Interactions with Peppermint

In a study evaluating potential essential oils as transdermal delivery agents, peppermint oil acted as a penetration enhancer for 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) using excised rat skin (Abdullah et al. 1996). Peppermint oil enhanced the permeation of 5-FU approximately 46-fold. The mechanism for the accelerated percutaneous absorption of 5-FU combined with these essential oils may be due to a combination of partition and diffusion.

References

Abdullah D, Ping QN, Liu GJ. Enhancing effect of essential oils on the penetration of 5-fluorouracil through rat skin. Yao Hsueh Hsueh Pao. 1996;31(3):214-221.

This publication contains information relating to general principles of medical care that should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. No claims or endorsements are made for any drugs or compounds currently marketed or in investigative use. The reader is advised to check product information (including package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage, precautions, warnings, interactions, and contraindications before administering any drug, herb, or supplement discussed herein.