Bengay was developed in France by Dr.
Jules Bengué (French pronunciation:[ʒylbɛ̃ɡe]) and brought to
North America in 1898. The name Bengué was
Anglicized and commercialized to Ben-Gay (later Bengay). It was originally produced by
Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, which was acquired by
Johnson & Johnson. The product is advised to be used topically for adults and children 12 years of age and older, and no more than 3 to 4 times daily.[2] The manufacturer recommends storing it between 20 and 25 °C (68 and 77 °F).[2]
According to a study published by
MIT Technology Review, the exact mechanism of its efficacy is not known. However, evidence indicates that it activates a
neuron named
TRPM8, which appears to keep minor pain signals in the brain from communicating with the spine.[3]
Methyl salicylate can also be toxic when excessively large doses many multiples of the recommended amount are administered,[6][7] a rarity.[7]
In October 2007 in the United States, a teenage athlete overdosed and died from overexposure to methyl salicylate,[6][7] having "more than six times the safe amount of the ingredient in her body."[6]
Active ingredients
Active ingredients vary by product version, including: