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Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main

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Article · October 2013

DOI: 10.4103/0257-7941.139059

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Pharmacological and therapeutic effects
of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main
constituent, menthol
Peyman Mikaili, Sina Mojaverrostami1, Milad Moloudizargari1, Shahin Aghajanshakeri1
Department of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, 1Student of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia
University, Urmia, Iran
ABSTRACT
Mentha longifolia (wild mint) is a popular folk remedy. Some parts
of this plant have been used in traditional medicine of Iran and other
countries. Many studies have shown various pharmacological and
therapeutic effects of the plant. Our aim in preparing this study was
to review the traditional uses of M. longifolia together with the
pharmacological and therapeutic effects of its entire extract and
major compounds. Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of
pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal,
and nervous system effects. Pulegone is the main compound of the
plant responsible for most of its pharmacological effects followed
by menthone, isomenthone, menthol, 1, 8‑cineole, borneol, and
piperitenone. Moreover, the plant may dose‑dependently exert
toxic effects in different systems of the body. Based on the
review of various studies, it can be concluded that M. longifolia
is a potential natural source for the development of new drugs.
However, further studies are required to determine the precise
quality and safety of the plant to be used by clinicians.
KEY WORDS: Mentha longifolia, menthol, pharmacological
effects, traditional use
INTRODUCTION
T he wild mint  (Mentha longifolia L. family Lamiaceae)
grows extensively in Mediterranean regions,
Europe, Australia, and North Africa.[1‑3] The plant is a
variable perennial with a peppermint‑scented aroma. It
has a creeping rhizome with straight to creeping stems
40-120  cm in height. The leaves are oblong‑elliptical
to lanceolate, thinly to densely tomentose, green to
greyish‑green above and white below. The flowers are
3-5  mm long, lilac, purplish, or white, produced in
dense clusters on tall, branched, and tapering spikes.
M. longifolia is used in the pharmaceutical, tobacco and
food industries and particularly in cosmetology. Different
parts of the plant including its leaves, flower, stem, bark,
and seeds have been also used widely in traditional
Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2
Review Article
folk medicine as antimicrobial, carminative, stimulant,
antispasmodic and for the treatment of various diseases
such as headaches and digestive disorders [Table 1].[4] In
pharmacological research, there is enough indication for
different biological effects of M. longifolia [Table 2] and
the chemical compounds present in the essential oil of
the plant.
Studies carried out on the chemical composition
of the plant have shown that the main chemical
compounds present in M. longifolia essential oil are
monoterpenes [Figure 1], particularly oxygenated ones
such as pulegone, menthone, isomenthone, menthol,
1,8‑cineole, borneol, and piperitenone oxide. [5] Among
them, menthol is the most important component
responsible for most of the pharmacological effects of
the plant. [6,7] It is a waxy, crystalline substance, clear
or white in color, which is solid at room temperature
and melts at slightly high temperatures. Mentha is
also found in the essential oils of other members of
the mint family (Mentha spp.) such as peppermint and
horse mint. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry
analysis has shown that the main compounds within
essential oil of M. longifolia are: Menthol  (19.4-32.5%),
menthone (20.7-28.8%), pulegone (7.8-17.8%), 1,8‑cineole
(5.6-10.8%), which have imperative roles in various effects
of this plant.[8] This article reviews the pharmacological
effects of the total extract [Table 2] and the most active
ingredient [Table 3] of M. longifolia  (menthol) and its
applications in traditional folk medicine [Table 1].
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Mikaili, et al.: Pharmacological effects of Mentha longifolia

ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY composition.[10‑13] The essential oil of M. longifolia has shown

Usage of M. longifolia in the treatment of throat irritation,
mouth and sore throat is widespread. [9] Studies
have shown that plants of the genus Mentha possess
significant antimicrobial activities,[6] mainly due to the
presence of oxygenated monoterpenes in their chemical
Name of component Chemical structure
Menthol (C10H20O)
Menthone (C10H18O)
Pulegone (C10H16O)
Figure 1: Structures of some active constituents of Mentha longifolia
interesting antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli,
Salmonella typhimurium,[14] Listeria monocytogenes, Aspergillus
flavus, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger,[15] Trichophyton longifusus,
Microsporm canis, [16] and Mucor ramamnianus. [17] The
most sensitive micromycetes against the extract of this
plant were shown to be Cladosporium fulvum, Penicillium
References ochrochloron, and Cladosporium cladosporioides with a lethal
[9] dose of 2.5 μL/mL.[6] A clinical study of methanolic extract
and essential oil of M. longifolia showed that the essential
oil has stronger and broader spectrum of antimicrobial
activity compared with the methanolic extract. In another
in vitro study, the anti‑protozoal effect of ethanolic extract
[53] of M. longifolia against Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia
duodenalis trophozoites was evaluated.[18] The essential oil
of the plant showed fungistatic and fungicidal activity that
was significantly higher than that of the costlier fungicide
bifonazole.[6] Menthol has been shown to be an antimicrobial
and antifungal agent against ringworm and other fungal
[53] infestations of different kinds.[11‑13] Anticandidial effect of
menthol against Candida albicans (zone of inhibition range:
7.1-18.5  mm; minimal inhibitory concentration  (MIC):
125.0 μg/mL) is comparable to amphotericin B  (zone of

Table 1: Traditional uses of M. longifolia

System Effect Part of plant Preparation Country References
Gastrointestinal Stomachic, carminative, tonsilitis, diarrhea, dysentery Whole plant Pakistan [74]
Abdominal disorders Leaves India [75]
Indigestion Flowers Iran [76]
Constipation Leaves Infusion Jordan [77]
Spasmolytic Essential oils Romani [78]
Gall stone, jaundice, toothache, flatulence Aerial parts Decoction Iran [4]
Antiemetic Aerial part Essential oils Greece [79]
Respiratory Asthma Aerial parts Decoction Turkey [80]
Cough Flowers Iran [76]
Against dyspnea Whole plant Decoction Turkey [81]
Common cold Leaves Infusion Jordan [77]
Immune system Anti‑rheumatic Whole plant Rare Pakistan [74]
Anti‑catarrhal Aerial part Tisane Spain [82]
Skin Wound healing Whole plant Decoction Turkey [81]
Organisms Antibacterial Essential oils Romani [78]
Deworming Aerial parts Decoction is used as tea Turkey [27]
Insect repellent Aerial parts Decoction Iran [4]
Central nervous system Reduce fever Leaves Infusion Jordan [77]
Sedative Leaves Decoction Turkey [48]
Headache, sedative Aerial parts Essential oils Greece [79]
Kidney Bladder stone Aerial parts Decoction Iran [4]
Kidney stones, diuretic Aerial parts Essential oils Greece [79]
Other General weakness Leaves Infusion Jordan [77]
Aphrodisiac, blood purification Aerial parts Essential oils Greece [79]
M. longifolia: Mentha longifolia

130 Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2

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Mikaili, et al.: Pharmacological effects of Mentha longifolia
Table 2: The pharmacological effects of M. longifolia (L.)
System Effect
Nervous Protective effects against
hydrogen‑peroxide‑induced toxicity in PC12
cells and antioxidant activity
Muscular M. longifolia (L.) leaf hydroalcoholic extract
induces smooth muscles spasmolytic
activity mainly through disturbance in
calcium mobilization and partly by potassium
channels activation
Gastrointestinal Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of
M. longifolia displayed significant anthelmintic
activity against pinworms, Syphacia obvelata
and Aspiculuriste traptera, in mice
M. longifolia (L.) leaf hydroalcoholic extract
induces smooth muscles spasmolytic activity
Immunity Oil from M. longifolia (L.) very strong
antibacterial activity, in particularly against
E. coli strains and other bacteria
Blood Anti‑hemolytic activity
M. longifolia: Mentha longifolia, E. coli: Esherichia coli
Table 3: The pharmacological effects of menthol
System Effect
Organisms Antimicrobial [6,8,15,20,84,85]
Fungicidal
Antibacterial
Antibacterial
Nervous Antinociceptive
All Antioxidant
inhibition: 10.2 mm; MIC: 7.8 μg/mL). Menthol is also effective
against dental bacteria.[9] It has commonly been reported that
Gram‑positive bacteria are more vulnerable to essential oils
of the plant than Gram‑negative bacteria.[11,13,19,20] However,
alkaloids isolated from M. longifolia have pronounced effects
against growth of Gram‑negative bacteria such as E. coli.[21]
One study on five flavonoids separated from M. longifolia
extract showed that the quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside had the
maximum antibacterial activity among the flavonoids
tested.[22] Apigenin is a common dietary flavonoid that
is found in Mentha spp. and has many biological effects
including antimicrobial activity.[23‑25] Other studies have
shown the antimicrobial activity of M. longifolia against the
two yeasts C. albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (diameter
of the inhibition zones in 25 and 28 mm respectively).[26‑28]
In vitro anti‑Vibrio effects of the essential oils obtained from
M. longifolia have been also shown against Vibrio spp. This
effect has been seen in administration of M. longifolia in cases
of gastrointestinal and extra‑intestinal troubles related to
the consumption of insufficiently cooked seafood or contact
with contaminated sea water with Vibrio alginolyticus, Vibrio
parahaemolyticus, Vibrio vulnificus and Vibrio fluvialis strains.[29]
Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2
There is a report that piperitone from M. longifolia reduces
Reference the nitrofurantoin resistance of strains of Enterobacteriaceae
[83] and increases the value of the antimicrobial activity of
nitrofurantoin, which is used for the treatment of urinary tract
infections.[30] Pulegone is considered as the main composition of
[50] M. longifolia against molds and against Klebsiella
pneumoniae.[5,31] Combination of nisin and the essential oil
of M. longifolia showed significant inhibitory effect on the
growth of the vegetative forms of Bacillus subtilis at 25°C.
[33] Nevertheless, the sole essential oil of the plant did not
expressively inhibit bacterial growth at 25°C.[32] Ethanolic
and aqueous extracts from M. longifolia showed significant
anthelmintic activity against pinworms, Syphacia obvelata and
[50] Aspiculuris tetraptera, in mice.[33] In one study, M. longifolia
was found highly effective  (>88%) in spore germination
[6]
tests against some fungi.[34] Many studies have also reported
the insecticidal activity of M. Longifolia. Feeding on this
[62] plant was found to cause death in Chrysolina herbacea.
Piperitenoneoxide is the main integral that is attributed to
the insecticidal activity of the plant (LC50, 9.95 mg/L).[35] It
is similarly shown that M. longifolia essential oil has 100%
References repellence against Sitophilus zeamais (10, 15, 20  days old),[36,37]
and Tribolium castaneum  (25  days old).[38] Two studies
have reported the high efficacy of the ethanolic extract of
M. longifolia against third‑ and fourth‑instar larvae of house
mosquito Culex pipiens  (LC50-26.8  ppm),[39] and against
[86‑88] Sitophilus oryzae (24.2% repellency).[40]
[7,89‑91]
EFFECTS ON NERVOUS SYSTEM
It was shown in a study that the aqueous leaf extract
of M. longifolia has antinociceptive and antipyretic
properties. Comparatively high LD  (50) values obtained
for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plant
extract confirmed that the plant extract is nontoxic to
mice.[41] In another study, methanolic extracts of M. longifolia
were tested for their possible protective effects against
hydrogen‑peroxide‑induced toxicity in PC12 cells, antioxidant
activity (by 2, 2’‑azinobis (3‑ethylbenzothiazoline‑6‑sulfonic
acid) [ABTS] and xanthine/xanthine oxidase methods) and
neurochemical properties (monoamine oxidase A (MAO‑A)
inhibition, acetylcholinesterase inhibition and affinity to
the gamma‑aminobutyric acid  (A) receptors). This plant
exhibited antioxidant and MAO‑A inhibitory activities.[42]
M. longifolia essential oil exhibited a stronger central nervous
system (CNS) depressant effect.[43] The effect of M. longifolia
crude ethanol extract, as well as fractions rich in apigenin
glycosides, luteolin glycosides and phenolic acids have
been also examined on CNS function. Phenolic acids are
found to possess noteworthy spasmodic, choleretic and
CNS simulative effects.[44]
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EFFECTS ON GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
Mentha longifolia leaves are used in herbal recipes, which
are used for gastrointestinal disorders. Here, the leaves
of M. longifolia are locally boiled in water along with
cardamom seed or leaves powder is given along with
green tea to children. It is used as antiemetic, particularly
in chronic diarrhea. M. longifolia is used as a carminative
in gas trouble and eaten in the form of chutney, especially
in summer along with butter to stop diarrhea.[45‑47] It is
similarly used for the treatment of abdominal pain.[48]
The leaf extract of M. longifolia, exerts relaxant effects on
intestinal smooth muscle, consistent with the traditional
use of the plant to treat gastrointestinal disorders such as
diarrhea and colic. This plant exhibits spasmolytic activity
mainly through varying calcium mobilization and partly
by potassium channels activation due to the presence of
calcium channel blocking constituents.[49,50] In a castor oil
induced diarrheal model, the crude extract of M. longifolia
at doses of 100-1000 mg/kg, provided 31-80% protection,
similar to loperamide. The calcium channel blocking
activity was further confirmed when pretreatment of the
tissue with M. longifolia crude extract caused a rightward
shift in the Ca++ concentration‑response curves, similar to
verapamil. Activity‑directed fractionation revealed that
the petroleum spirit fraction was more potent than the
parent crude extract and aqueous fraction.[49] In isolated
ruminal and abomasal preparations, essence of M. longofolia
(0.1-100 g/mL) exhibited a weak spasmogenic effect followed
by relaxation and complete  (P  <  0.05) abolition of the
spontaneous contraction at the highest dose (1000 g/mL).
In contrast, rat ileum only showed a dose‑dependent
relaxation effect, and tissues preincubated with essence
reduced the acetylcholine  (ACh)‑induced contraction.
Essence  (1000  g/mL) meaningfully repressed the effect
of ACh suggesting that the effect may be mediated via
cholinergic receptors on smooth muscle. The essence
profoundly changed gastrointestinal smooth muscle
contraction in a dose‑dependent and tissue‑specific
manner. [51] Another study examined the effects of
piperitenone oxide, an important chemical constituent of
the essential oil of many Mentha spp. such as M. longifolia,
M. spicata, M. rotundifolia, M. suaveolens and M. villosa on
the guinea pig ileum. Piperitenone oxide  (30-740 μg/ml)
relaxed basal tonus without significant alteration in the
resting membrane potential.[52]
ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT
Gulluce et  al. [7] designed a study to evaluate the
antioxidant activities of the essential oil and methanol
extract of M. Longifolia. The extract showed much better
132 Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2
Mikaili, et al.: Pharmacological effects of Mentha longifolia
activity than the essential oil in antioxidant activity
assays employed, e.g.  in the inhibition of free radical 2,
2‑diphenyl‑1‑picrylhydrazyl  (DPPH) and β carotene/
linoleic acid systems. Other studies presented the phenolic
compounds as the main cause of better antioxidant
effect of methanol extract than the essential oil.[15] There
is a positive connection between antioxidant activity
potential and amount of phenolic compounds.[28] The
antioxidant activity by ABTS assay showed IC50 values
of 476.3 ± 11.7 for M. longifolia.[5] In some studies, apigenin
derivatives are determined as antioxidative molecules.[54‑56]
In another study, the free radical‑scavenging potential
(1, 1‑diphenyl‑2‑picrylhydrazyl scavenging activity)
of nine Mentha spp. was investigated to evaluate and
explore new potential sources for natural antioxidants.
The activity was performed after different time intervals
with the incubation period of 30  min. The methanolic
extracts of M. longifolia showed significant antioxidant
activity  (79%).[57] Berselli et  al.[58] have shown the efficacy
of a 1 h preincubation with the highest nontoxic dose of a
characterized M. longifolia extract (80 μg/mL) in protecting
human keratinocytes (NCTC2544) from chemically tempted
oxidative stress (500 μM H2O2 for 2, 16, and 24 h). Cellular
viability was meaningfully protected by mint, which limited
protein and DNA damage, reduced lipid peroxidation, and
conserved glutathione and superoxide dismutase activity
in the shorter phases of oxidative stress induction. Weigh
level, a mixture of extract of four plants (Alchemilla vulgaris,
Olea europaea, M. longifolia and Cuminum cyminum) used
in traditional Arabic and Islamic medicine as well as in
European herbal medicine, showed noteworthy antioxidant
properties at so low absorptions (10 µg/mL) as measured
by the lipid peroxidation technique.[59] In another study,
monoterpene ketones (menthone and isomenthone) were
shown as the most powerful scavenging complexes present
in the essential oils of M. longifolia.[6] The antioxidant
effect of the contents of the plant varies when different
methods of extraction are used. For instance, in one study
the highest antioxidant activity determined by the ferric
decreasing antioxidant property (FRAP) and DPPH assays
was attributed to extracts taken from naturally dried
herbs  (2.76  ±  0.15  m/mol Fe2+/Mg of the dry extract and
EC50  =  0.022  ±  0.001  mg/ml) due to the highest general
content of phenols  (113.8  ±  2.0  mg of gallic acid/g of the
dry extract) and flavonoids. On the other hand, the lowest
antioxidant activity was elicited from the extracts of herbs
dried in the laboratory oven (1.13 ± 0.11 m/mol Fe2+/mg of
the dry extract and EC50 = 0.033 ± 0.001 mg/mL).[60,61] This
shows the importance of the methods by which the plant is
dried off before preparation of the extracts. Hydro‑alcoholic
extract of this plant showed good antioxidant activities
in several in vitro assay systems including DPPH
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Mikaili, et al.: Pharmacological effects of Mentha longifolia
radical‑scavenging system, nitric oxide‑scavenging system,
Fe2+ chelating ability, linoleic acid model, and scavenging
hydrogen‑peroxide.[62] In another study, the antioxidant
activity of M. longifolia extract was investigated with four
different methods such as DPPH, ABTS radical, reducing
power assay and FRAP. M. longifolia exhibited the strongest
activity as ABTS scavenger compared to DPPH and FRAP.[63]
It was shown that high antioxidant activity by tissues of
many M. longifolia variants native to Israel resulted in part,
from antioxidant activity of rosmarinic acid (RA).[64]
IN VITRO TOXICOLOGICAL EVALUATION
The effects of the essential oil from the leaves of
M. longifolia on a few biochemical parameters of Wistar
rats were investigated in one study. The oil at 125, 250, 375,
and 500 µL/kg of body weight reduced (P < 0.05) the red
blood cells and lymphocytes with no definite pattern on
the white blood cells and mean cell volume. The optimal
doses meaningfully increased the population of neutrophils,
monocytes and large unstained cells. In addition, liver‑body
weight ratio and serum concentrations of cholesterol,
triglyceride, high‑density lipoprotein‑cholesterol, and
inorganic phosphate were increased; however, no change
was observed in the heart body weight ratio and the levels
of serum low‑density lipoprotein‑cholesterol, Na(+),
Ca(2+), Cl(−), K(+), creatinine, and uric acid. The oil at
500 µL/kg of body weight also increased the kidney‑body
weight ratio. In contrast, the oil reduced the serum urea
and atherogenic index. The total and conjugated bilirubin,
together with the entire protein and albumin, in the serum
increased only with oil at 125 µL/kg of body weight. The
serum alkaline phosphatase activity also increased with no
significant change in those of gamma‑glutamyltransferase
and alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. The results
specify dose‑ and parameter‑specific effect of the essential
oil. Although the essential oil from M. longifolia leaves may
not predispose to atherosclerosis, it may raise the practical
activity of the rat liver at the lowest dose investigated.
Therefore, the essential oil from M. longifolia may not be
completely “safe” at the doses investigated.[65] In vitro
cytotoxicity test was also performed by brine shrimp
lethality bioassay. At 40 μg/mL, which was the least
attentiveness used, the oil was not toxic; all the brine
shrimps survived. While maximum mortalities happened
at 200 μg/mL and the least mortalities were observed at
40 μg/mL.[66] Due to the major decrease of the potentially
harmful pulegone and menthone by oven‑drying, it is
recommended that this herb should be oven‑dried or
cooked before consumption in order to reduce toxicity.
Eating of the raw plant should be discouraged, particularly
Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2
in patients with a history of liver disease or those taking
cytochrome P450‑inducing drugs.[67] Acute Toxicity effect of
flavonoids extracted from M. longifolia was measured, and
the quercetin‑3‑O‑glucoside had the lowest values with an
LD of 5 mg/kg. The apigenin and luteolin‑7‑O‑glucoside,
luteolin‑7, 3’‑O‑diglucoside had the same effect with an
LD of 4 mg/kg. The kaempferol‑3‑O‑glucoside showed an
LD of 3 mg/kg and was thus considered as the most toxic
compound among the tested flavonoids.[22]
CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY
Three flavonoids, apigenin‑7‑O‑glucoside, apigenin‑
7‑O‑rutinoside, and apigenin‑7‑O‑glucuronide, were
isolated from M. longifolia by using E. coli WP2 genotoxicity
assay directed fractionation procedures. The mutagenic and
anti‑mutagenic properties of each flavonoid were evaluated
using the same genotoxicity assay. Apigenin‑7‑O‑glucoside,
apigenin‑7‑O‑rutinoside, and apigenin‑7‑O‑glucuronide
were shown to possess significant anti‑mutagenic
activity against 2‑AF and N‑methyl‑N‑nitro‑N′nitros
oguanidine induced mutagenicity. The response was
dose‑dependent, and the inhibition rates were between
25.3% (apigenin‑7‑O‑glucoside with S9-2.0 μM/plate) and
59.0% (apigenin‑7‑O‑rutinoside without S9-2.0 μM/plate).
Apigenin derivatives can be thought as genetically safe at
tested concentrations since they did not show a mutagenic
activity.[56] The cytotoxicity of M. longifolia essential oil with
seasonal variation was tested on breast cancer  (MCF‑7)
and prostate cancer  (LNCaP) cell lines using the MTT
assay. The cytotoxicity of the essential oils against MCF‑7
showed an IC50 of 45.2 and 50.6 μg/mL for summer and
winter samples, correspondingly and against LNCaP the
IC50 values were 43.5 and 52.0 μg/mL, respectively.[10] In
another study that was designed to assess the mutagenic
and antimutagenic activities of luteolin derivatives (luteolin
7‑O‑glucoside, luteolin 7‑O‑rutinoside and luteolin
7‑O‑glucuronide) isolated from M. longifolia by using
Ames Salmonella test  (TA 1535 and TA1537 strains), The
highest inhibition rates for luteolin 7‑O‑glucoside, luteolin
7‑O‑rutinoside and luteolin 7‑O‑glucuronide on TA1537
strain were 84.03%, 87.63% and 67.77%, respectively.
Similarly, in the antimutagenicity assays performed
with the TA1535 strain, the inhibition rates for luteolin
7‑O‑glucoside and luteolin 7‑O‑rutinoside was 23.86% and
23.76% respectively.[68] The possible antimutagenic potential
of apigenin 7‑O‑rutinoside  (A7R) was examined against
mutagens ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) and acridine (AC)
in an eukaryotic cell system S. cerevisiae RS112. The results
showed that A7R has dissimilar inhibition rates against EMS
and AC‑induced mutagenicity. Therefore, the properties
133
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of A7R are of excessive pharmacological importance and
might be useful for decreasing the risk of reactive oxygen
species‑related diseases.[69] In another similar study on
the mutagenic and anti‑mutagenic activities of RA, a
phenolic compound isolated from M. longifolia the possible
anti‑mutagenic potential of RA was examined against EMS
and AC in S. cerevisiae RS112. Only one concentration of RA
showed a mutagenic effect in the highest concentrations
used. The lower concentrations of RA meaningfully
subdued EMS and AC‑induced mutations. The highest
inhibition rates in yeast DEL assay ranged from 10%
(4 μM/mL concentration in EMS‑induced DEL events)
to 63.3%  (2 μM/mL concentration in AC‑induced DEL
events).[70]
NUTRITIONAL USAGE
The Van Herby Cheese is a traditional milk product, which
includes local herb species in eastern Turkey. M. longifolia
had the highest lead concentration of 1.69 mg/kg among
the herbs present in the cheese.[71] The effects of M. longifolia
essential oil in concentrations of 0, 50, 150 and 300  ppm
and Lactobacillus casei  (108-109 CFU/mL) on the growth
of Staphylococcus aureus and L. monocytogenes during the
manufacturing, ripening and storage of Iranian white‑brined
cheese was investigated in one study. The development of
the two pathogens was significantly reduced  (P  <  0.01)
by both ethylene oxide  (EO) concentrations  ≥50  ppm
and the probiotic and their combination in the standard
manufacturing and storage process conditions of the cheese.
In addition, the treatment containing 150 ppm of this EO
combined with probiotic had a favorable inhibitory effect on
the growth of two pathogenic micro‑organisms and also was
the most appropriate treatment in sensory assessment.[72]
M. longifolia essential oil has been also shown to have a
relation with viability and cellular ultrastructure of L. casei
during ripening and storage of probiotic Feta cheese. The
essential oil in the concentrations ranging from 0.0% to 0.03%
was trialed: the 0.03% treatment resulted in the highest
viability of L. casei and the lowest pH value compared with
other treatments (P < 0.05). Electron microscopy has shown
that essential oil caused no harm to L. casei. These data show
favorable effects of M. longifolia on best maintenance of
L. casei at the end of cheese storage period.[73]
CONCLUSION
Mentha longifolia demonstrates a wide range of antibiotic
activity against various bacteria, yeasts, insects, etc.
The essential oil is a more potent antimicrobial than the
hydroalcoholic extract. It is also a potential antinociceptive
134 Ancient Science of Life / Oct-Dec 2013 / Vol 33 / Issue 2
Mikaili, et al.: Pharmacological effects of Mentha longifolia
and carminative. Although high LD50 values have been
calculated for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the
extract, it has been shown that the plant is not thoroughly
safe. M. longifolia may raise the liver activity even at the
safest doses administered in rat. Pulegone and menthone
are the major harmful compounds present in the plant. Since
oven‑drying decreases the amount of these compounds in
the plant, it is recommended that this plant be oven‑dried
or cooked before consumption in order to make it safer.
Moreover, care should be taken when this plant is consumed
along with drugs which induce P450 enzymes. This review
reveals the potential of this plant to be used as a novel source
for the development of new drugs; however, more studies
are required to determine its precise quality and quantity
to be used in humans as a therapeutic source.
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Address for correspondence:
Dr. Milad Moloudizargari,
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran.
E-mail: miladmoludi@gmail.com
How to cite this article: Mikaili P, Mojaverrostami S, Moloudizargari M,
Aghajanshakeri S. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha
Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol. Ancient Sci Life
2013;33:129-36.
Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: None declared.