1 of 6

Mentha

2 of 6

`

Synonyms: Peppermint, Folium Mentha Piperatae

​

Biological source:

Botanical name: Mentha piperita

Part used: dried leaves and flowering tops

Family: Labiatae

​

Geographical source:

Commercially cultivated in Eastern and Northern Europe, USA, Asia and Africa

3 of 6

Macroscopical features

    • Color: Green

Odor: characteristic

    • Taste: characteristic
    • Shape: lanceolate to oblong
    • Size: 3-9 cm long, 1-3 cm wide
    • Other features: dentate margin, acute apex, reticulate venation, sessile, glabrous surface

​

​

4 of 6

Microscopical features

Upper epidermis is composed of large, clear epidermal cells with few or no stomata.

Lower epidermis poses smaller cells with numerous diacytic stomata.

The glandular trichome is present with consists of unicellular stalk and glandular head composed of 8 radiating cells.

Covering trichome are uniseriate of 3-8 cells having pointed apex.

​

5 of 6

Chemical constituents

Main constituent in the essential oil contain Menthol (50-60%), Menthone (14-32%).

Other constituents include cineole, alpha pinene, beta pinene, alpha phellandrene, beta phellandrene etc

6 of 6

Pharmacological action / Uses

It is used as spice, flavoring agent, carminative, digestive, spasmolytic, stimulant and as diuretic.

It is used in toothpaste, tooth powder,shaving cream and other pharmaceutical formulation.

Its oil is used externally in rheumatism , neuralgia, congestion, headache, and toothache.

​