Everything old is new again

University of Edinburgh researchers have taken the healing properties of mint oil and created a cooling compound for chronic pain sufferers. Mint oil is a natural remedy used by the ancient Greeks and in traditional Chinese medicine to soothe sprains, ease joint pain, and suppress inflammation.

Researchers say the compound works by activating a recently discovered nerve cell receptor that blocks pain signals from reaching the brain. The receptor, called TRPM8, is located on a small percentage of skin cells and is triggered by cooling temperatures like those created by the application of the cooling compound.

It is hoped that the topical compound will benefit those for whom regular pain medication is often ineffective, such as arthritis sufferers or people who endure pain from nerve damage or spinal injury. The cooling compound would likely also have fewer side effects than conventional painkillers.

Sources: "Analgesia mediated by the TRPM8 cold receptor in chronic neuropathic pain," Current Biology 2006; 16: 1591-1605

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