Methyl salicylate (MeSA, ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid methyl ester, wintergreen oil), molecular formula: C8H8O3, structural formula:
MeSA is a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a characteristic aromatic odor, soluble in ethanol, ether, glacial acetic acid, and other organic solvents, and slightly soluble in water. It is an important ester compound naturally present in wintergreen leaves and is an active ingredient in many plants. In recent years, the biological functions of MeSA have been continuously discovered. In the medical field, MeSA has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and is used topically for joint or muscle pain, often as a liniment for rheumatic pain. Additionally, MeSA can be used as a fragrance in cosmetics, toothpaste, and food, and it is also used as a solvent and intermediate in the manufacture of paints, inks, pesticides, fungicides, polishes, and fiber auxiliaries. Approximately 10 to 100 tons of MeSA are used worldwide each year.
Lidocaine, also known as lignocaine, with the molecular formula: C14H22N2O, is a local anesthetic and can also be used to treat ventricular tachycardia. The most common brand name is Xylocaine. The structure of lidocaine is as follows:
Lidocaine is most commonly used for nerve conduction block. When lidocaine is mixed with a small amount of epinephrine, it can be used in higher doses for anesthesia and maintain a longer effect. When used for anesthesia via injection, it reacts within four minutes and continues to act for two to three hours. Lidocaine can also be applied directly to the skin to achieve anesthesia.
Methyl salicylate is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the salicylate class of drugs. This drug works by reducing substances in the body that cause pain and inflammation.
Methyl salicylate relieves musculoskeletal pain by dilating capillaries and increasing blood flow, causing skin irritation and redness. It is pharmacologically similar to aspirin and other NSAIDs, but as a topical medication, it primarily acts by causing redness and skin irritation. It is believed that counter-irritation effectively relieves musculoskeletal pain because stimulating sensory nerve endings is thought to alter or offset pain from the underlying muscles or joints served by the same nerves. This can mask underlying musculoskeletal pain and discomfort. When used topically, methyl salicylate is thought to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues, where it can reversibly inhibit cyclooxygenase and locally and peripherally block the production of inflammatory mediators such as prostaglandins and thromboxane A2.
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that works by blocking nerve signals in the body. Lidocaine is an amide-type local anesthetic. It is used to provide local anesthesia in various parts of the body through nerve block. Lidocaine achieves local anesthesia by stabilizing the neuronal membrane by inhibiting the ionic fluxes required for the initiation and conduction of nerve impulses. Specifically, lidocaine acts on the sodium ion channels within the nerve cell membrane. In these channels, the neutral form of lidocaine first diffuses into the axon within the nerve sheath, where it then combines with hydrogen ions to form the charged lidocaine cation. This cation can reversibly bind to the sodium channels, keeping them in an open state, thereby preventing the process of nerve depolarization.
Primarily relieves pain by reducing inflammation at the site of injury or discomfort. It can also help alleviate muscle stiffness and soreness.
Produces a numbing effect in the treated area, directly blocking the sensation of pain.
Large-scale or excessive use can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and gastrointestinal discomfort. People allergic to methyl salicylate should avoid using it.
Although generally safe for topical use, excessive or prolonged use can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and systemic absorption, which can potentially lead to more severe side effects such as arrhythmias.
What's the difference between methyl salicylate and trolamine salicylate?Trolamine salicylate is a topical salicylate derivative used to temporarily relieve pain or inflammation in muscles, joints, and other subcutaneous tissues. Since trolamine salicylate is an odorless compound and non-irritating to the skin, it can be a viable alternative to oral salicylates. However, compared to other salicylate derivatives such as methyl salicylate, its skin penetration is lower.
However, two other studies demonstrated the clinical efficacy of a 10% trolamine salicylate cream. One study evaluated the effect of a single application of this cream in osteoarthritis patients (Rothacker DQ et al., 1998), while another study assessed its efficacy after 5 days of continuous use in healthy college students with delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) induced by bicep curls (Hill DW et al., 1989).
Clearly, methyl salicylate is more effective as a "salicylate delivery molecule" than trolamine salicylate.
[6] Huang Juan. Study on the biological activities of salicylic acid and methyl salicylate[D]. Fujian: Jimei University, 2010. DOI:10.7666/d.y1748540.
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