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Family: Labiatae

Spearmint

Vernacular: Pudina, garden mint,green mint

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Biological source: Dried leaves and floweringtops of Mentha spicata (Mentha viridis)

Cultivation: Grows in cool and damp soils of all

types

Plant is perennial, stem creeping

In Feb or March stem , young stem pieces are

divided into small pieces which are planted

into well prepared soil beds.

In summer ,on dry day, stalks should be cut

few inches above the roots before the mid day

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Description/Morphology

From creeping roots, stems rise to a height of

about 2 feet with pointed,, wrinkled and

bright green leaves with coarsely dentate

margin and very prominent ribs on lower

surface.

The plant has characteristic taste and odour.

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Chemical constituents

It contains about 0.5% volatile oils

Main constituent of oil is carvone andlimonene

Drug also contains resin and tannins

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Traditional and current uses

It is used as spice, flavouring agent,

carminative, stimulant, diuretic

Sweetened infusion is good remedy for

different digestive problems of infants

Used as beverage in fevers and inflammatory

diseases

It was used by ancient people to scent their

bath water and as restorative

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Peppermint

Biological source: Oil obtained by the

distillation ofMentha piperita

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Origin: It is a hybrid ofMentha spicata andMentha aquatica

Habitat and cultivation: Grown commercially

and in gardens throughout Europe, Asia and

America.

It is propagated from seeds and harvested just

before flowering in summer

Grows well in almost all types of soil but

should be planted in cool and moist conditions

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History

Origin is a mystery

Dried leaves were found in Egyptian Pyramids

Highly used and valued by Greeks and Romans

Its used as medicine became popular in Europe in

18th century

It was admitted into London pharmacopeia in 1721

and its medicinal properties were recognized

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Constituents

Volatile oils including menthol(50-85%),

menthone etc

The flavouring and medicinal properties are

chiefly due to the presence alcoholic group.

Structure

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Other constituents

Flavonoids

Phenolic acids Triterpenes

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Main actions

Carminative

Relieves muscle spasms

Increase sweating Stimulates secretion of bile

Antiseptic

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Traditional uses

For digestive problems: Excellent remedy,increases the flow of bile and gastric juices

and relaxes the muscles of gut.

Reduces colic, cramps, gas and soothesirritated bowel, soothes the linings and

muscles of colon

Diluted oil is used as inhalant and chest rubfor respiratory infections

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Pharmacological actions

Research has shown

Volatile oil is strongly antibacterial. This action

is chiefly due to menthol which has antiseptic,

antifungal, cooling effects.

The whole plant has antispasmodic effect on

digestive system