A REVIEW ON PEPPERMINT OIL

Abstract

Peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves of the perennial herb, Mentha piperita L. and M. arvensis var. piperascens a member of the Labiatae family. This family includes many well-known essential oil plants such as spearmint, basil, lavender, rosemary, sage, marjoram and thyme. This is a well known and important medicinal plant widely used in several indigenous systems of medicine for various therapeutic benefits viz. analgesic, anesthetic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, expectorant, nervine,
stimulant, stomachic, inflammatory diseases, ulcer and stomach problems. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive analysis of the chemistry, pharmacology, analysis, and uses of Peppermint oil.

Full text

Volume 2, Issue 2, April- June, 2009 ( )
Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
187
A REVIEW ON PEPPERMINT OIL
SHRIVASTAVA ALANKAR*
Peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves of the perennial herb, Mentha piperita L. and M. arvensis var. piperascens a member of the
Labiatae family. This family includes many well-known essential oil plants such as spearmint, basil, lavender, rosemary, sage,
marjoram and thyme. This is a well known and important medicinal plant widely used in several indigenous systems of medicine
for various therapeutic benefits viz. analgesic, anesthetic, antiseptic, astringent, carminative, decongestant, expectorant, nervine,
stimulant, stomachic, inflammatory diseases, ulcer and stomach problems. The present review is an up-to-date and comprehensive
analysis of the chemistry, pharmacology, analysis, and uses of Peppermint oil.
Keywords : Mentha piperita, Mentha arvensis, peppermint oil, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
INTRODUCTION
Peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves of the perennial
herb, Mentha piperita L. and M. arvensis var. piperascens a
member of the labiatae family. It is a colourless, pale yellow
or pale greenish-yellow liquid having characteristic odour
and taste followed by a sensation of cold, freely soluble in
ethanol (70%). The solution may show an opalescence.1
The oil is found on the undersides of the leaves, is extracted
by steam distillation and is generally followed by
rectification and fractionation before use.2
India is world’s largest producer and exporter of mint oil.
Mint oil and its constituents and derivatives are used in
food, pharmaceutical and perfumery and flavouring
industry. Its main constituent, menthol, is used in the
manufacture of lozenges, toothpastes, pain balms, cold
balms, Dabur Pudin Hara, etc. The basic raw material for
mint oil is leaves of a plant Mentha arvensis.3 The oil is
used for treating certain stomach disorders like indigestion,
gas problem, acidity, etc. It is the main ingredient of
ayurvedic medicines like Daburs ‘Pudin Hara’. The oil is
a natural source of menthol, which is the main ingredient
of cough drops and ointments like Vicks Vaporub, etc.
STANDARDS1
Peppermint Oil contains not less than 4.5 per cent w/w
and not more than 10.0 per cent w/w of esters, calculated
as menthyl acetate, C12H22O2, not less than 44.0 per cent
w/w of free alcohols, calculated as menthol, C10H20O, and
not less than 15.0 per cent w/w and not more than 32.0
per cent w/w of ketones, calculated as menthone, C10H18O.
EXTRACTION OF PEPPERMINT OIL
Peppermint oil is extracted from the whole plant above
ground just before flowering. The oil is extracted by steam
distillation4 from the fresh or partly dried plant and the
yield is 0.1 - 1.0 %.
Supercritical fluid extraction was performed by I. Gãinar
et al 5 and was compared with that of peppermint oil
isolated by hydrodistillation. The oil extracted under SFE-
1 conditions had a higher content of menthone, menthol,
1, 8-cineole and piperitone compared with the SFE-2
conditions, and a lower content of menthyl acetate,
α
-
caryophyllene and
α
-cadinene. The compounds mainly
responsible for the peppermint fragrance (oxygenated
monoterpenes) amounted to 79.2% for SFE-1 compared
with 74.4% at SFE-2 conditions. In contrast,
sesquiterpenes were only 7.7% for SFE-1 and 11.6% for
SFE-2. The hydrodistilled oil possessed the higher
percentage of terpene acetates, 12.5% against 12.0% for
SFE-1.
Recently on new method was developed by Farid Chemet
et al.6 for the extraction of essential oils that is much more
faster as compared with the conventional hydrodistillation
process.
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS 7
Various constituents of peppermint oil as per monographs
of Internation Pharmacopoeia are limonene (1.0-5.0%),
cineole (3.5-14.0%), menthone (14.0-32.0%),
menthofuran (1.0 -9.0%), isomenthone (1.5-10.0%),
menthyl acetate (2.8-10.0%), isopulegol (max. 0.2%),
menthol (30.0-55.0%), pulegone (max. 4.0%) and carvone
(max. 1.0%). The ratio of cineole content to limonene
content should be minimum two. Chemical structures of
these constituents were given in Fig.1.
EVALUATION
International Pharmacopoeia monograph7
Relative density : 0.900 to 0.916.
Refractive index : 1.457 to 1.467.
Optical rotation : -10° to -30°.
Acid value : maximum 1.4, determined on 5.0 g diluted
in 50 ml of the prescribed mixture of solvents.
Fatty oils and resinified essential oils : Complies with the
*Corresponding author: * Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, B.R. Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mhow Neemuch Road, Mandsaur (M.P)
e-mail: alankarshrivastava@gmail.com
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Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
C
H
3
H
3
C
C
H
2
limonene
CH3COOCH3
Methyl acetate
C
H
2
Isocaryophyllin
C
H
3
O
H
3
C
C
H
2
Carvone
H
3
C
C
H
3
C
H
2
á
-pinene
FIGURE 1. Various chemical constituents of peppermint oil.
C
H
3
O
H
3
C
C
H
3
H
3
C
C
H
3
C
H
3
C
H
3
H
3
C
C
H
3
O
Piperitone
á
-pinene
1,8, cineole
C
H
3
O
H
H
3
C
C
H
3
Menthol
C
H
3
O
H
3
C
C
H
3
Pulegone
O
Menthofuran
C
H
3
O
H
3
C
C
H
3
l-menthone
H
C
H
3
H
3
C
H
H
3
C
C
H
3

-
f
o
r
m
Cadinine
C
H
2
Caryophylline
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Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
test for fatty oils and resinified essential oils.
Chromatographic profiling of peppermint oil can be done
with Gas chromatography with flame ionization detector.
Evaluating Peppermint Oils by Chiral GC/MS 8
Often, a product is adulterated to increase desirable
properties of the natural oil or to avoid costly
manufacturing of all- natural oil. Adulteration usually is
accomplished by adding a similar but cheaper oil, such as
cornmint oil (Mentha arvensis), or by diluting the oil with
various solvent oils. Adulteration and quality consistency
of peppermint oil fuels concern over compromised quality,
but also introduces health safety issues; for example, there
is potential for an allergic reaction to an added unnatural
compound or excess of a natural component. Despite the
value of identifying and quantifying major components
like menthol, methone and methyl acetate, dependable
identification and quantification is difficult because each
of these is represented by several stereoisomers. Menthol,
for example, has three chiral centers, for a total of eight
stereoisomers, making chromatographic separation
difficult. For this GC/MS method was published by Julie
Kowalski optimized to following conditions claiming
detection of major components important to the quality
of peppermint oil product, thus providing manufacturers
and buyers with consistent profiles with which to confirm
and track product quality.
Column: Rt-ãDEXsa™ 30m x 0.25mm ID, 0.25ìm
Inj.: 1.0ìL neat, split (split ratio 1:150)
Inj.: temp.: 230°C
Carrier gas: helium, constant pressure
Flow rate: 35 cm/sec. at 100°C
Oven temp.: 40°C to 120°C @ 5°C/min. to 135°C @
3°C/min. to
200°C @ 5°C/min.
Det: MS
Spectroscopic study of Mentha oils8
The visible fluorescence and excitation spectra of Mentha
oils (Japanese mint oil, peppermint oil and spearmint oil)
have been recorded. Different physical constants which
are characteristic of the fluorescent molecules have been
calculated for all three oils. Results reveal that the same
group of organic compounds dominate in the oils of
peppermint and spearmint, whereas some different
compound is present in Japanese mint oil. Study also
demonstrated that the fluorescence intensity of these oils
is comparable to that of Rhodamine 6G dye in methanol
solution and suggests that Mentha oils may be a useful
lasing material in the 450-600 nm wavelength range.
Estimation of Menthone, Menthofuran, Menthyl Acetate
and Menthol in Peppermint Oil by Capillary Gas
Chromatography10
Support-coated open-tubular (SCOT) glass capillary
column (43 m x 0.5mm I.D.) coated with SP-1000 was
fitted into an aluminium support cage. A Packard-Becker
419 gas chromatograph equipped with dual flame
ionization detectors and dual injectors was used. The
injection port temperature was 190°C and detector
temperature 190°C. The multilinear temperature
programmer was used as follows. Initial temperature of
64°C was held for 3 min, then the temperature was raised
at 0.5ºC/min to 80ºC, then at 5ºC/min to the final
temperature of 155ºC, with an isothermal hold of 12 min
at 155°C. The carrier gas was helium at a flow-rate of cu.
2 ml/mm with nitrogen (18 ml/min) as make-up gas. Air
flow was 300 ml/min and hydrogen flow 30 ml/min. The
velocity of the carrier gas was about 21.5 cm/sec whilst
the capacity ratio (k) of the column was 6.5 using docosane
at 185°C.
Quantitative determination of Pulegone by Gas-
Liquid Chromatography
Various methods for the estimation of the pulegone was
found in the literature. It was due to one problem that
pulegone has a retention time,11 according to the columns
employed, that is either very near to that of menthol (main
component), with consequent overlap or very similar to
those of isomenthol and some sesquiterpene hydrocarbons
(e.g. cadinene and caryophyllene).12-14
USES
Hot flushes in women
A single-blind randomised control crossover study15 was
performed to look at the effects of a peppermint and neroli
hydrolat spray on hot flushes in women being treated for
breast cancer. Only 18 of the 44 patients (41%) preferred
the hydrolat spray to a plain water spray, which was less
than the 80% required to offer this spray as a standard
suggestion for hot flush management. However a small
number of those choosing it found it extremely helpful.
Both sprays appeared to lessen hot flush annoyance.
Previous chemotherapy appeared to be a factor influencing
the choice of spray.
Irritable Bowel Syndrom
Small intestine bacterial overgrowth and lactose intolerance
are associated with increased gas production, which may
sometimes trigger abdominal discomfort and bloating
which are also considered also the cardinal symptoms in
IBS.16-17 Furthermore, a high prevalence of celiac disease
has been observed in patients with bloating and diarrhoea
and positive H2-lactose breath test. In these patients the
symptoms related to lactase deficiency seem to be the only
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manifestation of celiac disease18. Basing themselves on
these data, some authors suggest that these diseases should
be previously excluded in clinic therapeutic trials with
investigational drugs that affect IBS19. Peppermint oil has
been tested in children20 and adults21 with IBS, with
conflicting results. A recent meta-analysis on this topic
concluded that the role of peppermint oil has not yet been
established beyond a reasonable doubt.22 In this regard one
double blind study by L. Marzio et al.23 57 patients with
irritable bowel syndrome were treated with peppermint
oil (two enteric-coated capsules twice per day or placebo)
and 4 weeks treatment with peppermint oil improves
abdominal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel
syndrome.
Antimicrobial and anti-plasmid activities24
The antimicrobial activities were determined on the Gram
(+) Staphylococcus epidermidis and the Gram (?)
Escherichia coli F’lac K12 LE140, and on two yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae 0425 ä/1 and 0425 52C strains.
The antiplasmid activities were investigated on E. coli F’lac
bacterial strain. Each of the oils exhibited antimicrobial
activity and three of them antiplasmid action. The
interaction of peppermint oil and menthol with the
antibiotics was studied on the same bacterial strain with
the checkerboard method. Eexperiments proved the
antiplasmid activity of peppermint oil and its main
constituent, menthol, which means that menthol-
containing substances are potential agents that could
eliminate the resistance plasmids of bacteria. The main
point of this menthol-induced plasmid elimination is a
special mechanism of action. The compound preferentially
kills the plasmid-containing bacteria due to their increased
sensitivity to menthol.
Postoperative Nausea
Tate25 demonstrated that inhalation of peppermint oil
vapors significantly reduced postoperative nausea and the
requirement for pharmacologic antiemetics following
gynecologic surgery. Inhalation of isopropyl alcohol vapors
is a South American folk remedy for nausea. More recently,
its use has been advocated for transport-related nausea1 as
well as for PONV in children and adults.26 Winston et
all27 found that isopropyl alcohol inhalation relieved
PONV more rapidly than ondansetron 4 mg IV, but a
placebo group was not studied. A randomized,
doubleblind, placebo-controlled study28 on 33 surgery
patients indicate that initial treatment of postoperative
nausea with aromatherapy reduces patients’ subjective
perception of nausea and IV antiemetic use in the PACU
by nearly 50%.
Against herpes simplex virus29
This essential oil is capable to exert a direct virucidal effect
on HSV. Peppermint oil is also active against an acyclovir
resistant strain of HSV-1 (HSV-1-ACVres), plaque
formation was significantly reduced by 99%. Considering
the lipophilic nature of the oil which enables it to penetrate
the skin, peppermint oil might be suitable for topical
therapeutic use as virucidal agent in recurrent herpes
infection.
Larvicidal and mosquito repellent action30
Oil of Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint oil), a widely used
essential oil, was evaluated for larvicidal activity against
di•erent mosquito species: Aedes aegypti, Anopheles
stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus by exposing IIIrd
instar larvae of mosquitoes in enamel trays 6´ 4 inch2 size
filled to a depth of 3 inch with water. The oil showed
strong repellent action against adult mosquitoes when
applied on human skin. Percent protection obtained
against An. annularis, An. culicifacies, and Cx.
quinquefasciatus was 100%, 92.3% and 84.5%,
respectively. The repellent action of Mentha oil was
comparable to that of Mylol oil consisting of dibutyl and
dimethyl phthalates.
Treatment of Nervous Disorders and Mental Fatigue
Peppermint and its EO are believed to be effective in the
treatment of nervous disorders and mental fatigue
(Tisserand, 1993),31 suggesting that they may exert some
psychoactive actions. The specific hypothesis used to test
for such pharmacological actions was guided by reports
that it may be effective in the treatment of mental fatigue
(Tisserand, 1993), suggesting that the oil might possess a
similar action to psychostimulants. Study by Toyoshi
Umezu et al.32 determined the effects of peppermint oil on
behavior in mice. The present study revealed that
intraperitoneal administration of natural peppermint oil,
which is used for medicinal purposes in aromatherapy,
caused a significant dose dependent increase in ambulatory
activity. This result demonstrated that peppermint oil
produces an apparent effect on behavior in mice.
Indigestion33
Adding few drops of peppermint essential oil in a glass of
water and drinking it after meal gives relief from indigestive
properties. This oil acts as carminative and helps effectively
in removing the gas.
Other Uses
· It was also reported that peppermint oil is effective against
type I allergic reactions.34-35
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·1: 20 dilution (5.0%) of concentrated peppermint
water has now been shown to exhibit considerable
fungistatic but not fungicidal activity against strains of
Aspergik niger and Penicillium ckysogenum.36
·One interesting study concluded that peppermint
oil can indeed reduce daytime sleepiness. However, the
mechanisms by which peppermint oil has its effect and
the applicability of these findings to situations in everyday
life will require further empirical investigation.37
· Peppermint oil was reported to have a relaxing
effect in patients with colonic spasms.38
· One recent study by J. A. Reed et al. results is
that peppermint scent can be used as an effective adjunct
to decrease appetite, decrease hunger cravings, and
consume fewer calories, which may lead to weight
reduction and greater overall health.39
·The use of peppermint oil given orally can cure
certain internal ailments such as gallstones or ureteric
stones. The doses of them sometimes exceed 45 ml/day in
France and Germany.40
· Headlice: Phenols, phenolic ethers, ketones, and
oxides (1, 8-cineole) appear to be the major toxic
components of these essential oils when used on lice.
Aldehydes and sesquiterpenes may also play a role.41
·In vapor therapy, peppermint oil can help to
increase concentration and to stimulate the mind, as well
as sorting out coughs, headaches, nausea and also has value
as an insect repellant.42
· External usage of peppermint oil gives relief from
pain. The existence of calcium antagonism in peppermint
oil helps in removing the pain. It has wonderful cooling
properties and reduces the fever also.42
·A mouthwash with peppermint oil included can
help with bad breath and gum infections.42
·When included in a cream or lotion, it will help
to ease the sting of sunburn, reduce redness of inflamed
skin, reduce itchiness and cools down the skin with its
vasoconstrictor properties.42
·The oil gives cooling effect on your head and helps
in removing the dandruff and lice.42
GENOTOXICITY
Anderson and Jenson43 (1984) found no mutagenicity of
peppermint essential oil in the salmonella/ microsomes
assay. Essential oil of menthe spicata L. appeared to be slight
genotoxic.44 In human lymphocytes peppermint oil was
found to be cytotoxic and induced chromosomes
aberrations only when inhibition of mitotic activity was
70 % or higher. Peppermint may be classified as “high
toxic clastogen”, which induces chromosomes aberrations
by secondry mechanism associated with cytotoxicity.45 On
the other hand, peppermint essential oil does not behave
like a “typical elastic clastogen” because it is mutagenic in
D. melanogaster somatic mutation and recombinant test
in vivo.46 The component of peppermint oil that causes
genotoxicity is yet not fully understood.
SIDE EFFECTS
Case report of 58 years women smoked heavily changed
to menthol containing cigarettes. After three months she
became irritable and quarrelsome, in contrast to her former
placid good-natured state, and had gastrointestinal upset
with occasional vomiting. Her speech became thick and
she developed a tremor of the hand and an unsteady gait.
On one occasion mental confusion and depression
occurred and she was admitted to hospital with a toxic
psychosis that was considered to be due to menthol
addiction. Within 17 days of the withdrawal of menthol
cigarettes, she became normal in every respect without
specific treatment.47
One more case report of acute lung injury48 following IV
injection of peppermint oil by 18 year old women
developed fulminant pulmonary edema, presumably due
to direct toxicity and a resultant increase in pulmonary
vascular permeability.
CONTRAINDICATIONS49
Obstruction of bile ducts, gall bladder inflammation, severe
liver damage. In case of gallstones, to be used only after
the consultant of physician.
PRECAUTIONS
Peppermint oil is non-toxic and non-irritant in low
dilutions, but sensitization may be a problem due to the
menthol content.It can cause irritation to the skin and
mucus membranes and should be kept well away from the
eyes. It should be avoided during pregnancy and should
not be used on children under seven.49
Peppermint oil in any form is not recommended for those
with hiatal hernia, gallbladder disease or while pregnant
or nursing.33
Overdose symptoms of peppermint oil 50 are Slow
breathing, Rapid breathing, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea,
Nausea, Vomiting, Blood in urine, No urine production,
Convulsions, Depression, Dizziness, Twitching,
Unconsciousness, Uncoordinated movement and Flushing.
DOSAGE 51
Internal
Average daily dose: 6-12 drops
For inhalation: 3-4 drops in hot water
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Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research
For irritable colon: Average single dose 0.2 ml
Average single dose 0.6 ml in enterically coated form.
External
Some drops rubbed in the affected face areas.
In semi-solid and oily preparations 5-20 %
In aqueous-ethanol preparations 5-10 %
In nasal ointments 1-5 % essential oil.
ADULTRATION 52
Peppermint oil can be adulterated by addition of much
cheaper cornmint oil (Mentha arvensis).
INTERACTIONS
Augment peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of felodipine
and the AUC and Cmax of dehydrofelodipine but did not
alter the half-life (t½)53.
STORAGE7
Store in well-filled, tightly-closed, light-resistant containers
in a cool place.
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