+1 (629)348-3199Review Article - Journal of Public Health and Nutrition (2023) Volume 6, Issue 4
The effect of peppermint oil supplementation on cardiometabolic indices and other health related outcomes: A two arm placebo randomised controlled trial.
Objectives: The effects of peppermint oil on gastrointestinal ailments are well-documented; however, the benefits of peppermint oil on cardiometabolic indices are not well researched. Therefore, the present investigation examined the effects of 20 days of peppermint oil supplementation on cardiometabolic indices and other health related outcomes.
Methods: In a randomised, single blind, placebo controlled trial, 10 participants (31.70 ± 15.51; 5 M/ 5 F), consumed a peppermint oil supplement or placebo (PLA) for 20 days. Anthropometric, energy expenditure and substrate oxidation measurements as well as haematological measurements, blood pressure, resting heart rate and questionnaires were measured pre and postsupplementation.
Results: There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) for systolic or diastolic blood pressure. In addition, there were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) for any of the haematological values or resting heart rate. Although, V’O2 and V’CO2 at moderate intensity exercise were significantly worse with peppermint oil intake (pre: V’O2=0.89 L/ min and V’CO2=0.66 L/min; post: V’O2=0.0.73 L/min and V’CO2=0.66 L/min) compared to placebo (pre: V’O2=0.75 L/min and V’CO2=0.78 L/min; post: V’O2=0.91 L/min and V’CO2=0.78 L/min). Moreover, psychological well-being indices measured using the beck depression inventory, state trait anxiety inventory and COOP WONCA had no statistical difference in the peppermint group compared to placebo.
Conclusion: A novel peppermint oil supplementation protocol designed for sustained improvement in cardiometabolic and other health related outcomes failed to provide any apparent advantages. The supplement is a safe and affordable treatment capable of potentially providing benefits in the long term but requires more extensive investigation.
Author(s): Heidi E Murray*