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Currently, cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) treatment is facing a problem due to the increase in drug resistance. Nanoparticles, due to their characteristics, are suitable candidates for disease treatment. The aim of this study is the in vitro evaluation of zinc nanoparticles coated with peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil on Leishmania major. The effects of different concentrations of Zn-Mp and meglumine antimoniate (MA; as a positive control) were studied on the promastigote and amastigote of Leishmania major, and their selectivity index (SI) was evaluated. The peaks at 2361.02 cm−1 (C–N stretching), 1213.78 cm−1 (CO–NH stretching), and 1110.83 cm−1 (C=O stretching) were attributed to Zn-Mp. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) was 17.48 μg/mL for Zn-Mp and 19.09 μg/mL for MA on promastigote (P = 0.47). It was 11.3 μg/mL for Zn-Mp and 14.1 μg/mL for MA on amastigote (P = 0.79). Lower IC50 on amastigote for Zn-Mp indicated better effectiveness on L. major compared to MA, but higher SI for MA (37.55) as compared to Zn-Mp (18.9) (P = 0.0002), highlighting more safety for MA. Compared to MA, the anti-leishmanial effect of Zn-Mp and its nontoxic effects on macrophages (SI > 10) show that Zn-Mp can be a candidate for the treatment of CL and it should be further studied on animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Considering the problems of using medicinal plants in the treatment of diseases and the role of nanotechnology in reducing these challenges, the present research was conducted with the aim of preparing nano-liposomes containing Mentha piperita essential oil and investigating their physicochemical characteristics. Materials and Methods: Four nano-liposome formulations containing essential oil were prepared using cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine by thin layer method. Encapsulation efficiency, size, zeta potential, and essential oil release were measured in all formulations. The appropriate formulation was selected to investigate the morphology of the particles, their interaction between nano-liposomes and essential oil, toxicity, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Then, the stability of the selected formulation was checked for 120 days. Results: Formulation F1 was selected with an encapsulation efficiency of 62.12%, nano-particle size of 121 nm, and zeta potential of -21.8 mV. In this formulation, no interaction between nano-liposomes and essential oil was observed, and the spherical shape and two-layer nature of the nanoparticles were confirmed. Nanoliposomes with and without essential oil caused little toxicity to normal HFF cells and in all concentrations compared to free essential oil, they had more toxicity on MCF-7 cancer cells and higher antioxidant properties. The anti-proliferative effects of nano-liposomes on some microorganisms were higher than the free essential oil. Also, there were slight changes in some physicochemical properties of nanoparticles during 120 days. Conclusion: Considering the suitable physicochemical properties of nano-liposomes containing essential oil and their anti-proliferative effects, these nano-systems can be suggested for further research in the field of cancer and microbial diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The children’s resistance to dosage regimens is one of the challenging issues in pediatric therapy. There are two significant issues with pediatric patients: a lack of self-drug administration skills and patient compliance. The medical characteristics of herbs have become increasingly important due to their lack of side effects, low cost, and biocompatibility. Method: The herbs that will be used are Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Adhatoda vasika (Adulsa), Elettariacardamomum (Cardamom), Zingiberofficinale (Ginger), Mentha piperita (Peppermint), Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice), Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), and Honey. The formulation were prepared by decoction method and evaluated. Results: These herbs’ extracts show good antimicrobial activity against E. coli. The formulated jelly shows good appearance, pH, disintegration, and spreadability. We conduct a 6-month stability study on the formulated jelly. It has a good appearance and does not change pH. So, the formulated jelly can be stable for up to 6 months. Conclusions: The data revealed that the optimized formulation had not shown any change in their appearance or pH. So, the formulated jelly can be stable for up to 6 months. The formulations exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity, which is suitable to administer to children as an alternative oral solid dosage form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Mentha species are well known for their health benefits. Products extracted from aromatic plants of this genus (Mentha) are increasingly being studied for their active constituents in order to replace synthetic products that are harmful to health. Aims: To determine the chemical composition, physicochemical parameters, and antioxidant properties of essential oils of M. spicata, M. piperita, and M. pulegium. These plants were collected from three different geographical areas in the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region of Morocco, with an additional focus on analyzing the fluctuation of their chemical composition based on their locations. Methods: Essential oils obtained through hydrodistillation of the fresh aerial parts of the plants were analyzed via gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antioxidant capacity was measured by several chemical tests: DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP. Results: Multiple major components were identified, showcasing variations in composition between species as well as between plants of the same species. M. spicata was characterized by carvone, piperitone, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene; while M. piperita features linalool, D-carvone, 1,3,8-p-menthatriene; and M. pulegium had a single major component which is pulegone. To the best of our knowledge, it is assumed that a new set of chemotypes may be defined based on the geographical regions studied. The examined essential oils demonstrated notable antioxidant efficacy. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential use of extracts from these plants as an alternative to synthetic chemical products. Therefore, they could find applications in complementary medicine as well as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.

Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, which are among the plant growth-promoting bacteria, dissolve insoluble phosphate in the soil by several pathways and promote plant growth. Therefore, it offers an alternative option instead of applying chemical fertilizers that disrupt soil chemistry and ecological balance. Although research on phosphate solubilizing bacteria has increased recently, the research on the peppermint and fennel rhizosphere is still limited. Investigating different rhizospheric local bacteria that can solubilize phosphate and replace chemical fertilizers is necessary. It was determined that 15 of the 53 bacterial isolates obtained from peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) and fennel (Foeniculum vulgare L.) rhizospheres formed a transparent (halo) region around the colonies on Pikovskaya Agar (PKA) medium using the MALDI-TOF MS method. The morphological, biochemical and IAA production of these isolates as well as quantitative measurements of phosphate solubilization by the isolates in NBRIP broth medium was evaluated. The highest efficiency was noted from Bacillus subtilis MMS-7 with solubilization value of 281.6 mg L-1. This was followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens MMS-11 with solubilization value of 263.4 mg L-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis MMS-3 with solubilization value of 172.1 mg L-1, respectively. Among the Phosphate solubilizing bacterial isolates, P solubilization index ranged 1.2-3.7 on PKA agar medium. Additionally, the highest IAA production was noted at 23.38 μg ml-1, using Bacillus subtilis MMS-7. This was followed by Pseudomonas fluorescens MMS-11 with value of 19.72 μg ml-1 and Bacillus thuringiensis using MMS-3 with value of 18.98 μg ml-1. This study demonstrated that selected local isolates can be used as effective phosphate-based microbial fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic food preservatives protect against oxidation and pathogens but can harm consumer health. Plant-based bioactive components like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and essential oils (EOs) are crucial for safe alternatives. The study investigated the chemical composition and biological activities of EOs extracted from Mentha piperita and Mentha pulegium. Essential oils from both plant species were extracted using hydro-distillation method. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) profiling was performed to determine the EOs' constituents. The EOs were assessed for antioxidant properties using three assays, while their antibacterial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Molecular docking and dynamic simulation studies were performed to elucidate the interaction between EO constituents and target enzymes. The results revealed that the main components in M. piperita and M. pulegium EOs were isomintlactone (35.55%) and pulegone (74.04%), respectively. The EOs of M. piperita and M. pulegium exhibited remarkable antioxidant activity, with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 3.24±0.22 and 3.51±0.22 mg/mL, respectively, in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging (DPPH) assay. Strong antibacterial efficacy was observed with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 4% for M. pulegium and moderate effects for M. piperita with MIC values of 0.5% against Staphylococcus aureus and its ATCC29213, and 1% against Escherichia coli and its ATCC25922. Molecular docking and dynamic molecular simulations showed that the identified chemical constituents in the test EOs have a good affinity to the target enzymes. These findings suggest that M. piperita and M. pulegium EOs are promising natural sources of antioxidant and antibacterial agents, potentially valuable in food preservation and health applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on state and trait anxiety. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 93 participants were divided into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), with 47 participants in the EG receiving MPEO aromatherapy and 46 in the CG. Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at pretest and posttest phases. Results: GC-MS analysis showed that menthol had the highest concentration (42.56%), followed by menthone (19.24%) and linalool (11.68%). Mixed model analysis revealed that group assignment (EG vs. CG) was a significant predictor of posttest state anxiety (F=16.508, p=0.001) and trait anxiety (F=9.091, p=0.003), independent of pretest scores, supporting the intervention's effect on reducing anxiety. Posttest results showed a significant reduction in state anxiety in the EG compared to the CG (p=0.001) with a large effect size (r=0.508), while trait anxiety showed a moderate reduction (p=0.001, r=0.342). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Mentha piperita essential oil may effectively reduce state and trait anxiety, with a more pronounced impact on state anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms, composed of exopolysaccharides and proteins, protect bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is notable for its role in tooth decay due to its acid-producing abilities. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances. This study aimed to examine utilization of the Mentha piperita essential oil as a potential antibiofilm activity agent against S. mutans. M. piperita oil significantly (1) reduced bacterial biofilm, (2) exhibited a synergistic effect when combined with chlorhexidine, and (3) did not induce cell toxicity. Chemical analysis identified the essential oil with 99.99% certainty, revealing menthol and menthone as the primary components, constituting approximately 42% and 26%, respectively. Further, M. piperita oil eradicated preformed biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. M. piperita oil also interfered with bacterial quorum sensing communication and did not produce any apparent cell toxicity in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). M. piperita represented an alternative substance for combating S. mutans and biofilm formation and a potential combination option with chlorhexidine to minimize side effects. An in-situ performance assessment requires further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentha piperita, as a species of the mint family, is used in various medical, cosmetic, industrial and culinary products. The effect of different concentrations of salicylic acid (SA) (0. 0.5, 1 mM) on phytochemical activity and antimicrobial potential of Mentha piperita essential oil against six human pathogenic bacteria (Streptococcus agalactiae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes) were investigated. According to the results to prevent the growth of L. monocytogenes and S. agalactiae, Gram-positive bacteria, peppermint, essential oil treatment with 1 mM salicylic acid is suggested. But to prevent the growth of Gram-negative bacteria P. aeruginosa and E. coli, peppermint essential oil of control plants is proposed. These results showed that salicylic acid elicitor changed the type and amount of peppermint essential oil compounds. Probably, salicylic acid elicitor improved antimicrobial properties of peppermint essential oil with a change in essential oil components. The inhibitory activity of essential oil depends on the type of microorganism, the concentration of essential oil and the concentration and time of salicylic acid treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, medical plants have been widely used as replacements for antibiotics in disease treatment. Because of its multiple medicinal uses, peppermint (Mentha piperita, MP) is a common herbal remedy. In the present study, MP powder was used as a feed additive to assess growth performance; hematological; biochemical and immune parameters; intestinal histology; and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) gene expression, as well as protection against Vibrio alginolyticus infection in Oreochromis niloticus. O. niloticus (n = 120, 25.66 ± 0.16 g) were fed diets containing 0 (CTR), 2, 3, or 4% MP for 60 days. The results revealed that the inclusion of 2% MP significantly improved the growth indices, intestinal morphological parameters, and reduced the feed conversion ratio. The 2% MP treatment significantly (P < 0.05) increased hematological parameters (red blood cell (RBC) count, white blood cell (WBC) count, packed cell volume% (PCV%), hemoglobin) compared with those of the CTR (P < 0.05). Additionally, feeding fish 2% MP diets decreased the levels of cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein). There were significant increases in immune responses (serum protein and phagocytic activity and index) and non-significant increases in the expression of IL-1β in the 2% MP group comparing with the other groups and the CTR group (P < 0.05). At the end of the feeding trial (60 days), fish were challenged with a virulent strain of Vibrio alginolyticus and the results showed that the mortality rate decreased in the 2% MP treatment group, followed by the 3% and 4% MP groups. Overall, the results revealed that the dietary inclusion of 2% MP can exhibit growth-promoting and immunostimulant effects for sustainable aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), is among the global storage pests that lead to the deterioration of grains and stored products. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of different concentrations of Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae) oil and leaf methanol extracts against the rust-red flour beetle in the different instars. The results of the present study showed that the mint, M. piperita, oil treatments at all concentrations used (8%, 10%, or 12%) were significantly effective, resulting in remarkable individual mortality of T. castaneum third instar larvae and adult mortality compared to the treatment of the peppermint methanol leaf extract at the highest concentration. Peppermint oil showed insecticidal effect against the third instar larvae of the red flour beetle, especially where sprayed at the highest concentration of 12%. The post-treatment results after seventh days showed 94% adult mortality and 82% mortality in the third instar of larvae. This study confirmed the possibility of using mint essential oil at relatively low concentrations as environmentally friendly product in controlling the rust-red flour beetle T. castaneum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the greatest challenges in poultry production is maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and gut microbiota balance. Safe alternative antimicrobials that can regulate the microbial community through animal feed have been the subject of research in poultry production. This study evaluated the effect of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils (EOs) on the gut microbiome and morphometry of broiler quails under normal feeding conditions. The gut microbiome was studied using a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments, namely control, bacitracin zinc, and the Eos M. piperita and M. alternifolia, with 8 repetitions and 7 quails per treatment, totaling 224 quails from 1 to 42 days old. The intestinal contents of the slaughtered quails were collected to evaluate the gut microbiome profile of their digestive tract. Gut morphometry was analyzed using a completely randomized factorial design, with four experimental rations for three intestinal sections (4x3) and five replications. The variables studied were villus surface area and height, crypt depth, villus height to cryptdepth ratio (VH:CD), villus-crypt ratio (V:C), villus width to height ratio (VW:H), and height of the intestinal epithelium and musculature. M. alternifolia (50 mg/kg of feed) in the diet of broiler quails improved gut morphometry, similar to the results obtained with bacitracin zinc. This EO also altered the gut microbiome of quails and reduced pathogenic bacterial diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An HPLC method for the quantitative determination of the rosmarinic acid content in leaves of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) was developed. The content of the dominant phenylpropanoid rosmarinic acid in leaves of M. piperita varied from 2.01 ± 0.03% to 5.54 ± 0.05%. The error of a single determination of the rosmarinic acid content in M. piperita leaves was ±9.66% at a confidence probability of 95%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study’s Novelty/Excerpt • This study identifies and assesses the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita (peppermint) leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans. • Utilizing advanced techniques such as HPLC-DAD and Bioautography Agar Overlay, the research successfully isolated bioactive compounds including rutin, chlorogenic acid, neohesperidin, rosmarinic acid, and eriodictyol. • The identification of these specific compounds and their inhibitory effects on a key enzyme in Candida albicans underscores the potential of Mentha piperita as a source of novel antifungal agents. Full Abstract The Mentha piperita plant, also known as peppermint, is a perennial aromatic herb grown throughout most of the world and has long been utilized in traditional medicine. It is a member of the Lamiaceae family. This study aimed to assess and determine the active phytochemical components of Mentha piperita leaf extract that inhibit the glucosamine-6-phosphate synthase activity of Candida albicans. The plant materials were collected from Janyau, Gada Biyu area along Sokoto Road, Gusau, Zamfara state, Nigeria, and identified at the herbarium section of the Biological science Department, Federal University Gusau. The plant leaf was extracted using the soxhlet method and analyses the phytochemical constituents' presence. To identify the bioactive compounds in the extracts of Mentha piperita, thin layer chromatography (TLC) was used on glass slides coated with silica gel (0.2mm Kiesel-gel 60 F254, Merck). The resulting fraction was then analyzed using HPLC-DAD analysis and the Bioautography Agar Overlay Technique. Phytochemical analysis results showed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, phenol, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids as secondary metabolites. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) separation of aqueous extracts provided one compound with an Rf value of 0.52, while methanol and n-hexane extract showed two compounds, each with Rf values of 0.79 and 0.74, 0.72 and 0.70. As bioautography shows, the most bioactive component among the five components is M1. In conclusion, the bioactive constituents identified by high-performance liquid chromatography are rutin, Chlorogenic acid, Neohesperidin, Rosmarinic acid, and Eriodictyol.

The challenge of managing invasive weed species continues to affect the agricultural industry, presenting ecological, economic, and agronomic hurdles that lead to over 100 billion USD in annual crop losses globally. One such concern is the management of Agrostis stolonifera L., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, particularly due to its ability to form hybrids. This scenario underscores the urgent need for innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable herbicides, steering the focus toward natural substances as potential candidates. We report here a promising natural lactone, commonly known as menthalactone, which is derived from Mentha piperita L. Its phytotoxic activity was assessed against the monocot, bentgrass, and a dicot, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Menthalactone displayed outstanding activity against bentgrass and was further evaluated for phytotoxic characteristics. The germination of A. stolonifera seeds was significantly inhibited with an IC50 value of 4.9 ± 1.2 µM. In contrast to bentgrass seeds, Lemna pausicostata L. plants were less responsive to menthalactone treatment, shown by an IC50 of 293.4 ± 70.6 µM. Both species are monocots, and the results suggest that menthalactone might have effects on seed germination but not on the metabolism of green tissues. The susceptibility of three common, obnoxious weed species, i.e., ryegrass (Lilium perenne), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), and crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.), to menthalactone was assessed. Menthalactone at 1000 µM completely inhibited the germination of all three species of grasses, while 330 µM inhibited germination by less than 50%. The post-emergence application of menthalactone at 1% did not produce a significant inhibitory effect against ryegrass, barnyard grass, or crabgrass.

The challenge of managing invasive weed species continues to affect the agricultural industry, presenting ecological, economic, and agronomic hurdles that lead to over 100 billion USD in annual crop losses globally. One such concern is the management of Agrostis stolonifera L., commonly known as creeping bentgrass, particularly due to its ability to form hybrids. This scenario underscores the urgent need for innovative, effective, and environmentally sustainable herbicides, steering the focus toward natural substances as potential candidates. We report here a promising natural lactone, commonly known as menthalactone, which is derived from Mentha piperita L. Its phytotoxic activity was assessed against the monocot, bentgrass, and a dicot, lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.). Menthalactone displayed outstanding activity against bentgrass and was further evaluated for phytotoxic characteristics. The germination of A. stolonifera seeds was significantly inhibited with an IC50 value of 4.9 ± 1.2 µM. In contrast to bentgrass seeds, Lemna pausicostata L. plants were less responsive to menthalactone treatment, shown by an IC50 of 293.4 ± 70.6 µM. Both species are monocots, and the results suggest that menthalactone might have effects on seed germination but not on the metabolism of green tissues. The susceptibility of three common, obnoxious weed species, i.e., ryegrass (Lilium perenne), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), and crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.), to menthalactone was assessed. Menthalactone at 1000 µM completely inhibited the germination of all three species of grasses, while 330 µM inhibited germination by less than 50%. The post-emergence application of menthalactone at 1% did not produce a significant inhibitory effect against ryegrass, barnyard grass, or crabgrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aromatic and medicinal plants release volatile allelochemicals which influence the organisms in their environment. A pot culture experiment was conducted to determine the phytotoxic activity of essential oil emulsions (EOEs) of Mentha piperita L., Chrysopogon zizanioides L., Mentha arvensis L. and Pelargonium graveolens L. with two herbicides (clodinafof-propargyl 15 % WP and sulfo sulfuran 75 % WG) on growth and physiological parameters of Avena fatua L. (wild oat) and on soil enzyme activities. Post-emergence application of EOEs and chemical herbicide were applied on 5-week old A. fatua plants. We found that several EOEs with varying concentrations and chemical herbicides reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the A. fatua plant growth (shoot length, root length, fresh and dry weight of plant), physiological parameters and also affected the post-harvest soil enzyme activities and soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC). Chlorophyll content was considerably decreased, but increased proline accumulation and electrolyte leakage in A. fatua plants indicating membrane rupture and loss of integrity. Since essential oils interfere with plant growth and physiological processes and have exceptional inhibitory effects on the A. fatua plant, the allelochemicals present in these donor plants may be used as active ingredients to develop natural herbicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population dynamics of Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite – TSSM) are influenced by environmental factors, which were investigated to identify methods limiting the development and harmfulness of this pest. This paper presents findings from a laboratory study on the effect of spraying with water-based extracts of Mentha piperita and Tagetes patula plants on the growth rate of TSSM larvae and nymphs. The time required for the transformation of the larvae into protonymphs was longer for T. patula water- based extracts than extracts from M. piperita. Differences in the time of transformation from the nymphal stage to adult TSSM were also observed depending on the plant waterbased extracts, their concentration, and the host plant on which nymphs were developing. The use of 100 g ∙ l-1 French marigold extract was associated with longer transformation time of nymphs on discs of pea leaves than all tested concentrations of French marigold extract applied to sugar beet leaves. Ten percent of the extracts from peppermint plants had a stronger limiting effect on TSSM nymphs on pea leaves than on bean or sugar beet leaves.

Bovine mastitis causes a lot of economic losses, and the appearance of resistant strains of bacteria has led to the use of alternative natural bioagents for treatment. It is generally believed that high levels of fat and/or protein in foods may protect bacteria against the effects of essential oils (EOs). The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of EOs of Mentha piperita (peppermint) and Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal) on three bovine mastitis bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus) in milk. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used for the analysis of EOs. Antibacterial effects of the EOs on bacteria were evaluated with minimum bactericide concentration (MBC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time-kill assay. Major components of peppermint EO were carvone (63.02%) and limonene (24.48%), and those of pennyroyal EO were pulegone (48.16%), eucalyptol (14.57%), and piperitenone (10.09%). The MIC and MBC were 0.62% and 1.25% for pennyroyal, 0.31-1.25% and 0.62-2.5% for peppermint, 0.31-0.62% and 0.62-2.5% for peppermint and pennyroyal, respectively. At 6-h, the bacterial reduction of treatments compared to the control group was significant for E. coli and S. agalactiae bacteria. The S. agalactiae and S. aureus counts significantly decreased in the peppermint and pennyroyal group at 24-h. In conclusion, peppermint and pennyroyal EO showed an antibacterial effect on these three bacteria and can be evaluated as an adjunct or alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of bovine mastitis.

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Mentha piperita L and/or Thymus vulgaris in ameliorating the hematological changes induced by chronic consumption of oxidized palm oil (OPO) in rats. Methods: Fifty rats were divided into five groups as follows: rats received a basal diet (control), rats received a basal diet sustained with OPO, rats fed OPO and received Mentha piperita extract, rats fed OPO and received Thymus vulgaris extract, and finally rats fed OPO and received both extracts. After 6 weeks, blood samples were withdrawn and a complete blood count test was done. Results: Rats fed a diet containing OPO showed a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), lymphocytes (LYM), and platelets (PLTs) accompanied by a significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs), red cell distribution width (RDW), and mean platelet volume (MPV) compared to rats fed a normal diet. In contrast, rats fed on diet containing OPO and the aqueous extract of either Mentha piperita or Thymus vulgaris showed a significant increase in RBCs, Hct, MCV, Hb, MCH, MCHC, LYM, and PLTs accompanied by a significant decrease in RDW, WBCs, and MPV relative to rats fed on diet containing OPO only. Treatment with a combination of both plants showed better improvements. Conclusion: Both Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris ameliorate the hematological changes induced by OPO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the antifungal properties of Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris essential oils against an isolate of ochratoxin A producer, Aspergillus carbonarius, isolated from Bozcaada Çavuş grape, were evaluated in three steps. By GC-MS of M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils, the main components were determined to be menthol (39.911%) and carvacrol (49.042%). Antifungal activity was first evaluated by the agar well diffusion method, and it was determined that the tested essential oils completely inhibited the growth of A. carbonarius and were as effective as fluconazole antifungal. In the second step, the MIC and MFC values of the tested essential oils were determined; both values were 1 µL mL-1 . Finally, it was determined that M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils completely inhibited the radial growth of A. carbonarius at the MIC value. These results show that M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils may be a good strategy to control ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fumigant effects of the essential oils from Laurus nobilis L., 1753 (Laurales: Lauraceae), Mentha piperita L., 1753 and Lavandula x intermedia Emeric ex Loisel, 1828 (Lamiales: Lamiaceae) were determined against the lesser grain borer [Rhyzopertha dominica (Fabricius, 1792) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae)], an important pest species of stored grains. Essential oils were extracted by steam distillation by Clevenger apparatus and analyzed by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major compounds of the essential oils were detected as linalool (43.33%), 1,8-Cineole (57.67%) and menthone (53.51%) in Lavandula x intermedia, L. nobilis and M. piperita, respectively. The experiments were conducted in a controlled-climate chamber at 27 ± 1 °C, 50 ± 10% RH and in the dark. The fumigant effects of essential oils were determined at five concentrations (1, 5, 20, 50, and 200 µl/L air) with larval, pupal, and adult stages of R. dominica. The highest concentrations of L. nobilis and M. piperita essential oils completely killed the adults of R. dominica, while L. nobilis killed 100% of the larval stage of the pest. However, the pupal stage was less susceptible, in which the highest mortality was 49% with L. nobilis essential oil. As a result, it is considered that both L. nobilis and M. piperita essential oils have the potential to be used as effective biofumigants for stored product pests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The excessive use of synthetic pesticides has detrimental impacts on humans, non-target organisms, and the environment. Insect pest management strategies are shifting toward biopesticides, which can provide a feasible and environmentally friendly green solution to the pest problem. The key objective of the present research work was the preparation of Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides with enhanced stability, solubility, and pesticidal potential. Nanobiopesticides based on the Mentha piperita extract were prepared using the antisolvent precipitation method. The central composite design of response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize different process parameters, e.g., the amounts of the stabilizer and plant extract. The nanosuspension of Mentha piperita prepared with the stabilizer SLS showed a particle size of 259 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.61. The formulated biopesticides in the form of nanosuspensions showed good antibacterial activities as compared to the Mentha piperita extract against two phytopathogenic bacterial strains, Clavibacter michiganensis and Pseudomonas syringae. The M. piperita nanosuspension had higher antifungal efficacy against A. niger and F. oxysporum than the Mentha piperita extract. The M. piperita extract and its nanosuspensions were tested for pesticidal activity against the stored-grain insects Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides demonstrated significantly high (p  <  0.05) average mortality of 84.4% and 77.7% against Tribolium castaneum and Sitophilus oryzae, respectively. Mentha piperita-based nanobiopesticides showed enhanced pesticidal potential and could be used as a good alternative to synthetic chemical pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Essential oils (EOs) have been shown to possess several pharmacological properties, among which we can mention antibacterial, antiviral and acaricidal effects. The latter activity is particularly interesting in beekeeping for the control of Varroa destructor parasitosis. This research aimed to verify the acaricidal potential of four botanical species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. Specifically, the species tested were Calamintha sylvatica, Calamintha nepeta, Lavandula austroapennina and Mentha piperita. The evaluation was conducted by means of residual contact toxicity tests by diluting the EOs in Acetone to achieve concentrations of 2, 1 and 0.5 mg/mL. At the highest concentration, the tests returned a neutralization percentage of 52% for Calamintha nepeta, 60% for Calamintha sylvatica, 80% for Lavandula austroapennina and 68% for Mentha piperita. Varroa destructor is currently considered the parasite that causes the greatest damage and economic losses to honeybee farms. Its presence is often associated with that of viral and bacterial pathogens, which ultimately leads to colony collapse. Careful control of the parasitic load is therefore necessary to avoid the onset of these events. Although chemical treatments are often in easily and quickly administered formulations, in recent years, there have been increasingly frequent reports of the onset of drug resistance phenomena, which must lead to reconsidering their use. Furthermore, chemical compounds can easily accumulate in the food matrices of the hive, with possible risks for the final consumer. In such a condition, it is imperative to find alternative treatment solutions. Essential oils (EOs) prove to be promising candidates due to their good efficacy and good environmental biodegradability. In this study, the acaricidal efficacy of the EOs of Calamintha sylvatica Bromf., Calamintha nepeta Savi, Lavandula austroapennina N.G. Passal. Tundis & Upson and Mentha piperita L., extracted from botanical species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, was evaluated. The test chosen for the evaluation was residual toxicity by contact. The examined EOs were diluted in Acetone to a concentration of 2, 1 and 0.5 mg/mL. At the highest concentration, the EOs demonstrated an acaricidal activity equal to 52% for C. nepeta, 60% for C. sylvatica, 80% for L. austroapennina and 68% for M. piperita. Of the EOs tested, therefore, Lavender proves to be a good candidate for subsequent evaluations in semi-field and field studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and Objective: Medicinal plants are one of the rich sources of important compounds from ancient to the present; it has found a special place in the treatment of many diseases and has become an important reason for many studies on medicinal plants. On the other hand, the diversity of plants has led researchers to use morphological markers first and then cytogenetic markers to select the physiologically and genetically superior plant. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) from Lamiaceae family is one of the most important medicinal plants, used in food, sanitary and cosmetic industries and used as a spice and traditional herb in Iran. The purpose of the experiment is to investigate genetic diversity based on morphological diversity. Material and Methods: In this research, different accessions of this plant were collected from different regions of Iran. An experiment was conducted in 2021 year based on randomized complete block design to evaluate the morphological of these accessions in Meshginshahr climatic condition. The results were analyzed using spss software and univariate and multivariate statistical methods. Result: Analysis of variance showed that there were significant differences for the most studied traits among 12 accessions. The important traits such as plant height, branch number, leaf number traits, the internode length, in inflorescence length, the plant dry weight, plant fresh weight, bracket number, stem length, internode number, bract number, Plant diameter, Dry weight leaf, Dry weight flower, Leaf surface and Flower number per plant were varied among accessions. The Meshginshahr, Golestan, Ardabil and Urmia were the best in phytochemical. Maximum correlation was shown between plant height and stem length (0.97). Cluster analysis, classified the accessions into three major claddes. Factor analysis indicated that the four factors explained 91.3 of the variability among the accessions. The results of path analysis showed that the leaf number and plant dry weight content had highest direct and positive effect (0.75). Conclusion: The results suggested that there was a considerable genetic variation among M. piperita L accessions. Indicate the presence of comparable genetic potentials in genotypes of Mentha piperita L. for cultivar development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the contact activity of the essential oil derived from Mentha piperita L. (Lamiaceae) against two significant stored product pests, namely Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) and Sitophilus granarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Dryophthoridae), in a controlled laboratory setting. For this purpose, concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 µl/insect of plant essential oil were applied to stored product pests using a microapplicator. Dead insects were counted at 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after application. As a result of the study, the essential oil demonstrated contact activity at varying rates depending on the applied pest and dose. After 24 hours, the 0.15 µl/insect application dose was the most effective against T. castaneum, resulting in a 23.6% mortality rate; after 96 hours, this rate increased to 33.4%. The essential oil exhibited greater contact activity on S. granarius, resulting in a 93.4% mortality rate after 24 hours when administered at a concentration of 0.15 µl/insect. At the end of 96 hours, the mortality rate at the same dose was found for S. granarius to be 98.2%. In addition, the effect of essential oil on the germination power of wheat grain was examined at doses of 2, 5, 10 and 20 μl/Petri under laboratory conditions. 73.8% of the seeds germinated at the maximum dose of 20 µl/Petri, while 99.4% germinated at the minimum dose of 2 µl/Petri. The research findings indicate that the essential oil of M. piperita possesses the capacity to be employed for the management of S. granarius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On the internet and in medical, pharmaceutical, and scientific papers and books, there are numerous references that state that peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) was found in the Egyptian pyramids from 1000 BCE and that peppermint was prescribed as a curative measure in the Ebers Papyrus. This article sets out to disprove the connection between peppermint and ancient Egypt as it was neither found in any Egyptian pyramid or tomb, nor was it prescribed in the Ebers Papyrus or other Egyptian medical texts. We demonstrate that these false connections came about because late 19th century Egyptologists and botanists misidentified plant remains from an Egyptian tomb as peppermint or mistranslated certain words from medical papyri as peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco’s Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.

Objective: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common ICU-acquired infections. Preventing nasal canal colonization through an effective nasal cavity care, along with oral care seem to be an important issue. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 31 patients in each intervention and control group in Alzahra and Kashani hospitals, Iran. The interventional program was considered every 8 h for 5 days. It included cleaning the nasal cavities with cotton swabs soaked in sterile normal saline, then 2 puffs of 65% sodium chloride nasal spray were used for each nostril, and finally the nasal canal was moistened with a swab dipped in Veramin gel (0.5 ml into each nostril). For the control group, routine nasal care including cleaning the outer nostrils was offered. Oral care in 2 groups was performed according to the standard protocol. Data collected through demographic and clinical questionnaire as well as modified pulmonary infection clinical scale. The chi-square and independent tests were used to determine the homogeneity of basic characteristics. Also, we estimated and compared the incidence of VAP between 2 groups by chi-square test. Results: The incidence of VAP was not statistically different in the intervention and control groups on the third day after intervention (29.1% vs. 32.3%, respectively, P = .915), while this rate on the sixth day was significantly lesser in the intervention than control (32.3 vs. 58%, P = .041). Conclusion: The present nasal care program along with oral care is an effective strategy to prevent VAP. Resumen: Objetivo: La neumonía asociada al ventilador (NAV) es una de las infecciones adquiridas en la UCI más comunes. La prevención de la colonización del canal nasal a través de un cuidado efectivo de la cavidad nasal, junto con el cuidado oral, parece ser un tema importante. Métodos: Este ensayo controlado aleatorio simple ciego se realizó en 31 pacientes en cada grupo de intervención y control en los hospitales de Alzahra y Kashani, Irán. Se consideró el programa intervencionista cada 8 horas durante 5 días. Incluyó la limpieza de las fosas nasales con hisopos empapados en solución salina normal estéril, luego se aplicaron dos inhalaciones de cloruro de sodio al 65% en aerosol nasal por cada fosa nasal y finalmente se humedeció el canal nasal con un hisopo humedecido en gel Veramin (0,5 ml en cada uno). fosa nasal). Para el grupo de control, se ofreció atención nasal de rutina, incluida la limpieza de las fosas nasales externas. El cuidado oral en dos grupos se realizó de acuerdo con el protocolo estándar. Datos recogidos mediante cuestionario demográfico y clínico, así como escala clínica de infección pulmonar modificada. Se utilizó la prueba de chi cuadrado y la prueba independiente para determinar la homogeneidad de las características básicas. Además, estimamos y comparamos la incidencia de VAP entre dos grupos mediante la prueba de chi cuadrado. Resultados: La incidencia de VAP no fue estadísticamente diferente en los grupos de intervención y control al tercer día después de la intervención (29,1% vs. 32,3%, respectivamente, p = 0,915), mientras que esta tasa al sexto día fue significativamente menor en el grupo de intervención. que el control (32,3 vs. 58%, p = 0,041). Conclusión: El presente programa de cuidado nasal junto con el cuidado oral es una estrategia efectiva para prevenir la VAP.

Global threat resulting in heavy metal contamination of medicinal plants is considered a serious concern. The quantitative evaluation of four heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), was investigated frequently sold medicinal plants in the markets of Iran. Two medicinal plants, Mentha piperita L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss. were selected from six different herbalists of six districts of Shiraz, Iran. The dissolution of the sample was performed by a conventional wet acid digestion method, and heavy metal levels were determined using Polarograph. Statistical Analysis was used by SPSS.21. According to the achieved results in M.piperita the levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu were in the range of 2.66 ± 0.76 mg/kg, 0.017 ± 0.009 mg/kg, 0.092 ± 0.069 mg/kg, and 0.237 ± 0.080 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in Z. multiflora samples were 1.46 ± 0.74 mg/kg, 0.019 ± 0.004 mg/kg, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg, and 0.41 ± 0.17 mg/kg, respectively. There was a correlation between Zn with Cu in our finding (r = 0.9). Based on these results, we found that the concentration of heavy metals in these two medicinal plants was not more than the standard concentration reported for similar plants. It appears that these plants are generally safe in usual doses. The finding of this study can be used to determine standard heavy metals limits in M.piperita and Z.multiflora in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIn this manuscript, we conducted a comprehensive review of the diverse effects of peppermint on human health and explored the potential underlying mechanisms. Peppermint contains three main groups of phytochemical constituents, including essential oils (mainly menthol), flavonoids (such as hesperidin, eriodictyol, naringenin, quercetin, myricetin, and kaempferol), and nonflavonoid phenolcarboxylic acids. Peppermint exhibits antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and analgesic properties and may be effective in treating various disorders, including gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, constipation, functional gastrointestinal disorders, nausea/vomiting, and gallbladder stones). In addition, peppermint has therapeutic benefits for psychological and cognitive health, dental health, urinary retention, skin and wound healing, as well as anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects, and it may improve memory. However, peppermint has paradoxical effects on sleep quality and alertness, as it has been shown to improve sleep quality in patients with fatigue and anxiety, while also increasing alertness under conditions of monotonous work and relaxation. We also discuss its protective effects against toxic agents at recommended doses, as well as its safety and potential toxicity. Overall, this review provides the latest findings and insights into the properties and clinical effects of peppermint/menthol and highlights its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for various health conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bovine mastitis causes a lot of economic losses, and the appearance of resistant strains of bacteria has led to the use of alternative natural bioagents for treatment. It is generally believed that high levels of fat and/ or protein in foods may protect bacteria against the effects of essential oils (EOs). The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effect of EOs of Mentha piperita (peppermint) and Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal) on three bovine mastitis bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Staphylococcus aureus) in milk. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used for the analysis of EOs. Antibacterial effects of the EOs on bacteria were evaluated with minimum bactericide concentration (MBC), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and time-kill assay. Major components of peppermint EO were carvone (63.02%) and limonene (24.48%), and those of pennyroyal EO were pulegone (48.16%), eucalyptol (14.57%), and piperitenone (10.09%). The MIC and MBC were 0.62% and 1.25% for pennyroyal, 0.31-1.25% and 0.62-2.5% for peppermint, 0.31-0.62% and 0.62-2.5% for peppermint and pennyroyal, respectively. At 6-h, the bacterial reduction of treatments compared to the control group was significant for E. coli and S. agalactiae bacteria. The S. agalactiae and S. aureus counts significantly decreased in the peppermint and pennyroyal group at 24-h. In conclusion, peppermint and pennyroyal EO showed an antibacterial effect on these three bacteria and can be evaluated as an adjunct or alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of bovine mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salinity inhibits plant growth by affecting physiological processes, but soil microorganisms like plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can alleviate abiotic stress and enhance crop productivity. However, it should be noted that rhizobacteria employ different approaches to deal with salt stress conditions and successfully colonize roots. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salt stress on bacterial survival mechanisms such as mobility, biofilm formation, and the autoaggregation capacity of three plant growth-promoting strains: Pseudomonas putida SJ04, Pseudomonas simiae WCS417r, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens GB03. These strains were grown in diluted LB medium supplemented with 0, 100, 200, or 300 mM NaCl. Swimming and swarming mobility were evaluated in media supplemented with 0.3 and 0.5% agar, respectively. Biofilm formation capacity was quantified using the crystal violet method, and the autoaggregation capacity was measured spectrophotometrically. In addition, we evaluated in vitro the capacity of the strains to ameliorate the effects of saline stress in Mentha piperita. The study found that the GB03 strain exhibited enhanced swarming mobility when the salt concentration in the medium increased, resulting in a two-fold increase in the halo diameter at 300 mM. However, high concentrations of NaCl did not affect the swimming mobility. In contrast, swimming motility was reduced in WCS417r and SJ04 under salt stress. On the other hand, exposure to 300 mM NaCl resulted in a 180% increase in biofilm formation and a 30% rise in the percentage of autoaggregation in WCS417r. Conversely, the autoaggregation percentage of the strains SJ04 and GB03 remained unaffected by saline stress. However, for GB03, biofilm formation decreased by 80% at 300 mM. Simultaneously, inoculation with the three evaluated strains alleviated the detrimental effects of salinity on plant growth. Under 150 mM salt stress, all strains showed increased fresh weight, with GB03 and WCS417r improving by 40% and SJ04 exhibiting the most remarkable effect with a 70% rise compared to non-inoculated plants. Despite their different strategies for mitigating salt stress, the application of these strains presents a promising strategy for effectively mitigating the negative consequences of salt stress on plant cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the potential antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, and antiobesity effects of extracts obtained via infusion techniques from Artemisia absinthium L., Achillea millefolium L., Calendula officinalis L., Fumaria officinalis L., Mentha piperita L., Origanum onites L., and Urtica dioica L. grown with organic farming techniques were investigated using enzyme inhibition methods (a-glucosidase, pancreatic cholesterol esterase, pancreatic lipase, and a-amylase). It is important that natural compounds or extracts to be used in the treatment of metabolic problems have antioxidant effects. The antioxidant effects of these species were tested in terms of ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing power, and metal chelating capacity. Extracts (2 mg/mL) of M. piperita (91.43 ± 0.90%) and O. onites (70.18 ± 2.02%) showed potent inhibitory effects on the a-glucosidase enzyme. Among all species, only O. onites extract exerted an inhibitory effect on the cholesterol esterase enzyme close to that of reference compound simvastatin. While all extracts were effective in the tested antioxidant activity methods, it was determined that the M. piperita and O. onites extracts displayed particularly significantly strong activities in terms of ferric reducing power, ABTS radical scavenging effect, and metal chelating capacity. The total flavonoid and phenolic contents of all extracts were determined. The compositions of the most active extracts were analyzed for phenolic acids and flavonoids using RP-HPLC. The results of RP-HPLC analysis showed that the levels of ellagic acid (0.923 ± 0.000 g/100 g extract) in the M. piperita extract and rosmarinic acid (0.813 ± 0.003 g/100 g extract) in the O. onites extract were high. As a result, all species grown with organic farming techniques except U. dioica were found to have high antioxidant effects. In light of these findings, it was concluded that M. piperita and O. onites grown with organic farming techniques showed strong inhibitory effects in terms of the tested activities, especially for a-glucosidase and pancreatic cholesterol esterase, and that in vivo studies and activity-guided isolation studies should be conducted on these species in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The population dynamics of Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite -- TSSM) are influenced by environmental factors, which were investigated to identify methods limiting the development and harmfulness of this pest. This paper presents findings from a laboratory study on the effect of spraying with water-based extracts of Mentha piperita and Tagetes patula plants on the growth rate of TSSM larvae and nymphs. The time required for the transformation of the larvae into protonymphs was longer for T. patula water- based extracts than extracts from M. piperita. Differences in the time of transformation from the nymphal stage to adult TSSM were also observed depending on the plant waterbased extracts, their concentration, and the host plant on which nymphs were developing. The use of 100 g · l-1 French marigold extract was associated with longer transformation time of nymphs on discs of pea leaves than all tested concentrations of French marigold extract applied to sugar beet leaves. Ten percent of the extracts from peppermint plants had a stronger limiting effect on TSSM nymphs on pea leaves than on bean or sugar beet leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungal infections are a major global health problem, particularly in vulnerable populations such as immunocompromised individuals and those living in resource-limited settings. Traditional anti-fungal agents are often associated with high costs, side effects, and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new, safe, and effective anti-fungal agents. This study aimed to investigate the anti-fungal activity of mint essential oil against selected fungal strains. The leaves of mint were gathered, dried and powdered. After that, hydro distillation method was used for isolation of essential oil. The anti-fungal activity of the essential oil was evaluated against three fungal strains, including Aspergillus niger, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Trichophyton interdigitale, using a two-fold dilution. The results showed that the mint essential oil had a significant effect on the growth of the fungi, with two of the three strains being highly sensitive. The concentrated essential oil was found to be most effective at preventing fungal growth. These findings suggest that Mint essential oil has potential as an anti-fungal agent, particularly against Cryptococcus neoformans. The use of different types of plant essential oil such as mint essential oil could provide a promising approach for the development of new anti-fungal agents, particularly in the context of drug-resistant infections.

This study examines the impact of irrigation water quality on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and the chemical composition of Mentha piperita essential oil (MPEO). Three essential oils from Mentha piperita plants, irrigated with different water sources commonly used for mint irrigation in Morocco's Oriental region, were analyzed. The water sources were characterized based on various parameters, such as nitrites, nitrates, orthophosphates, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), pH, and electrical conductivity. The essential oils were extracted using hydrodistillation, and their chemical composition was determined using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), revealing notable variations among the compositions of the three essential oils. In this study, in silico tests using the Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS) algorithm; the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) model; and Pro-Tox II were conducted to evaluate the drug-likeness, pharmacokinetic properties, expected safety profile upon ingestion, and potential pharmacological activity of the identified compounds in MPEO. The antioxidant activity of the MPEOs was assessed through a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay and the total antioxidant activity (TAC) method. Additionally, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the essential oils was tested against four bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Micrococcus luteus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and four fungal strains (Candida glabrata, Rhodotorula glutinis, Penicillium digitatum, Aspergillus niger), demonstrating moderate to strong activities against the tested strains. This study concludes that regulating irrigation water quality can enhance the production of specific metabolites, making them potentially valuable as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Control of the pinewood nematode (PWN), the causal agent of pine wilt disease, can be achieved through the trunk injection of nematicides; however, many pesticides have been linked to environmental and human health concerns. Essential oils (EOs) are suitable alternatives due to their biodegradability and low toxicity to mammals. These complex mixtures of plant volatiles often display multiple biological activities and synergistic interactions between their compounds. The present work profiled the toxicity of eight EOs against the PWN in comparison to their 1:1 mixtures, to screen for successful synergistic interactions. Additionally, the main compounds of the most synergistic mixtures were characterized for their predicted environmental fate and toxicity to mammals in comparison to emamectin benzoate, a commercial nematicide used against PWN. The mixtures of Cymbopogon citratus with Mentha piperita and of Foeniculum vulgare with Satureja montana EOs showed the highest activities, with half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50) of 0.09 and 0.05 µL/mL, respectively. For these, complete PWN mortality was reached after only ca. 15 min or 2 h of direct contact, respectively. Their major compounds had a higher predicted affinity to air and water environmental compartments and are reported to have very low toxicity to mammals, with low acute oral and dermal toxicities. In comparison, emamectin benzoate showed lower nematicidal activity, a higher affinity to the soil and sediments environmental compartments and higher reported oral and dermal toxicity to mammals. Overall, uncovering synergistic activities in combinations of EOs from plants of different families may prove to be a source of biopesticides with optimized toxicity against PWNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural antioxidants have drawn growing interest for use in animal feed and the food industry. In the current study, essential oils (EOs) obtained from hydrodistillation of three mentha species, including Mentha piperita (peppermint), Mentha spicata (native spearmint) and Mentha gracilis (Scotch spearmint), harvested in the Midwest region in the United States, were analyzed for their chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and their antioxidant properties were assessed through chemical assays, in vitro cell culture modeling and in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). The activity of ferric iron reduction and free-radical scavenging capacity were assessed through chemical-based assays, including the reducing power assay, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay (TEAC). Subsequently, the capacity of EOs to mitigate lipid peroxidation was analyzed at various doses using fresh liver homogenates from pigs. A porcine jejunum epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) was employed as in vitro model to study the cellular antioxidant activity of the mint EOs. Finally, the effectiveness of mint EOs to alleviate acute systemic oxidative damage were evaluated in vivo using C. elegans. Data were analyzed by the MIXED procedure of SAS. Contrast statement was performed to assess linear or quadratic effects of mint EOs given at various doses. All three EOs are mostly composed of monoterpenes and their derivatives (76-90%), but differed in the major compounds, which are menthol and menthone (50%) in peppermint EO and carvone (70%) in spearmint EOs. Three mint EOs demonstrated prominent radical scavenging and Fe3+ reducing activity in chemical-based assays. In comparison with native and Scotch spearmint EOs, peppermint EO had the lowest (p < 0.05) half maximal effective concentration (EC50) in DPPH and TEAC assays and higher efficacy in the reducing power assay. All three EOs exhibited equivalent activity in mitigation of chemical-induced lipid peroxidation in liver tissues in a dose-dependent manner (linear, p < 0.001). The maximal cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) was observed at 5 µg/mL for peppermint, and 100 µg/mL for native and Scotch spearmint EOs. The addition of 25 µg/mL of both spearmint EOs increased (p < 0.05) cellular concentrations of glutathione in H2O2-treated IPEC-J2 cells, suggesting enhanced endogenous antioxidant defense. Supplementation of 100 µg/mL of peppermint or Scotch spearmint EO significantly increased (p < 0.05) the survival rate of C. elegans in response to H2O2-induced oxidative stress. The protective effect is comparable to that of supplementation of 10 µg/mL of ascorbic acid. However native spearmint EO failed to reduce the death rate within the same supplementation dose (10-200 μg/mL).

Regarding applicative, facile, green chemical research, a bio-inspired approach is being reported for the synthesis of Au nanoparticles by Mentha piperita as a natural reducing and stabilising agent in alkaline medium without using any toxic reducing agent. The biosynthesized Au NPs@Mentha piperita were characterised by advanced physicochemical techniques like ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) study. It has been established that Au NPs@Mentha piperita have a spherical shape with a mean diameter from ∼10 nm. To survey the cytotoxicity effects of Au NPs@Mentha piperita, MTT assay was used on HUVEC cell line. To survey the antioxidant properties of Au NPs@Mentha piperita, the DPPH test was used in the presence of butylated hydroxytoluene as the positive control. The Au NPs@Mentha piperita inhibited half of the DPPH molecules in the concentration of 113 µg/mL. In the in vivo, wistar rats were divided to four groups; non-sensitised, sensitised to ovalbumin, sensitised and treated with dexamethasone (1.25 μg/mL), and Au NPs@Mentha piperita (5 μg/mL) in drinking water for 21 days. The levels of total protein (TP), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), immunoglobulin E (IgE), IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, interferon gamma (IFN-γ), and interleukin 4 (IL-4) in BALF, and lung pathological changes were examined. A significant increase in PLA2, IgE, IL-4, and TP levels, all lung pathological indices as well as significant decrease in IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio was seen in the asthmatic compared to the control rats. Treatment with Au NPs@Mentha piperita (5 μg/mL) resulted in decreased PLA2, IgE, IL-4, and TP levels, but increased IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio compared to untreated sensitised rats. The Au NPs@Mentha piperita significantly improved the pathological changes of sensitised rats. The improvement effects of higher concentrations of the Au NPs@Mentha piperita extract were significantly more than those of dexamethasone. The improvement effects of Au NPs@Mentha piperita on pathological changes, immunological and inflammatory markers in sensitised rats comparable or even more potent than dexamethasone suggests the therapeutic potential of the nanoparticle in asthma. After confirming these results in clinical trial studies, Au NPs@Mentha piperita can be used as a new drug for the treatment of asthma in humans.

The paper addresses how the microwave field influences the drying process of peppermint plants, without affecting their chemical structure. The microwave equipment used allows a uniform heating of the plants with maximum yield. The purpose of the research undertaken is to dry the peppermint plants and then to extract the natural compounds from the plants, ensuring that the product obtained changes its structure as less as possible compared to the natural compound, while also optimizing the main parameters (temperature, time, drying speed).

Nowadays, antibacterial resistance to synthetic antibiotics has become a big issue worldwide. Mentha piperita essential oil (EO) and its bioactive components with antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant properties are recommended for the treatment of microbial infections in traditional medicine. This study aimed to detect phytochemical components, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity; to evaluate antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of M. piperita EO on strains. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) tests were used to determine chemical composition, antioxidant and cytotoxic potentials of EO, respectively. Antibacterial activity was carried out through disc diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays. The biofilm biomass of bacteria was determined by the crystal violet (CV) staining method. Menthone (27.28%), L-menthol (23.71%), and limonene (7.48%) were the main components. M. piperita EO was found to have strong antibacterial activity with the MIC-MBC values in the range of 0.125-16.00% (v/v) and moderate antioxidant activity. The peppermint EO showed an antibiofilm effect on all strains and a cytotoxic effect on NIH 3T3 cells. M. piperita EO may be used alone or in combination with antibiotics or carrier oils as a therapeutic agent against bacterial infections. Further in vivo experiments should be carried out to detect a safe dosage of EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As salt stress has a negative impact on plant growth and crop yield, it is very important to identify and develop any available biotechnology which can improve the salt tolerance of plants. Inoculation with plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) is a proven environmentally friendly biotechnological resource for increasing the salt stress tolerance of plants and has a potential in-field application. In addition, bacterial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are signal molecules that may have beneficial roles in the soil–plant–microbiome ecosystem. We investigated the effects of mVOCs emitted by Pseudomona putida SJ46 and SJ04 on Mentha piperita grown under different levels of NaCl stress by evaluating their growth-promoting potential and capacity to increase salt tolerance effects. Furthermore, we evaluated under control and salt stress conditions the biocontrol ability of VOCs emitted by both these strains to inhibit the growth of Alternaria alternata and Sclerotium rolfsii. The VOCs emitted by both strains under control conditions did not lead to an significant improvement in peppermint growth. However, under salt stress conditions (75 or 100 mM NaCl), an amelioration of its physiological status was observed, with this effect being greater at 100 mM NaCl. This led to an enhancement of the number of leaves and nodes and, increased the shoot fresh and root dry weight by approximately twice in relation to control stressed plants. Moreover, the VOCs released by the two bacteria grown in control or saline media showed a significant reduction in the mycelial growth of A. alternata. In contrast, S. rolfsii growth was reduced 40% by the mVOCs released only under control conditions, with no effects being observed under salt stress. We also explored the composition of the bacterial volatile profiles by means of a solid-phase microextraction/gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME/GC–MS) analysis. From the headspace of SJ46, three VOCs were identified: n-octanol, decane and tetradecane. The emission of SJ04 had the same chromatographic profile, with the addition of two more compounds: 1-(N-phenyl carbamyl)-2-morpholino cyclohexene and tridecane. Only compounds that were not present in the headspace of the control groups were recorded. The salt stress conditions where the bacteria were grown did not qualitatively modify the mVOC emissions. Taken together, our results suggest that plant-associated rhizobacterial VOCs play a potentially important role in modulating plant salt tolerance and reducing fungal growth. Thus, biological resources represent novel tools for counteracting the deleterious effects of salt stress and have the potential to be exploited in sustainable agriculture. Nevertheless, future studies are necessary to investigate technological improvements for bacterial VOC application under greenhouse and open field conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]