Tag: Blood flow

While topical menthol is widely used in pain-relief products, a study found that it paradoxically increases superficial skin blood flow while potentially decreasing arterial blood flow. The seemingly simple question, "Does menthol increase blood flow?" has a layered answer that depends on the type and location of the blood vessels being observed.

A recent pilot study involving healthy older adults found that creatine supplementation improved artery dilation, a key indicator of cardiovascular health. This counters common concerns and helps answer the question: **does creatine mess with blood flow?** Research suggests that for healthy individuals, the answer is generally no, and it may even offer some vascular benefits.

As part of the body's natural “fight-or-flight” response, epinephrine is released from the adrenal glands to prepare an individual for perceived threats. This release causes significant cardiovascular changes, but the answer to **what does epinephrine do to blood flow?** is complex and depends heavily on the dose and the location of specific adrenergic receptors in the body.

In clinical trials, over 80% of men who took the maximum prescribed dose of Viagra reported improved erections. The ingredient responsible for this effect is sildenafil citrate, a potent vasodilator that targets a specific enzyme to enhance blood flow to the penis.

Recent research confirms that topical application of menthol, a key ingredient in Vicks VapoRub, can induce a localized increase in cutaneous (skin) blood flow. This effect, however, is very different from increasing systemic, or whole-body, blood circulation. Here is a pharmacological breakdown of the effects of Vicks.

Over 50% of men aged 40–70 experience some degree of erectile dysfunction (ED), and medications like Vasafil, which contains the active ingredient sildenafil, offer an effective treatment option. This phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor helps men achieve and maintain an erection during sexual stimulation by improving blood flow to the penis.

Affecting over 113 million people globally, peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a leading cause of poor leg circulation [1.9.3]. Understanding what medication is used for leg circulation is crucial for managing symptoms and preventing serious complications [1.10.4].

Animal research has consistently shown that the peptide BPC-157 promotes angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels. This effect is a key mechanism through which the compound can influence physical vascularity, or the visibility of veins, by improving overall blood flow and nutrient delivery to tissues.

Over 7,000 peptides with bioactive properties have been identified by researchers, with many showing promise for enhancing physiological processes [1.7.1]. For those asking, 'Which peptide is best for blood flow?', several candidates stand out by promoting vasodilation and angiogenesis to improve circulation throughout the body.