Influence of agro-climatic conditions on antioxidant potential of Mentha species

Abstract

BackgroundMentha species are known to be important sources of antioxidants. The antioxidant potential of different species may be affected when grown in different agro-climatic conditions. So the effect of location on the antioxidant potential of two Mentha species has been studied. MethodsMentha species (Mentha longifolia and Mentha spicata) were raised at two different locations i.e. in Lovely Professional University (Punjab) and in Kashmir University (Srinagar). The first and second generation leaves of these Mentha species were plucked at after one month interval from the plants and extracted with different solvents. The extracts were analyzed for total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant potential using various in vitro models. ResultsM. spicata had a relatively higher total phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant properties than those of M. longifolia raised at either of the locations. M. spicata and M. longifolia raised at higher altitude had much higher content of total phenols and flavonoids as well as antioxidant potential than the respective species raised in plains of Punjab during same period. Moreover, the leaves of second generation had higher content of total phenols and flavonoids but had lower antioxidant potential than that of first generation leaves. ConclusionAntioxidant potential of Mentha species raised at higher altitude was far better than the corresponding species raised in plains. Moreover, first generation leaves had better antioxidant potential. No direct correlation between total phenols, flavonoid content and antioxidant potential of these species could be established.