Optimisation of mint active compound extraction with anti-muscarinic property on intestine tissue

Abstract

Muscle spasms may occur when muscle is overused and tired, particularly if it is overstretched or if it has been held in the same position for a prolonged period of time. Menthol, an anti-spasmodic, is a natural ingredient found in mint (Mentha piperta). This research was aimed, to determine the efficiency of different solvents for menthol extraction through antimuscarinic effect on frog ileum smooth muscle and to determine the optimal menthol concentration for anti-muscarinic effect. Dried mint leaves were ground into powder and compounds were extracted using methanol, ethanol and acetone, all at 100% v/v, 75% v/v and 50% v/v concentration. These extracts at doses ranged from 0.0–3.0 mg/mL were tested on 3cm frog smooth muscle to observe the anti-muscarinic effect. The extraction of menthol was significantly higher in acetone (3.43cm ± 0.23) compared to methanol (3.23cm ± 0.13) and ethanol (3.22cm ± 0.12), p<0.001. Based on the dose response curve, the minimal effective concentration for acetone to produce maximum relaxation was 1.0 mg/mL which higher when compared to positive control, atropine (3.30cm ± 0). In conclusion, acetone mint extract demonstrated significant anti-muscarinic property in smooth muscle relaxation at 1mg/mL comparable to atropine drug.