Sources - Menthol - is a naturally occurring monocyclic terpene (any of various unsaturated hydrocarbons, C10H16, found in essential oils and oleoresins of plants such as conifers and used in organic syntheses) found in the oils of the mint tree Mentha arvensis. Menthol is well known for its cooling effects and its mint flavor which are used in liniments, antipruritic agent, mouthwashes, nasal sprays, expectorants, cough drops, etc.

Physiology - Transdemal delivery of medication and/or herbal supplements depends on the controlled rapid molecular transport across the skin. Clinical studies have shown that menthol can dramatically increase the transdermal delivery of medications and/or herbal supplements.

The skin is made up of three layers, epidermis, dermis and the subcutaneous layer:

Epidermis - the tough outer protective layer of the skin that contains the melanin, pigment that gives the skin color; keratinocytes, which produce the basic component of the nails, keratin and the langerhans cells, which help to protect the body from infection.

Dermis - is the middle layer of the skin that provides nourishment to the epidermal layer. The dermis is the thickest layer that comprises a tight mesh of elastin and collagen fibers. Collagen is responsible for the structural support of the skin while elastin provides resilience. The dermis also contains nerve endings, blood vessels, and lymph nodes.

Subcutaneous layer - is the innermost layer of the skin that consists mainly of adipocytes (fat cells) connective tissue and blood vessels. The subcutaneous fat cells serve as a heat insulator to maintain body temperature while providing a sort of shock absorber protecting underlying structures. Sweat glands also originate in this subcutaneous layer.

The epidermis is made up of 5 layers. the primary barrier of the skin to transdermal permeation of medications and/or herbal supplements is a layer known as the stratum corneum.

Listed below are the five layers of the skin:

• Stratum Corneum - is the outermost layer consisting of closely packed, flat, dead cells that are constantly replaced secondary to abrasion.
• Stratum Lucidem - is a clear band consisting of mostly of packed cells with indistinct outer boundaries Stratum Granulosum - is the granular layer made up of keratinocytes. These cells provide a barrier between the host and the environment in order to prevent the entry of toxic substances from the environment and the loss of important constituents fromthe host.)
• Sratum Spinosum - is known as the "prickel cell: layer because when these cells are seen under the microscope they look prickly secondary to the cells appearing to have extensions connected to other cells.
• Stratum Basale - represents the bottom or deepest layer of the epidermis These cells mature and become more specialized as they move toward the surface of the skin. Melanin is formed here to protect against ultraviolet radiation.

The majority of herbal companies develop their herbal ointments, gels and lotions without addressing the concept of the transdermal (across the dermis of the skin) delivery process. Companies can blend a wide variety of beneficial herbal components in their formulas, however, if these ingredients cannot get past the protective layers of the skin they will produce no effects. Physicians' Select has researched and addressed the problem of transdermal application, specifically developing a synergistic (when two herbal ingredients together produce a greater effect than the two individual ingredients can produce on their own i.e. 1+1 = 3) blend of herbal ingredients that can penetrate the dermal layer of the skin.

In addition, many herbal companies develop only oral products to improve the stimulation of the clitoris. Physicians' Select understands that there are many facets to the sexual response in women, therefore, we have developed two products a gel specifically designed for direct application to the clitoris and an oral formula to increase libido and enhance the overall sexual response.

Physicians' Select by developing a transdermal gel that can penetrate the dermal layer of the skin of the clitoris

• Enhanced efficacy (capacity to produce a desired effect)
• Improved convenience and compliance
• Decreased side effects, application easy to terminate if side effects do occur
• Avoids "peak and valley" effects associated with oral supplements
• Reduce dosing via the transdermal application, active ingredients bypass first pass effect through the gastrointestinal tract

Clinical studies
Research as shown that the application of menthol when combined with other topical transdermal arginine actual promotes the absorption of the Arginine. Menthol acting to relax and dilate the skin cells, allows Arginie into the blood stream and nerves faster, thus, increasing blood flow to the clitoris and stimulates nerve endings. The warm tingling sensation secondary to the application of menthol to the clitoris also promotes the sexual response resulting in an increase in vaginal lubrication and a release of the all important nitric oxide (please refer to the physiology section for a detailed explanation of how an increase in nitric oxide promotes an intensified orgasmic response).

According to a study cited in the the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences the use of Menthol could increase skin flux up to eight times the base line enabling transdermal medications to be absorbed more readily. Kaplun-Frischoff Y. Touitou E. Testosterone skin permeation enhancement by menthol through formation of eutectic with drug and interaction with skin lipids. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 86(12):1394-9, 1997 Dec.

Modern day uses:
Today, Menthol is prescribed by physicians and herbal specialist for the following:

• Transdermal agent - blended with other topical ointments, gels and lotions in order to promote absorption.
• Local anesthetic - used in over-the-counter supplements for the relief of throat irritation, muscle aches, arthritic pain, etc.
• Flavoring - used as a flavoring agent in a wide variety of products from cigarettes to mouthwash.

Precautions and/or adverse effects:
Individuals with preexisting medical conditions should consult with their physician particularly if they are taking prescription or over-the-counter-medications or supplements. Women who are pregnant or breast feeding and children should also consult with there physician prior to taking any new supplements.


Physicians’ Select Female Enhancement Gel also contains the following proprietary blend of the following ingredients.:

• De-ionized water
• Propylene Glycol
• Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
• Methyl Paraben
• Propyl Paraben

Please note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. The information should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is appropriate, safe, or effective for each individuals use. Individuals should consult their healthcare professional prior taking any new product.