Ethnomedicinal, phytochemical and pharmacological updates on Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.)-A review

Phytother Res. 2020 Sep;34(9):2088-2139. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6664. Epub 2020 Mar 16.

Abstract

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L) is a perennial, glabrous and strongly scented herb belongs to the family Lamiaceae. It is cultivated in a temperate region of Europe, Asia, United States, India and Mediterranean countries due to their commercial value and distinct aroma. In addition to traditional food flavouring uses, M. × piperita is well recognized for their traditional use to treat fever, cold, digestive, anti-viral, anti-fungal and oral mucosa and throat inflammation. The scientific studies provide awareness on the use of M. × piperita for biological effects such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, biopesticidal, larvicidal, anticancer, radioprotective effect, genotoxicity and anti-diabetic activity have been ascribed. A wide spectrum of bioactive phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolics lignans and stilbenes and essential oils are expected to be responsible for the aroma effects. In this sense, this present review provides an extensive overview of the traditional medicinal, phytochemical and multiple biological activities of this "Peppermint."

Keywords: Lamiaceae; Mentha; Mentha × piperita L; biological effects; essential oils; peppermint; traditional medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Asia
  • Europe
  • Humans
  • India
  • Medicine, Traditional / methods
  • Medicine, Traditional / trends*
  • Mediterranean Islands
  • Mentha piperita / chemistry
  • Mentha piperita / physiology*
  • Oils, Volatile / isolation & purification
  • Oils, Volatile / pharmacology
  • Phytochemicals / pharmacology*
  • Phytochemicals / therapeutic use
  • Phytotherapy / methods
  • Phytotherapy / trends*
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology
  • Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
  • United States

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile
  • Phytochemicals
  • Plant Extracts