Perskindol
Wintergreen Oil

Wintergreen Oil

  • Obtained from Gaultheria procumbens leaves
  • Methyl salicylate is the major chemical compound (96 -99 %)11,12
  • Richest source of plant-produced salicylates13

Selected Properties

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiseptic
  • Rubefascient (hyperaemia)
  • Contra-indicated in case of known allergies to Aspirine

Mechanism of Action

Anti-inflammatory effect14

  • Mainly by methyl salicylate acting trough several mechanisms including antioxidative effects (inhibition of the of NO and ROS)

Analgesia15, 16, 17

  • Suppression of COX-2 activity by salicylates probably occurs at the expression level (inhibition of COX-2 mRNA synthesis and COX-2 promoter activity). Ability of inhibition of cyclo-oxygenase is unclear (COX inhibition is < 100-fold lower than that for acetylsalicylic acid)
  • Activation and desensitization of cutaneous nerves

References

  1. W.-R. LIU ET AL., GAULTHERIA: PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS. MOLECULES 18, 12071 (2013).
  2. M. Nikolic et al., Chemical composition and biological activity of Gaultheria procumbens L. essential oil. Industrial Crops and Products 49, 561-567 (2013).
  3. D. M. Ribnicky, A. Poulev, I. Raskin, The Determination of Salicylates in Gaultheria procumbens for Use as a Natural Aspirin Alternative. Journal of Nutraceuticals, Functional & Medical Foods 4, 39-52 (2003).
  4. D. Zhang et al., Anti-inflammatory activity of methyl salicylate glycosides isolated from Gaultheria yunnanensis (Franch.) Rehder. Molecules 16, 3875-3884 (2011).
  5. L. Mason et al., Systematic review of efficacy of topical rubefacients containing salicylates for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. BMJ 328, 995 (2004).
  6. R. L. Barkin, The Pharmacology of Topical Analgesics. Postgraduate Medicine 125, 7-18 (2013). 17. K. K. Wu, Aspirin and Salicylate. An Old Remedy With a New Twist 102, 2022-2023 (2000).