Menthol Content Research Articles

The effects of different color lights on the growth, glandular trichome development and essential oil content of Mentha arvensis L

Mentha arvensis L. is well known for producing the monoterpenes menthol; its essential oil (EO) is widely used in pharmaceutics, cosmetics, food and other industries. The peltate glandular trichome (PGT) is the site responsible for the production and storage of EO in mint. Light is one of the most important environmental factors that contributes to plant growth and development, and secondary metabolism. In this report, we have investigated the influence of additional red light (White + Red, W+R) and blue light (White + Blue, W+B) on the parameters of growth, EO, and PGT in M. arvensis. Interestingly, the plant growth parameters, such as the number of branches, plant height, fresh weight, leaf area and number of leaves were significantly greater both under W+R and W+B treatments compared to the control group. Red light proved more beneficial for increasing plant height (by 15.26%) and fresh weight (by 58.42%), whereas blue light was more effective in boosting the number of branches (by 83.68%) and leaves (by 65.07%). The highest increases in essential oil (EO) content (by 36.36%), yield (by 101.72%), and peltate glandular trichome (PGT) density (by 35.64%) were observed under W+B treatment. However, both W+R and W+B had a slightly negative effect on the quality of mint EO, where menthol content decreased by 4.32 per cent and 11.88 per cent respectively. These results proved that red light is more conducive to biomass accumulation, while blue light is more conducive to EO synthesis and PGT development in M. arvensis.

Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Herb Yield and Menthol Content of Japanese Mint (Mentha arvensis l.) Var. Kosi

Aim: To study about the effect of integrated nutrient management on growth, yield and menthol content of Japanese mint. Study Design: The experiment was carried out with 17 treatments in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. Place and Duration of Study: Research trial was carried out at P.G block, College of Horticulture, Rajendranagar, SKLTSHU, Hyderabad during Feb-May 2022 and Aug- Nov 2022. Results: Among the different treatments, the results reported that the 75 % N + poultry manure 4 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium recorded maximum plant height (63.00 cm and 61.13 cm), number of primary branches (32.67 and 32.07), number of secondary branches (11.47 and 10.53), number of leaves (1130.67 and 1071.73), leaf area (19.73 cm2 and 18.23 cm2), fresh herb yield per hectare (246.62 q and 244.54 q) and essential oil yield (269.97 kg and 239.98 kg) which was statistically on par with 75% N + vermicompost 4 t/ha + Arka microbial consortium.

Transcriptional regulation and functional validation analysis of the McbZIP1 in Mentha canadensis L.

Monoterpenoids are the main components of Mentha canadensis essential oil. Monoterpene biosynthetic pathways have been explored, but the regulatory mechanisms remain unclarified. We identified an abscisic acid (ABA)-inducible A-type basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor McbZIP1 that was localized in the nucleus and positively regulates monoterpene synthesis. McbZIP1 was expressed in most M. canadensis tissues and was induced under ABA, mannitol, and NaCl treatments. McbZIP1 had transcriptional activity in yeast and the N terminus (amino acids 75–117) was sufficient for transactivation. Yeast one-hybrid and Dual-Luciferase assays showed that McbZIP1 binds to ABA-responsive elements in the promoter region of limonene synthase gene. Yeast two-hybrid and biomolecular fluorescence complementation assays revealed that McbZIP1 interacts with McSnRK2.4. Overexpression of McbZIP1 in peppermint resulted in dramatically up-regulated monoterpene biosynthesis gene levels and increased menthol contents. The results support a transcriptional regulation mechanism in which McbZIP1 serves as a positive regulator of menthol biogenesis. These findings contribute to the molecular mechanism of monoterpenoid biogenesis, which may have uses in genetic engineering and menthol production.

Особенности компонентного состава эфирного масла перспективных сортов мяты перечной и пути повышения его выхода

Medicinal preparations (pharmaceutical products) based on essential oils are used in the treatment of many diseases. Pepper mint Mentha piperita is one of the most important essential oil crop. Menthol obtained from peppermint oil is included in the preparations Validol, Corvalol, Valokordin, Pectusin, and Menovazine. The demand of the Russian pharmaceutical industry for mint raw materials at the ex-pense of its own production is not fully satisfied. It can be increased by development new high-yielding varieties of mint and developing modern methods of their cultivation. For this purpose, new high-yielding varieties Aisberg and Aromatnaya, differing in essential oil content and component composition, were developed in the conditions of the North Caucasus branch of the All-Russian Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The variety Aisberg has a high content of oil (4.98%) and menthol in it, while the variety Aromatnaya has a low content of essential oil (1.95%) and a high content of menthone and minor components, which allows these oils to be used in different industries – pharmaceutical, perfumery, cosmetic, and food. The application of natural retardant Hardy on the studied moint varieties promoted the increase of essential oil content in raw material by 22–27% and the increase of biologically active components in essential oil: menthol in the variety Aisberg, menthone in the variety Aromatnaya. To ensure a high yield of mint oil per hectare, the complex application of EcoFus (an organomineral fertilizer) and Siliplant (a silicon-containing microfertilizer) is appropriate at the beginning of plant growth and Hardy (retardant) – in the phase of budding. This method increased the yield of the studied mint varieties by 12–13%, the content of essential oil by 26–29%, and oil yield per a hectare by 41–45%.

Changes in growth, essential oil composition and biochemical traits of peppermint in response to coapplication of zinc and methyl jasmonate in soilless culture

Zinc (Zn), a micronutrient, is a source of energy for essential oil (EO) biosynthesis. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is a plant growth regulator that has favorable effects on EO quality and quantity. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the interaction effect of Zn and MeJA on the phytochemical traits and EO compositions of peppermint cultivated under soilless conditions. Zn omission and the highest Zn concentration (0.1 mgL−1), which are stress conditions for plants, increased phytochemical traits as well as EO content, and 1 mM MeJA was more suitable for increasing these parameters. The major classes of peppermint EO components were oxygenated monoterpenes, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and monoterpene hydrocarbons. The major constituents included menthol, menthone, menthofuran, and 1,8-cineole. Elicitation of peppermint with MeJA at different Zn levels modified the EO composition. The highest menthol content (50.1%) was observed in the 1 mM MeJA and 0.025 mgL−1 Zn treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicated that Zn and MeJA could be appropriate compounds for changing phytochemical compounds, antioxidant activity, and EO composition.

Exploring anti-inflammatory non-essential oil metabolites in Mentha canadensis: Insights into neutrophil extracellular trap inhibition for functional health promotion

Mentha canadensis, commonly known as Canadian mint, has been utilized in herbal medicine for its menthol content, addressing digestive and respiratory issues. It also serves as a popular culinary herb, adding a refreshing minty flavor to dishes and beverages. However, research on its non-essential oils and their anti-inflammatory potential is lacking. This study utilized multi-informative molecular networking to comprehensively profile the non-essential oils of M. canadensis. Cinnamic acid derivatives were identified as potent anti-inflammatory agents, with high activity ratings. By analyzing the Molecular Networking (MN) database, fourteen metabolites were identified. Compounds within the bioactive MN clusters demonstrate significant inhibition of reactive oxygen species generation, playing a crucial role in the management of oxidative stress. These compounds also effectively suppressed the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps. In conclusion, salvianolic acid B (IC50: 0.08 μM) was promoted as the chemical marker of M. canadensis for its potential anti-inflammatory effect. This study pioneers the identification of anti-inflammatory metabolites in M. canadensis' non-essential oils, offering insights into its therapeutic properties and potential for health-centric culinary applications.

The Effects of Changes in Cigarette Menthol Content on Acute Nicotine Pharmacology and Smoking Topography.

Menthol influences the appeal and addictiveness of cigarette smoking, however the data regarding menthol's effects on nicotine pharmacokinetics (PK) and smoking topography are inconsistent. This study investigated the impact of different cigarette menthol levels on nicotine pharmacology and smoking topography in current menthol smokers. The study was a double-blind, randomized, four-period, crossover study to investigate the effects of smoking cigarettes with varying menthol content (0, 3, 6, and 12mg menthol) on nicotine PK, smoking topography, and subjective effects in current menthol smokers. Each experimental session consisted of a prescribed use session, followed by 145min of no smoking and a 1-h ad libitum smoking session. Serial blood samples were collected; smoking topography was recorded using CReSS Lab topography device. There was no significant effect of menthol on nicotine PK after prescribed smoking of cigarettes with varying menthol contents. During ad libitum smoking, there was significantly smaller total puff volume and puff duration in the 12mg menthol condition compared to other menthol conditions. Subjective and sensory measures indicated significantly higher overall positive ratings for the 3mg and 6mg menthol cigarettes compared to the 0mg menthol cigarette; the 12mg menthol cigarette was less liked and harsher than the 3mg condition. These findings suggest that menthol, at concentrations reflecting the marketplace (3-6mg), contributes to positive subjective smoking experiences among menthol smokers, but does not have a significant effect on nicotine PK or smoking topography in an acute laboratory setting. While our data indicate that varying menthol content does not have a significant impact on nicotine's pharmacological effects under acute exposure conditions, these data highlight the contribution of menthol's flavor and sensory effects to product preference and positive smoking experiences, which facilitate repeated experimentation, progression to regular use, and subsequent dependence.

Preparation of orodispersible tablets of bosentan using xylitol and menthol as dissolution enhancers

Bosentan is a drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension via dual endothelial receptor antagonism. Bosentan has a restricted oral bioavailability, a problem that's mostly due to poor solubility and hepatic metabolism. It is extensively used for the elderly and children who require a friendly dosage form like orodispersible tablets. So, the goal of this research work was to hasten the dissolution rate of bosentan to produce an orodispersible tablet with immediate drug release. Bosentan was exposed to ethanol-assisted kneading with a rise of xylitol or menthol concentrations (1:1 and 1:2 molar ratio of bosentan with excipient). In addition to observing the dissolution behavior, the resulting dry products were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The FTIR reflected possible hydrogen bonding with xylitol and menthol. DSC studies reflected a reduction in the enthalpy and Tm. These results with XRD data reflected partial co-amorphization in the case of xylitol and eutaxia in the case of menthol. These modifications were related to an accelerated dissolving rate. The developed systems were fabricated as orodispersible tablets which exhibited immediate release of bosentan. Thus, the current study offered simple co-processing for the preparation of orodispersible bosentan tablets.

Changes in Physiological Traits, Gene Expression and Phytochemical Profile of Mentha piperita in Response to Elicitor.

Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is a perennial medicinal plant containing active ingredients that can be used for treating liver and prostate cancers, acute respiratory infections, allergies, digestive problems, neuralgia, and migraines. The objective of this research is to investigate the expression of essential genes in the menthol pathway of Mentha piperita, including Pulegone reductase (Pr), Menthofuran synthase (Mfs), and limonene synthase (Ls) using qPCR, physiological analysis and essential oil composition in response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) (0.5mM) elicitation. Physiological analysis showed that 0.5mM MeJA triggers defensive responsiveness in Mentha piperita by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Peroxidase (POD) enzymesactivity. The highest transcript levels of Pr and Mfs genes were observed during 8 and 12h after treatment respectively, but following 24h, they were down-regulated. Essential oil analysis indicated that the percentage of constituents in the essential oil was changed using MeJA at 48h and 96h after post-treatment. Effective antimicrobial compounds, α-pinene, β-pinene, linalool and methyl acetate, were induced after 48h. A non-significant positive relationship was detected between menthol content, and expression of the Pr and Mfs genes. Due to the significant change in the expression of Pr and Mfs genes in the menthol pathway, role of Pr gene in directing the pathway to the valuable compound menthol and deviation of the menthol pathway to the menthofuran as an undesirable component of essential oil by Mfs gene, it can be deduced that they are the most critical genes in response to MeJA treatment, which are appropriate candidates for metabolite engineering. In addition, MeJA improved defensive responsiveness and percentage of some constituents with antimicrobial properties in Mentha piperita.

A Method for Amending Loose Smokeless Tobacco With Menthol for Administration in Clinical Studies.

Menthol has long been incorporated as a flavor additive in tobacco products and can impact use behaviors. Despite its inclusion in some of the most popular flavored smokeless tobacco (ST) products (eg, "mint" flavored products), few studies have systematically investigated the impact of menthol on ST use behaviors in prospective empirical studies. Rigorous investigation of ST menthol content on behavioral and physiological outcomes requires ST products with stable and precise levels of menthol; however, commercial product composition variability prevents product comparisons when evaluating the effects of systematic changes in menthol content on clinical outcomes. We developed amended loose moist snuff ST products by treating commercially available, unflavored loose ST with an ethanol-based menthol spiking solution or a nonmentholated ethanol control solution to develop test products with different levels of menthol: 0, 1, 3, and 5 mg menthol/g tobacco. We evaluated the stability of menthol content in these products over 24 months and evaluated menthol exposure associated with the products through pharmacokinetic analysis of plasma menthol-glucuronide in human participants (n = 22). Menthol content of the amended products was on target, homogenous, and stable for up to 24 months. Menthol exposure (menthol-glucuronide Cmax and AUC) significantly differed between each test product. These data suggest that stable products with nonoverlapping menthol content can be developed using a menthol spiking solution and can be subsequently administered for clinical assessments of mentholated loose ST. The results from this study suggest that a menthol spiking solution can be used to mentholate unflavored, loose ST to a target menthol content. With this method, the ST menthol content was stable for at least 24 months, and the products exposed users to menthol in a dose-dependent manner. This method yielded loose ST products with precise, stable levels of menthol to allow systematic evaluation of ST menthol content on clinical outcomes. The method may have applications for systematically evaluating changes in other tobacco product ingredients.

Comparative Study of The Chemical Composition and Pharmacological Activity of Three Chemotypes of Peppermint

The aim of the work was to study the composition of the alcohol extract, antioxidant activity and pharmacological properties of peppermint leaves of three forms - menthol, linalool and carvone. Materials and methods: Chromatography-mass-spectrometric analysis was performed on an Agilent Technologies device. For the model evaluation of antioxidant activity, the aerometric method for measuring the total antioxidant activity was used, implemented in the TsvetYauza-01-AA device. Tonic activity was studied in terms of the duration of swimming of laboratory animal (male mice) with a load of 7% of the animal's body weight until complete fatigue - "The mouse forced swim test". The discussion of the results. When studying the chemical composition of medicinal plant raw materials of peppermint leaves of menthol, linalool, carvone types, more than 50 compounds were identified. A comparative analysis showed that the content of menthol in peppermint leaves of the menthol type can exceed the content of menthol in other chemotypes by ten or more times. At the same time, the tonic effect of an aqueous extract from peppermint leaves is mostly associated with the menthol. It should be taken into account when using this type of raw material in the manufacturing. Findings. The raw material of peppermint leaves may have a different degree of pharmacological activity depending on the chemotype, which should be taken into consideration when using this type of raw material.

Investigation and assessment of the quality of Japanese mint essential oil (Mentha arvensis) originated from various geographical regions in Vietnam

In this study, the effects of distillation methods including hydro-distillation (HD) and microwave hydro-distillation (MHD) on essential oil extractions of Mentha arvensis L. in Lam Dong (LD), Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), and Ba Ria-Vung Tau (BR) were investigated for the yield and chemical composition of the essential oil. The results showed that the use of MHD (0,075 %) was more effective on oil extraction yield than traditional HD (0.053 %). Optimal Distillation parameters were found distillation times of 20 and 110 minutes and material/water ratio of 1:2,5 and 1:6 g/mL for MHD and HD, respectively. The MHD method was subjected to comparing qualitative chemical compositions from Japanese essential oils in BR, LD, and HCMC, Vietnam. The GC-MS analysis results showed that menthol was a major constituent in the essential oil and was responsible for the distinctive smell and flavor of the Japanese mint. Moreover, the menthol content in oil from LD ound was up to 70.6 % higher than that in HCMC (69.45 %) and BR (67.85 %). In conclusion, the mint essential oil is distilled from ingredients in different regions of Vietnam, such as LD, HCMC, BR-VT, all give essential oil a characteristic scent and a relatively high menthol content of about 60 % - 70 %.

CIM-Suras: A menthol rich, erect growth habit, sucker producing and high yielding peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) variety

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L., Lamiaceae), is an essential oil-bearing crop cultivated in temperate and sub-tropical countries for perfumery and aroma industries. The plant is vegetatively propagated through runners derived from mother stalks of the plants, resulting in a low genetic base. Induced mutagenesis is a unique and supplemental breeding approach to overcome the limitations of a low genetic base. A few popular varieties, namely Kukrail, Tushar, Pranjal and CIM-Madhuras, have already been released for commercial cultivation. However, all of those have creeping growth habit, propagation only by runners, low oil content, low oil yield, and higher than 5% menthofuran content. Due to these drawbacks of previously released varieties, CSIR- CIMAP has used mutation breeding to develop a peppermint variety with erect growth habit, sucker-producing ability, and increased oil yield with high menthol and low menthofuran content. CIMAP/MPS-36, a half-sib seed progeny of variety Kukrail, served as the mother genotype for mutation breeding using different doses of gamma irradiation. A mutant, MPS-3633, was identified as a novel and promising mutant with a distinct quality of peppermint oil and released for its commercial cultivation in the name of variety CIM-Suras. CIM-Suras displayed novel and industrially useful characteristics, i.e. high menthol (68–78%) content with low menthofuran (0.2-0.8%) content, sucker generating, erect growth habit, flower-bearing and an increase in herb yield, oil content, and oil yield. This cultivar could be a sustainable solution to bottlenecks of already released peppermint varieties. Further, dementholisation (DMO) can be used as peppermint oil and to extract menthol from oil.

Pain and Inflammation Management: Part-II Clinical Investigation of a Topical Ayurvedic Cream called HerboCare or HerboJointTM

Background: Joint pain and chronic inflammation pose significant health challenges, particularly among the elderly population. Current treatments often offer only temporary relief and are associated with potential side effects. Ayurvedic botanical herbs and oils, known for their phytochemical-rich, anti-inflammatory properties, hold promise in addressing these issues.Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of HerboCare orHerboJoint™, a topical Ayurvedic cream, in alleviating muscle discomfort, inflammation, and joint pain, along with its impact on inflammatory cytokines, particularly TNF-α on human subjects. While HerboCare or HerboJoint had a very low content of Menthol, HerboJoint-Plus (not reported in this study) was formulated with a much higher content of USP grade Menthol.Methods: HerboCareor HerboJoint™ cream, formulated with essential oils from Cymbopogon citratus, Hedychium spicatum, Zanthoxylum alatum, and Menthol (Mentha arvensis), was evaluated in two sets of clinical trials over a 90-day period. Patients with joint pain were divided into different treatment groups, and their pain, swelling, stiffness, and inflammatory marker TNF-α were assessed.Results: In the first set of trials, HerboCare orHerboJoint™ significantly reduced joint pain (29%), joint swelling (31%), and joint stiffness (60%) in patients. In the second set, TNF-α levels were reduced by 38% in the HerboCare orHerboJoint™-only group, 63% in the HerboCare orHerboJoint™ and prescribed formulation group, and 71% in the group receiving only the prescribed formulation. These results underscored the cream's efficacy in mitigating inflammation.Conclusion: HerboCare orHerboJoint™, formulated with Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS)-affirmed botanical ingredients, demonstrates clinical effectiveness in relieving joint pain and inflammation. This Ayurvedic approach offers a safe and cost-effective alternative for managing these debilitating conditions.Keywords: Muscular discomfort,Joint Pain, Essential Oils; Menthol; Inflammatory Cytokines; Clinical Study

Effects of Harvest Time and Hydrodistillation Time on Yield, Composition, and Antioxidant Activity of Mint Essential Oil.

In this study, we assessed the effects of different harvest times (9 a.m., 1 p.m., and 5 p.m.) and hydrodistillation times (60, 90, and 120 min) on the yield, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of the spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) essential oil (EO) sourced from the Amazon region. EO yield was ≥1.55% and was not significantly influenced (p ≥ 0.05) by the different harvest times and hydrodistillation times. Thirty-one different organic compounds were identified, of which menthol (91.56-95.68%), menthone (0.6-2.72%), and isomenthone (0.55-1.46%) were the major constituents. The highest menthol content in the EO was obtained from samples collected at 9 a.m., with a hydrodistillation time of 60-90 min, compared to other harvest and hydrodistillation times. This suggests that exposure to sun and light, which is greater at harvest times of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., decreased the menthol content and altered the chemical composition of Mentha EO. Furthermore, the sample harvested at 9 a.m. and hydrodistilled for 60 min showed the highest antioxidant activity (61.67 equivalent mg of Trolox per g of EO), indicating that antioxidant activity is strongly affected by light exposure and the contact duration of the sample with boiling water during hydrodistillation.

Chemicals in Cigarette Flavor Capsules From Guatemala and Mexico.

The global market share for cigarettes with flavor capsules has grown exponentially over the last decade, particularly in Latin America. When smoking, consumers crush a liquid capsule in the filter that flavors the smoke. Little is known about the chemical constituents of the liquids in capsules or their potential health risks. Based on consumer data and availability in Mexico and Guatemala, 31 flavor capsule brands were purchased (19 and 12, respectively) in 2020. Since some cigarettes included multiple capsules in a stick (up to 2) or pack (up to 4), the final analytic sample included 50 capsules. We conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Agilent Technologies, Inc). The qualitative analysis detected 296 compounds (range = 9-67 per capsule), and all capsules contained menthol. Among the compounds detected in more than half the sample were limonene, menthone, benzaldehyde, eucalyptol, and triacetin. Traces of nicotine were found in 22% of the capsules. In the quantitative analysis, menthol concentrations were 33 times greater than the next most common compound (limonene). Benzyl alcohol and vanillin were also found in high concentrations. Comparing same-brand varieties across countries showed substantial variability in the concentration of menthol and other compounds. Menthol is an omnipresent constituent in capsule cigarettes, perhaps because of its anesthetizing and reinforcing addictive properties. Other compounds found are toxic, potentially carcinogenic, and may enhance addictiveness. Variance in the presence and concentrations of such compounds highlights the importance of product standards to regulate capsule content. This study evaluated the chemical content of capsule cigarettes from two Latin American countries that have two of the highest market shares for capsule cigarettes worldwide. Compared to other studies, our assessment included brand varieties from two countries to compare the differences in chemical content by country. Our results yield that menthol is found in all capsules, and that other chemicals found may prolong nicotine exposure and therefore reinforce the addictive properties of cigarettes.

Oligomers of restructured-carrageenan impart resilience towards nickel-triggered pernicious outcomes in Mentha arvensis L.

Radiation degradation occurs through ionizing radiations, an eco-friendly, effective, simple and single-step degradation process in which the degraded products are structurally modified (chemical modification). Nickel (Ni) manifests beneficial effects at minimal concentrations and becomes toxic at higher concentrations, thereby affecting the yield, growth and development of plants. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the role of structurally-modified carrageenan in imparting resilience towards nickel-triggered phytotoxicity in Mentha arvensis L. and to prove the structure-function relationship of irradiated carrageenan (ICA). The various treatments applied through foliage to the Mentha arvensis L. plant were Control, ICA (80 mg L−1), ICA (100 mg L−1), ICA (120 mg L−1), Ni (80 mg kg−1), Ni (80 mg kg−1) + ICA (80 mg L−1), Ni (80 mg kg−1) + ICA (100 mg L−1) and Ni (80 mg kg−1) + ICA (120 mg L−1). The characterization techniques employed for analysis of carrageenan samples include scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis). The present study was based on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant enzymatic activities, oxidative stress biomarkers, SEM, confocal analysis of leaves and roots, and quality and yield parameters. A significant reduction of 16.45%, 22.01%, 15.38%, and 10.15% was noticed in the values of maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm), carbonic anhydrase (CA) enzyme activity, essential oil (EO) content, and menthol content under Ni stress (80 mg kg−1). However, the foliar supplementation of 100 mg L−1 ICA enriched the values of the said parameters by 15.15%, 22.82%, 23.63%, and 4.25%, respectively. The oxidative stress biomarkers were escalated by 47.92%, 50.95%, and 35.35% for electrolyte leakage (EL), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) content in Ni-stressed plants. Although, a significant down-regulation of 46.62%, 66.97%, and 32.50% was recorded in plants grown in Ni-contaminated soil and supplemented with ICA best dose.

Effect of land configuration, irrigation regimes and nitrogen application on growth, yield and quality of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis)

An experiment was conducted during summer season of 2016–17 at the Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, to study the effect of land configuration, irrigation regimes and nitrogen application on growth, yield and quality of Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis). The treatments consisted of 3 land configurations (flat-bed planting, ridge planting and raised-bed planting), 3 irrigation regimes 0.8 irrigation water: cumulative pan evaporation (IW: CPE), 1.0 IW: CPE and 1.2 IW: CPE ratio) and 3 nitrogen levels recommended dose of nitrogen [(RDN) 160 kg N/ha], 75% RDN (120 kg N/ha) and 125% RDN (200 kg N/ha)] in a splitplot design with 3 replications. Raised-bed planting recorded the maximum leaves/plant (188.8), plant fresh weight (1868 g/m2 ), leaf: stem ratio (1.84), herbage (1.80 t/ha) and oil yield (136.5 lit./ha) than the ridge and flat-bed planting. Irrigating the crop at an IW: CPE ratio of 1.2 resulted in the highest growth parameters, herb (1.71 t/ha) and oil yield (130.1 lit./ha) and quality parameters over other irrigation regimes. Significantly the maximum crop growth [leaves/plant (189.8), plant fresh weight (1784 g/m2), leaf: stem ratio (1.77)], herbage (1.71 t/ha) and oil yield (131.9 lit./ha); and quality parameters [carotenoid content (2.66 mg/g fresh weight), menthone content (6.23%), menthol content (72.0%) and oil content (0.77%)] were recorded with the application of 125% RDN over 75% RDN and it was at par with 100% RDN. This study indicated that planting on raised bed, irrigation at 1.2 IW: CPE ratio and the application of 125% RDN (200 kg N/ha) gave higher yield and quality of Japanese mint.

Plant-derived smoke water and karrikinolide (KAR1) enhance physiological activities, essential oil yield and bioactive constituents of Mentha arvensis L.

The current study was carried out with the hypothesis that foliar application of plant-derived smoke water (PDSW) and karrikinolide (KAR1) might enhanced the plant growth, physiology, and essential oil production of the Mentha arvensis L. Karrikinolide (KAR1) is one of the most important bioactive constituents of PDSW. Mint (Mentha arvensis L.) was grown in natural conditions in the net-house. Different concentrations of PDSW (1:125, 1:250, 1:500 and 1:1000 v/v) and KAR1 (10-9 M, 10-8 M, 10-7 M and 10-6 M) were used as foliar-spray treatments, using double-distilled water as control. The PDSW was prepared by burning the dried wheat-straw that acted as a growth-promoting substance. Foliar-spray treatment 1:500 v/v of PDSW and 10-8 M of KAR1 proved optimal for enhancing all morphological, physiological, and essential-oil yield related parameters. In comparison with the control, 1:500 v/v of PDSW and 10-8 M of KAR1 increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) the height of mint plant (19.23% and 16.47%), fresh weight (19.30% and 17.44%), dry weight (35.36% and 24.75%), leaf area (18.22% and 17.46%), and leaf yield per plant (28.41% and 23.74%). In addition, these treatments also significantly increased the photosynthetic parameters, including chlorophyll fluorescence (12.10% and 11.41%), total chlorophyll content (25.70% and 20.77%), and total carotenoid content (29.77% and 27.18%). Likewise, 1:500 v/v of PDSW and 10-8 M of KAR1 significantly increased the essential-oil content (37.09% and 32.25%), essential oil productivity per plant (72.22% and 66.66%), menthol content (29.94% and 25.42%), menthyl acetate content (36.90% and 31.73%), and menthone content (44.38% and 37.75%). Furthermore, the TIC chromatogram of the GCMS analysis revealed the presence of 34 compounds, 12 of which showed major peak areas. Treatment 1: 500 v/v of PDSW proved better than the treatment 10-8 M of KAR1 with regard to most of the parameters studied. The outcome of the study can be used as a recommendation tool for agricultural and horticultural crops, since it costs much lesser than that of KAR1. In fact, the foliar application of PDSW proved economical and played bioactive role at very low concentrations.

Antihypertrophic Effect of Menthol from Mentha x Piperita Concerning Cardiac Hypertrophy: A Review

Background: The abnormal enlargement or thickening of the heart muscle leads to diminishment of ventricular wall tension which helps to keep up the outstanding task at hand in terms of capacity and effectiveness. There are two kinds of hypertrophy: physiological and pathological. Initially, what evolves as an adaptive reaction, advances to heart failure. Different cellular signaling pathways control each type of hypertrophy. Peppermint - Mentha x piperita, a hybrid of Mentha spicata and Mentha aquatica belongs to the family of Lamiaceae. The peppermint oil has high menthol content and has many useful targets in cardiovascular disorders, such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, etc., Objective: The objective of this review article is to investigate the antihypertrophic activity of Mentha x piperita which is not yet established Methods: For manuscript preparation, we had used all accessible international databases, traditional books (Regular books in English), and electronic resources (Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, Wiley, etc.,), unpublished data (thesis, R&D reports, and dissertations). Results: Menthol may activate Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M (melastatin) member 8 (TRMP8) channels resulting in increased cytosolic calcium concentration and vasorelaxation activity. Menthol is known to stimulate the elevation of TRPM8 protein in the endothelium, Vascular Smooth Muscle (VSM), and vascular afferent nerve strands, while obstructing VSM L-type Calcium Channels (LCC), contributing to both the cardiovascular and vasoactive properties of peppermint. In vivo experiments proved that glucagon plays a significant role in the preventive effect of menthol (as TRPM8 modulator) against a high-fat diet (HFD) induced weight gain and related complications. Conclusion: Due to the efficacy of Menthol (Mentha x piperita) in its cardioprotective properties, understanding the actual mechanisms related to the efficacy of Menthol on CVD can be the subject of future studies.