Peppermint in Medicine: Pharmacological Insights and Clinical Relevance

Abstract

Mentha (also known as peppermint) belongs to family Lamiaceae. It has around twenty-five unique species as well as a few hybrid plants. Peppermint (M. piperita) is a winter-hardy perennial rhizomatous plant that spreads quickly. It can reach 0.3-0.9 m in height, with upright and regular branches and a circular sectional area. The underlying root systems are large and extensive, with fleshy and clearly visible threadlike radicles. Watermint (Mentha aquatica) and peppermint (Mentha spicata) are combined to form peppermint. Peppermint plant is utilized to treat fever and digestive issues. Mentha shows strong antibacterial activity due to the presence of PEO. It also shows strong neuroprotective effect and also exhibit antifatigue activity and also plays role in transdermal absorption. It also shows antispasmodic effects that helps to relieve muscle discomfort, relax muscles also have neuro-psychiatric effects, anti- nociceptive effect, and reduce tiredness. Mentha also have allelopathic properties and also perform anticarcinogenic ,cytotoxicity activities and fever reducing activities, plays role in nausea preventing activities and have an important role in preventing diabetes.