Characterization of Peppermint Plant Extract and Antimicrobial Activity

Abstract

The use of plant extracts in the medical and pharmacological fields have been increased in the last years. The plants have shown to possess materials with important features that can be used as a treatment in multiple health risks such as inflammation, cardiovascular disorders, bacteria and fungus. Peppermint was used extensively as medical herbs and have given a remarkable results. We aimed to prepare water and alcoholic (methanol) extract of peppermint leaves and characterize the presence of some phytochemical compounds qualitatively, along with some trace elements (copper, zinc and selenium). The antimicrobial activity of peppermint extract was investigated against two Gram negative escherichia coli as well as klebsiella sp, also two Gram positive bacterial strains Staphylococcus epidermidis as well as Staphylococcus aureus, as well as one fungi (Candida albicans). We have obtained the presence of flavonoids, polyphenolic compounds, steroids, carbohydrate, and protein contents in the extract of peppermint. Copper, zinc and selenium levels were detected in good amount in the extract. Furthermore, both water and methanol extract of peppermint have shown good antimicrobial activity against the experimented strains. Nevertheless, the extraction by methanol have shown more powerful activity than water against all strains.