Natural Extracts and Their Applications in Polymer-Based Active Packaging: A Review

“…Plant essential oils can purify the air, and their pleasant aroma can relieve fatigue [ 33 ] and improve sleep [ 34 ]. They can also be anti-inflammatory [ 35 ], antioxidant, and bactericidal, with medicinal values [ 36 ].…”

Effects of peppermint oil inhalation on vertical jump performance in elite young professional soccer players: A double-blinded randomized crossover study

“…It is a general belief that physical exercise challenges the body's homeostasis and elicits a measurable physiological response. Notably, there is a substantial increase in muscle metabolism, which triggers an increase in the blood circulatory system and gas exchange [ 5 ]. For this, in addition to a formal training program, there are other strategies to prevent or delay fatigue, such as supplements and aromatherapy [ 6 ].…”

“…According to Pournemati et al [ 6 ], the improvement in performance through PEO may be related to its action on cell membranes by regulating the flow of Ca 2+ (Calcium). PEO, with its active ingredients, is believed to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation induced by exercise and thus relieve exercise-induced fatigue and improve exercise performance [ 4 , 5 ]. Numerous types of essential oils exist with varying compositions and effects.…”