Mentha piperita herb and plant, extract and oil of peppermint health benefits

Mentha piperita is one of the most widely consumed single ingredient herbal teas, or tisanes. Mentha piperita tea, brewed from the plant leaves, and the essential oil of peppermint are used in traditional medicines. Evidence-based research regarding the bioactivity of this herb is reviewed. Few human studies of Mentha piperita leaf supplements have been done.

Composition
The phenolic constituents of the Mentha piperita leaves include rosmarinic acid and several flavonoids, including eriocitrin, luteolin and hesperidin. The main volatile components of the Mentha piperita essential oil are menthol and menthone.

Mentha piperita health benefit
Mentha piperita has antimicrobial and antiviral activities, strong antioxidant and antitumor actions, and some antiallergenic potential. Animal studies show Mentha piperita to have a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal tissue, analgesic and anesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous system, immune system influencing actions and anti cancer potential. Human studies on the GI, respiratory tract and analgesic effects of Mentha piperita oil and its constituents have been reported. Several clinical trials examining the effects of peppermint oil on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms have been conducted.

Mentha piperita side effects
Mentha piperita has no known major side effects.

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