Abstract
The genus Mentha belongs to the Lamiaceae family and it consists of ca. 25–30 species of subcosmopolitan distribution, of which 7 are found in the Greek territory. Members of the genus Mentha are known for their spasmolytic, antibacterial and antigenotoxic properties1. Extracts (dichloromethane, methanol, water) of M. microphylla, M. aquatica, M. longifolia and M. pulegium were obtained with A.S.E (Accelerated Solvent Extraction). Methanolic and aqueous extracts were tested for DPPH scavenging and Total Phenolic Content and showed very strong antioxidant activity. Among them M. microphylla C.Koch was chosen for further phytochemical investigation. The Total Phenolic Content for M.microphylla C.Koch was 315.5mg GAE/g of ethanolic extract and 274.5mg GAE/g of aqueous extract. The DPPH %ΔA values were 100% for the ethanolic and 98% for the aqueous extract relatively. Dichloromethanic, ethanolic and aqueous extracts were received with conventional extraction. From the dichloromethanic extract several monoterpenes (i.e. piperitone, piperitenone oxide), triterpenes (i.e. β-amyrin), phenolic compounds (i.e. thymol) and a luteolin derivative were isolated by classic column chromatography. On the other hand, the ethanolic and aqueous extracts were fractionated with F.C.P.C (Fast Centrifugal Partition Chromatography) technique and were proved to be rich sources of rosmarinic acid and flavonoid compounds (i.e. diosmin). Structural elucidation of all compounds was determined by spectroscopic methods (NMR 1D, 2D).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
