Piperita Essential Oil Research Articles

Pellet formulation of peppermint essential oil Mentha piperita L as repellent againts Araecerus fasciculatus (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Anthribidae)

Abstract Araecerus fasciculatus is a pest that can cause damage to various commodities in storage. This pest can significantly impact crop quality and quantity when infestations are high. Mentha piperita L is a plant that contains various bioactive compounds known for their repellent and toxic properties, making it a potential environmentally friendly solution for controlling pests in warehouses. The research aimed to testing the repellent influence of M. piperita essential oil on A. fasciculatus using a pellet media. The research was conducted in the laboratory using a completely randomized design with pellet media and four treatment concentrations: 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7%, as well as a control, each with four replications. The total number of insects in each treatment consisted of 32 adults. An olfactometer was used for the test, and the repellent effect was observed daily for seven days after the essential oil application. The results demonstrated that M. piperita essential oil, when packaged in pellet media, repelled A. fasciculatus. The highest repellent effect, reaching 86.43%, was observed at a 7% concentration, while the lowest repellent effect, at 1% concentration, was 32.5%.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of some plant essential oils against Ralstonia solanacearum and the molecular diagnosis of the bacterium

Background Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of some essential oils for controlling potato bacterial wilt. Objective In vitro and planta trials, five essential oils, lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, ginger, and peppermint, were evaluated for their aptitude to impede the progress of Ralstonia solanacearum. Materials and methods Five essential oils were assessed for their activity to inhibit R. solanacearum growth using the disc diffusion method. Certain volumes of each tested plant essential oil were added on filter paper discs using tetrazolium chloride agar medium, which contained the tested bacterium to obtain the proposed concentrations used to evaluate the most efficient oil for controlling potato bacterial wilt. Serological and molecular identification was also conducted. Results and conclusion R. solanacearum was characterized using cultural characteristics on the selective medium South Africa, “which is the most effective in suppressing the growth of contaminating microorganisms, and the highest recovery rate of the tested bacterium,” immunofluorescence antibody staining tomato bioassay test and molecular identification via real-time PCR (Taq-man) assay. In-vitro studies showed that all tested plant essential oils (lemongrass, eucalyptus, thyme, ginger, and peppermint) significantly reduced R. solanacearum progress. Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oils were the most efficient in suppressing R. solanacearum growth, where it showed the highest mean inhibition zone, followed by thyme oil (Thymus vulgaris), lemongrass oil (Comybogen citratus), and ginger oil (Zingiber officinale), respectively. Phenotypic variances in bacterial cell construction have been noticed via a transmission electron microscope. Eucalyptus oil led to cell wall lysis, cell laceration, bubble-like structures, and degraded cellular components in bacterial cells.

Novel keratin-based particles encapsulating essential oils: A step towards developing sustainable biopesticides

Essential oils (EOs) are playing a pivotal role in pest control within biologic farming due to their botanical origin and potential as biocontrol agents. However, their use is still limited by challenges like high volatility, rapid oxidation, and susceptibility to degradation in field conditions. Additionally, EOs might present some health risks to humans through inhalation or direct contact during application. Encapsulation of EOs holds promise by enhancing essential stability and activity, while reducing their volatility and potential cytotoxicity. EOs from Satureja montana (Winter Savory), Mentha piperita (Peppermint) and Thymus vulgaris (Thyme) were investigated, both in their free form or encapsulated into keratin-based particles, representing a novel class of biopesticides. Particles containing 15 mg/mL of keratin encapsulating the EOs were stable over time with sizes below 650 nm and demonstrated particle formation and encapsulation efficiencies higher than 90 %. The keratin-based particles exhibited a release of approximately 12 %, 43 %, and 51 % for M. piperita EO, S. montana EO, and T. vulgaris EO, respectively, during a 48-hour in vitro evaluation. When tested for cytotoxicity in human fibroblast cells, the free EOs exhibited greater cytotoxic effects compared to their encapsulated forms, especially at higher concentrations. Encapsulation of EOs into keratin-based particles significantly reduced their harmful impact on cells, demonstrating the protective effect of these formulations. This reduction in cytotoxicity suggests potential for further exploration of these encapsulated EOs as alternatives to conventional pesticides. However, their efficacy against pests and their toxicity towards non-target species requires further validation.

Zinc nanoparticles coated with peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil: a nanoformulated compound with anti-leishmanial activity

Zinc nanoparticles coated with peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil: a nanoformulated compound with anti-leishmanial activity

GC-MS-MS analysis and biological properties determination of Mentha piperita L., essential oils

This research explores the therapeutic properties and medicinal potential of Mentha piperita L. (M. piperita) essential oil (EO) (MPEO) harvested in the province of Ouezzane, northwestern Morocco. We conducted a comprehensive chemical composition analysis of MPEO using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify its major components. The predominant constituents were pulegone (17.56%), mintlactone (10.62%), D-carvone (9.24%), eucalyptol (7.53%), and thymol (6.06%). The antidiabetic effects were assessed by measuring the inhibition of two digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The dermatoprotective effect was evaluated based on the inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase, and neuroprotective activity was studied by examining the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, molecular docking analysis was used to determine the interactions between the main MPEO compounds and the enzymes targeted. Antioxidant activity was estimated using in vitro FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Furthermore, the antibacterial potential was evaluated against pathogenic strains using the micro-broth dilution method. Our results indicate significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of MPEO, along with promising antidiabetic and dermatoprotective potential, surpassing references. Additionally, all bacterial strains tested were susceptible to MPEO, with MIC values lower than those of MBC for all bacteria except L. monocytogenes. These in vitro findings were supported by in silico analysis, showing that menthelactone and pulegone presented strong binding affinities with key enzymes involved in glucose regulation and pigmentation. MPEO, rich in bioactive compounds, has shown promising potential. The main components of this oil offer innovative prospects for the development of drugs and natural therapeutic applications.

Chemical composition, cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing potential of Mentha Piperita essential oil against the oral pathogen Streptococcus mutans

ABSTRACT Dental caries is a highly prevalent oral disease affecting billions of individuals globally. The disease occurs chemically as a result of breakdown of the tooth surface attributed to metabolic activity in colonizing biofilm. Biofilms, composed of exopolysaccharides and proteins, protect bacteria like Streptococcus mutans, which is notable for its role in tooth decay due to its acid-producing abilities. While various antimicrobial agents may prevent biofilm formation, these drugs often produce side effects including enamel erosion and taste disturbances. This study aimed to examine utilization of the Mentha piperita essential oil as a potential antibiofilm activity agent against S. mutans. M. piperita oil significantly (1) reduced bacterial biofilm, (2) exhibited a synergistic effect when combined with chlorhexidine, and (3) did not induce cell toxicity. Chemical analysis identified the essential oil with 99.99% certainty, revealing menthol and menthone as the primary components, constituting approximately 42% and 26%, respectively. Further, M. piperita oil eradicated preformed biofilms and inhibited biofilm formation at sub-inhibitory concentrations. M. piperita oil also interfered with bacterial quorum sensing communication and did not produce any apparent cell toxicity in immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaT). M. piperita represented an alternative substance for combating S. mutans and biofilm formation and a potential combination option with chlorhexidine to minimize side effects. An in-situ performance assessment requires further studies.

The Impact of Plant Essential Oils on the Growth of the Pathogens Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium solani, and Phytophthora pseudocryptogea.

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic and medicinal plants have the potential to inhibit the growth of various pathogens and, thus, be useful in the control of dangerous diseases. The application of environmentally friendly approaches to protect agricultural and forestry ecosystems from invasive and hazardous species has become more significant in last decades. Therefore, the identification and characterization of essential oils with a strong inhibitory activity against aggressive and widespread pathogens are of key importance in plant protection research. The main purpose of our study is to evaluate the impact of essential oils originating from different genotypes of bee balm, mint, and marigold on Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium solani, and Phytophthora pseudocryptogea. Twelve essential oils, including five EOs originating from Monarda fistulosa, one oil each from Monarda russeliana, Mentha longifolia, Mentha piperita, Tagetes patula, and Tagetes erecta, and two EOs from Tagetes tenuifolia were derived by steam or water distillation. The chemical composition of the tested EOs was determined by GS-MS analyses and their corresponding chemotypes were identified. The most effective against all three pathogens were determined to be the EOs originating from M. fistulosa and M. russeliana. B. cinerea, and P. pseudocryptogea were also significantly affected by the M. piperita essential oil. The most efficient EOs involved in this investigation and their potential to control plant pathogens are discussed.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Saline, Chlorhexidine, and Zataria Multiflora and Mentha Piperita Essential Oils in Root Canal Irrigation of Primary Molars.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of saline, 0.5% and 2% Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) essential oil, 0.5% and 2% Mentha piperita (M. piperita) essential oil, and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) as root canal irrigants for primary molar teeth. Materials and Methods: A total of 64 primary molars were used in this in vitro study. The teeth were randomly assigned to six groups (N=10). The root canals were prepared up to file #35, and all teeth were sterilized before contamination with Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis; ATCC 29212) suspension. After 48 hours of incubation, the root canals in each group were irrigated with the respective irrigants. Sterile paper points were then used to collect microbial samples from the root canals. A colony counter was used to count the number of colony-forming units (CFUs). Data were analyzed by SPSS version 20 (alpha=0.05). Results: The colony count was significantly different among the groups (P<0.001), and 2% M. piperita (P=0.009), 0.5% Z. multiflora (P=0.021), and 0.2% CHX (P=0.002) were significantly more effective than saline in elimination of E. faecalis. The ascending order of microbial count after irrigation was as follows: saline > 0.5% M. piperita > 0.2% CHX > 2% M. piperita > 0.5% Z. multiflora. Conclusion: The current study showed the optimal antibacterial activity of 0.5% Z. multiflora essential oil and 2% M. piperita essential oil against E. faecalis, and indicated their possible efficacy for use as an irrigant for root canal irrigation of primary molars.

In vitro Antifungal Activity of Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris Essential Oils against Ochratoxigenic Aspergillus carbonarius Isolated from Bozcaada Çavuş Grape

In this study, the antifungal properties of Mentha piperita and Thymus vulgaris essential oils against an isolate of ochratoxin A producer, Aspergillus carbonarius, isolated from Bozcaada Çavuş grape, were evaluated in three steps. By GC-MS of M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils, the main components were determined to be menthol (39.911%) and carvacrol (49.042%). Antifungal activity was first evaluated by the agar well diffusion method, and it was determined that the tested essential oils completely inhibited the growth of A. carbonarius and were as effective as fluconazole antifungal. In the second step, the MIC and MFC values of the tested essential oils were determined; both values were 1 µL mL-1. Finally, it was determined that M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils completely inhibited the radial growth of A. carbonarius at the MIC value. These results show that M. piperita and T. vulgaris essential oils may be a good strategy to control ochratoxigenic A. carbonarius contamination.

Variability in Chemical Composition and Biochemical Activities of Mentha x piperita L. Essential Oil, in Response to Mycorrhizal Symbiosis and Heavy Metal Stress.

The present paper highlights the effect of Pb/Cd-stress and/or mycorrhizal colonization by Glomus Intraradices on yield, chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antimicrobial activity of Mentha x piperita L. essential oil. Our findings showed that mycorrhizal colonization could be used to improve the essential oil yield of M. x piperita, either in non-stressed or Pb/Cd-stressed plants. GC-MS analysis revealed three chemotypes: linalool/pulegone (32.6/30.8 %) chemotype in essential oils of non-mycorrhizal Pb-stressed plants, menthone/menthyl acetate (30.3/25.1 %) chemotype in essential oils of non-mycorrhizal Cd-stressed plants and menthol (44.6 %) chemotype in essential oils of non-mycorrhizal non-stressed plants, mycorrhizal non-stressed plants and mycorrhizal Pb/Cd-stressed plants. The cytotoxicity of M. x piperita essential oil, evaluated by brine shrimp lethality bioassay, was increased in presence of Pb/Cd-stress (from 379.58 to 72.84 μm/mL) and decreased in mycorrhizal plants (from 379.58 to 482.32 μm/mL). The antimicrobial activity of M. x piperita essential oil, evaluated by disc diffusion method and determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration against ten microorganisms, was enhanced by the mycorrhizal colonization and deceased by the Pb/Cd-stress. In conclusion, the inoculation of medicinal plants with mycorrhizal fungi is a real avenue for alleviating abiotic stress and/or increasing the quantity and quality of secondary metabolites in terms of biological activities.

Efeito do óleo essencial de Mentha piperita na conservação de carne refrigerada do peixe híbrido tambatinga

Abstract The search for safer foods has led to increased research attention to discover natural alternatives to synthetic additives that are used in the food industry. Natural preservatives, such as essential oils (EOs) from plants, could increase fish conservation and even positively affect human health. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of Mentha piperita EO on the physicochemical characteristics and concentration of microorganisms in chilled tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum × Piaractus brachypomum) meat. Mentha piperita EO was prepared at three concentrations (0%, 0.25% and 0.50%) in a solution containing distilled water, propylene glycol and Tween. The meat samples remained immersed in this solution for 60 min; then, they were packed in plastic packages and stored under refrigeration (± 0.4 °C) for 14 days. During this storage, pH, total volatile nitrogenous bases (TVB-N), peroxides, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and counts of strict and facultative aerobic mesophilic microorganisms were determined. The major constituents found in M. piperita EO were geranial (32.28%), neral (18.64%) and geranic acid (6.98%). None of the EO concentrations affected TVB-N, but there were some changes to the pH. Both 0.25% and 0.50% EO reduced the formation of peroxides and TBARS. The growth of microorganisms was reduced by treatment with 0.50% EO. Based on the findings, 0.50% EO was more effective in reducing the deterioration of meat kept refrigerated for up to 14 days.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Activity, and Multivariate Analysis of Four Moroccan Essential Oils: Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Thymus serpyllum, and Thymus zygis.

Background: Food chemical antioxidants have demonstrated protective effects against reactive oxygen species and free radicals, but present in excess, harmful consequences might occur on health. Therefore, replacing these synthetic additives with nontoxic natural antioxidants is crucial. Objective: The current study examined aroma profile, antioxidant activity, and multivariate analysis of Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Thymus serpyllum, and Thymus zygis essential oils from Morocco. Methods: GC-MS analysis was carried out to determine the chemical composition of the four oils, and their antioxidant activity was evaluated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), cation radical (ABTS+), hydrogen peroxide scavenging capacity (H2O2), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) methods. Results: Isomintlactone (35.55%), pulegone (74.04%), borneol (37.87%), and borneol (30.99%) were the most abundant compounds of M. piperita, M. pulegium, T. serpyllum, and T. zygis EOs. The antioxidant activity of the four EOs was particularly notable, with an IC50 varying between 3.51 ± 0.22 mg/mL and 0.49 ± 0.08 mg/mL by the DPPH method, 1.02 ± 0.21 mg/mL and 0.4 ± 0.7 mg/mL by the ABTS method, and 0.063 ± 0.01 mg/mL and 0.009 ± 0.008 mg/mL by the H2O2 method. For the FRAP technique, the EC50 was between 0.42 ± 0.02 mg/mL and 0.09 ± 0.01 mg/mL. Finally, the equivalent concentration of ascorbic acid ranged between 10.42 ± 0.03 mg AAs/mL for M. piperita and 7.25 ± 0.19 mg AAs/mL for T. serpyllum. As determined by multivariate analysis, antioxidant activities through the DPPH, ABTS, TAC, and FRAP were mainly influenced the major compounds of M. pulegium and M. piperita EOs. However, the H2O2 method showed a stronger positive correlation with major compounds of T. zygis EO. Conclusion: The EOs derived from M. piperita, M. pulegium, T. serpyllum, and T. zygis species might be exploited as a natural source for antioxidant activity.

Microbioma intestinal e morfometria de codornas alimentadas com dietas contendo óleos essenciais

ABSTRACT: One of the greatest challenges in poultry production is maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier integrity and gut microbiota balance. Safe alternative antimicrobials that can regulate the microbial community through animal feed have been the subject of research in poultry production. This study evaluated the effect of Mentha piperita and Melaleuca alternifolia essential oils (EOs) on the gut microbiome and morphometry of broiler quails under normal feeding conditions. The gut microbiome was studied using a completely randomized design consisting of 4 treatments, namely control, bacitracin zinc, and the Eos M. piperita and M. alternifolia, with 8 repetitions and 7 quails per treatment, totaling 224 quails from 1 to 42 days old. The intestinal contents of the slaughtered quails were collected to evaluate the gut microbiome profile of their digestive tract. Gut morphometry was analyzed using a completely randomized factorial design, with four experimental rations for three intestinal sections (4x3) and five replications. The variables studied were villus surface area and height, crypt depth, villus height to cryptdepth ratio (VH:CD), villus-crypt ratio (V:C), villus width to height ratio (VW:H), and height of the intestinal epithelium and musculature. M. alternifolia (50 mg/kg of feed) in the diet of broiler quails improved gut morphometry, similar to the results obtained with bacitracin zinc. This EO also altered the gut microbiome of quails and reduced pathogenic bacterial diversity.

Nanoencapsulated Thymus daenensis and Mentha piperita essential oil for bacterial and biofilm eradication using microfluidic technology

The use of essential oil (EO) nanoemulsions is expanding to meet customer demand for all-natural antibacterial agents. Thymus daenensis (T) and Mentha piperita (M) EOs were employed to make nanoemulsions (TEO and MEO NE), using Tween 80/Span 80 as surfactant/cosurfactant and a high-speed homogenizer. The TEO and MEO NEs were then characterized in terms of particle size (121, 113 nm), surface charge (-11.2 and −12.6 mV), morphology, and stability over time. Then, the antibacterial activity of EOs and their nanoformulations against Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated based on various residence times, and concentrations on a microfluidic chip. The release of cytoplasmic constituents was used to compare the antibacterial activity of bulk EOs and nanoformulations. After completing MIC, MBC, and time-killing assays, the inhibitory effect of nanoformulations on E. coli biofilm formation was examined. Remarkable intensification was observed by employing a microfluidic chip owing to high-contact surface area provision between nanoemulsions and bacteria. Once compared to the conventional method for 3 h operation, the bacterial activity was nearly completely inhibited in a 24-min residence time using nanoemulsions. After 6 min of treatment, the cell membrane began to rupture, indicating that nanoemulsions could improve the antibacterial activity of bulk essential oils.

Dietary Mentha piperita essential oil loaded in chitosan nanoparticles mediated the growth performance and humoral immune responses in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenserbaerii)

Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) fry often face environmental stressors that can compromise their immune system, rendering them susceptible to opportunistic pathogens in intensive aquaculture systems. In this study, we explored the innovative use of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Mentha piperita essential oil (MPO/CNPs) as a dietary supplement to improve the growth and immune responses of A. baerii. The results demonstrated that the addition of MPO/CNPs to the diet led to significant improvements in growth, as evidenced by increased red blood cell count, hematocrit, haemoglobin concentration, and reduced triglyceride levels. Furthermore, significant differences were observed in the immune parameters for the treatment groups receiving Mentha piperita essential oil loaded in chitosan nanoparticles (MPO/CNPs), including enhanced lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, respiratory burst activity, and ACH50 activity. Additionally, gene expression analysis revealed upregulation of key immune-related genes in the MPO/CNPs-treated groups. These findings suggest that the use of MPO/CNPs can enhance the growth and bolster the immune defences of Siberian sturgeon fry, contributing to more sustainable production in intensive aquaculture environments.

Antibacterial Activity of Mentha piperita (Peppermint) Oil against Wound Infections Caused by Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella in Rats

Drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae causes nosocomial infections, pneumonia, wound sepsis and infections of newborns and intensive care patients. In many cases antibiotics are no longer very effective in patients treated for K. pneumoniae infections. Various studies have shown antimicrobial properties of essential oils and different compounds that are part of them. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial efficacy and minimum inhibitory concentration of the Mentha piperita essential oil against resistant strain of K. pneumoniae. Efficiency of peppermint oil when used with antibiotics in wound management as well as controlling K. pneumoniae infection was also investigated in this study. Well diffusion method was used to determine the antibacterial activity of peppermint oil, where its inhibitory capacity was observed along with antibiotics and compared with control. Bacterial load of K. pneumonia OXA48 resistant strain on wound in rat models was also studied and compared. Klebsiella pneumoniae OXA48 and K. pneumoniae ATCC 700603 were inhibited by effectively by 40 µl/ml of peppermint oil in well diffusion assays. In rat models the wounds were healed, and epithelization was quicker in 10% peppermint oil treated wounds. Wounds applied with a combination of peppermint oil and Imipenem were more effectively protected from infection and showed better healing as well. Peppermint oil depicted both inhibitory capacities against K. pneumonia OXA48 and promoted wound healing as well. Further studies regarding PMO and its efficacy in wound management as well as its associated molecular mechanism would provide better understanding regarding its potential.

Assessement of larvicidal and pupicidal activities of Mentha piperita essential oil and effects in biomarkers and morphometric aspects against two mosquito species (Culiseta longiareolata and Culex pipiens)

Assessement of larvicidal and pupicidal activities of Mentha piperita essential oil and effects in biomarkers and morphometric aspects against two mosquito species (Culiseta longiareolata and Culex pipiens)

Insecticidal and Repellent Activities of Four Essential Oils Against Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Corymbia citriodora, Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtaceae), Mentha × piperita (Lamiaceae), and Schinus terebinthifolius (Anacardiaceae) essential oils as an alternative to manage Sitophilus zeamais (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) adults. Acute contact toxicity, acute toxicity on treated maize grain, fumigation toxicity, repellency bioassays, and GC-MS analysis of the essential oils were carried out. Corymbia citriodora, M. alternifolia, M. × piperita, and S. terebinthifolius oils were toxic at different levels to S. zeamais through residual contact, ingestion and via fumigation, and were also repellent to adults of this pest. Melaleuca alternifolia oil was the most active in contact (LC50 = 18.98μL.mL-1), ingestion (LC50 = 1.03μL.g-1), and fumigant (LC50 = 20.05μL.L-1 air) bioassays. Citronelal (53.6% in C. citriodora), terpinen-4-ol (46.9% in M. alternifolia), menthol (44.8% in M. × piperita), and β-caryophyllene (16.2% in S terebinthifolius) are the major constituents of these oils. Melaleuca alternifolia and M. × piperita essential oils can be used by residual contact, while those of C. citriodora, M. alternifolia, and M. × piperita by mixing with maize grains. Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil can be used as a fumigant, while those of C. citriodora and S. terebinthifolius as repellents for S. zeamais adults.

Effect of peppermint-lemon aromatherapy on nausea-vomiting and quality of life in pediatric patients with leukemia: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundNausea and vomiting, frequently induced by chemotherapy, can delay treatment protocols and the healing process. PurposeThe aim of this study is to determine how aromatherapy inhalation with peppermint and lemon using a diffuser affects nausea-vomiting management and quality of life in 2–12-year-old children undergoing chemotherapy. Design and methodsThe study utilized a pretest-posttest control group experimental design with randomized groups. A total of 90 children who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The experimental group received Mentha Piperita and Citrus Lemon essential oils through a diffuser, while the placebo group received water through a diffuser. The control group did not receive any intervention. ResultsPulse and respiratory rates of children treated with aromatherapy were found to be significantly lower than the other groups. After aromatherapy application, quality of life of the children in the experimental group was significantly higher than the other groups. The change in the Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching scores of the experimental group on the 4th chemotherapy cycle compared to the 1st chemotherapy cycle was significantly higher than the change in the other groups. ConclusionsConsequently, it was determined that inhalation aromatherapy with peppermint-lemon was effective in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea-vomiting symptoms and quality of life compared to the placebo and control groups. Practice implicationsInhalation aromatherapy with mint-lemon can be used as an alternative method to improve the quality of life in children with leukemia who suffer from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Contact and Gastric Effect of Peppermint Oil on Selected Pests and Aphid Predator Harmonia axyridis Pallas.

Peppermint essential oil (EO) has been extensively tested to date in reducing stored-product insects and insects of public health concern with very promising results, while only a few studies target important crop pests. There is also very little information on the effects of peppermint EO on non-target organisms, especially concerning contact and gastric effects at the same time. The goal of the investigation was the determination of the effect of peppermint EO on the mortality of Aphis fabae Scop.; the feeding intensity and weight gain of Leptinotarsa decemlineata Say. larvae; and the mortality and voracity of non-target organism Harmonia axyridis Pallas larvae. Our research indicates promising use for the M. piperita EO against aphids and young larvae (second instars) of the Colorado potato beetle. M. piperita EO showed good insecticidal efficacy against A. fabae with LC50 = 0.5442% for nymphs and 0.3768% for wingless females after 6 h. Over time, the LC50 value decreased. For the second instar larvae of L. decemlineata, the LC50 values were 0.6278%, 0.3449%, and 0.2020% after 1, 2, and 3 days of the experiment, respectively. On the other hand, older larvae (fourth instar) were characterized by significant resistance to the tested oil concentrations with LC50 value = 0.7289% after 96 h. M. piperita oil (contact and gastric effects) at a concentration of 0.5% was found to be toxic to young larvae (2 and 5 days old) of H. axyridis, while EO at a concentration of 1% was toxic to 8-day-old larvae. Thus, for the sake of ladybug safety, it would be advisable to use EO from M. piperita against aphids at concentrations lower than 0.5%.