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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