Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 10:54 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2026-04-07 @ 12:57 PM
Study NCT ID:
NCT07294469
Status:
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Last Update Posted:
2025-12-19
First Post:
2025-12-08
Is Gene Therapy:
True
Has Adverse Events:
False
Brief Title:
Menthol for Improving Movement and Sleep in Parkinson's Disease Patients
Sponsor:
Taipei Medical University Hospital
Organization:
Study Overview
Official Title:
Effect of Menthol on Motor Deficits and Sleep Disturbances in Patients With Parkinson's Disease
Status:
NOT_YET_RECRUITING
Status Verified Date:
2025-10
Last Known Status:
None
Delayed Posting:
No
If Stopped, Why?:
Not Stopped
Has Expanded Access:
False
If Expanded Access, NCT#:
N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status:
N/A
Acronym:
None
Brief Summary:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by both motor and non-motor symptoms due to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons. There is currently no cure. Menthol, a natural compound that activates TRPM8 receptors, has shown neuroprotective and motor function benefits in preclinical PD models. In mice, distal limb immersion in menthol improved dopamine neuron survival and motor performance. Similar menthol-based interventions improved outcomes in a stroke model and a clinical trial with stroke patients. This study investigates whether topical menthol can offer therapeutic benefits for individuals with PD.
Detailed Description:
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects both motor and non-motor functions, with symptoms that can vary widely in severity. It is caused by the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, a brain region essential for movement control. The characteristic motor symptoms of PD include tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability. In addition to these motor impairments, many individuals with PD also experience non-motor symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, which can significantly impact their quality of life. Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for PD.
Menthol, a naturally occurring compound found in peppermint essential oil, has been shown to activate TRPM8 receptors in somatosensory neurons. Pharmacological activation of peripheral TRPM8 receptors enhances neural activity, which is subsequently transmitted to the brain.
In previous preclinical studies, we used a dopamine toxin-induced PD mouse model and treated the mice with distal limb immersion in menthol. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that limb immersion in menthol reduced the loss of dopamine neurons and increased the dopamine content in the mouse striatum. The mice's motor function also improved, as indicated by a significant increase in the time they spent running on the rotarod. We also evaluated the effects of menthol in a stroke mouse model induced by MCAO. Topical application of menthol to the paw alleviated acute cerebral infarction and ischemia-induced sensorimotor deficits in MCAO mice.
In our recent clinical trial, we evaluated the effects of menthol-containing gloves and socks in acute ischemic stroke patients. After four weeks of treatment, patients showed improvements in their Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores, suggesting that this intervention may help enhance functional recovery. Based on these promising results, we hypothesize that a similar approach could benefit individuals with PD.
We aim to conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of menthol-containing gloves and socks in treating motor deficits and sleep disorders in patients with PD：A total of 80 patients with PD will be randomized into the following groups: (1) menthol-containing gloves and socks (2) placebo. The treatment duration will be 4 weeks, with 4 weeks follow-up. All patients will be clinically assessed at the randomization, 4 and 8 week. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I,II,III, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and detailed neurological examination will be included in the assessment.
Menthol, a naturally occurring compound found in peppermint essential oil, has been shown to activate TRPM8 receptors in somatosensory neurons. Pharmacological activation of peripheral TRPM8 receptors enhances neural activity, which is subsequently transmitted to the brain.
In previous preclinical studies, we used a dopamine toxin-induced PD mouse model and treated the mice with distal limb immersion in menthol. The results of immunohistochemical staining showed that limb immersion in menthol reduced the loss of dopamine neurons and increased the dopamine content in the mouse striatum. The mice's motor function also improved, as indicated by a significant increase in the time they spent running on the rotarod. We also evaluated the effects of menthol in a stroke mouse model induced by MCAO. Topical application of menthol to the paw alleviated acute cerebral infarction and ischemia-induced sensorimotor deficits in MCAO mice.
In our recent clinical trial, we evaluated the effects of menthol-containing gloves and socks in acute ischemic stroke patients. After four weeks of treatment, patients showed improvements in their Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and Barthel Index (BI) scores, suggesting that this intervention may help enhance functional recovery. Based on these promising results, we hypothesize that a similar approach could benefit individuals with PD.
We aim to conduct a double-blind, randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of menthol-containing gloves and socks in treating motor deficits and sleep disorders in patients with PD：A total of 80 patients with PD will be randomized into the following groups: (1) menthol-containing gloves and socks (2) placebo. The treatment duration will be 4 weeks, with 4 weeks follow-up. All patients will be clinically assessed at the randomization, 4 and 8 week. Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I,II,III, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Parkinson's Disease Sleep Scale-2 (PDSS-2), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire (PDQ-39) and detailed neurological examination will be included in the assessment.
Study Oversight
Has Oversight DMC:
False
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?:
False
Is a FDA Regulated Device?:
False
Is an Unapproved Device?:
None
Is a PPSD?:
None
Is a US Export?:
None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?: