Spearmint Extract Research Articles

Efficacy of a Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) Extract as Nutritional Support in a Rat Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye-brain axis disorder characterized by loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Although the role of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in glaucoma has been established, the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation has emerged as a promising target for neuronal tissue-supporting glaucoma management. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract (SPE) on RGC density, activity, and neuronal health markers in a rat model of hypertensive glaucoma. Animals were divided in four groups: untreated healthy control and three glaucomatous groups receiving orally administered vehicle, SPE-low dose, or SPE-high dose for 28 days. Ocular hypertension was induced through intracameral injection of methylcellulose at day 15. At day 29, rats underwent electroretinogram (ERG) recordings, and retinas were analyzed for RGC density and markers of neural trophism, oxidative stress, and inflammation. SPE exerted dose-dependent response benefits on all markers except for IOP elevation. SPE significantly improved RGC-related ERG responses, cell density, neurotrophins, oxidative stress, and inflammation markers. Also, in SPE-high rats, most of the parameters were not statistically different from those of healthy controls. SPE, a plant-based, polyphenolic extract, could be an effective nutritional support for neuronal tissues. These results suggest that SPE not only may be a complementary approach in support to hypotensive treatments for the management of glaucoma but may also serve as nutritional support in other ocular conditions where antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective mechanism are often disrupted.

Neuroprotective Effect of a Nutritional Supplement Containing Spearmint Extract, Forskolin, Homotaurine and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Transient Ocular Hypertension.

Glaucoma is one of the most common sight-threatening eye disorders and one of the main causes of irreversible blindness worldwide. The current therapies focusing on reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) are often insufficient to prevent the progression of the disease, so the therapeutic management of glaucoma remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective, IOP-lowering independent effects of a nutritional supplement containing forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and vitamins of the B group in a model of acute glaucoma developed in mice. Glaucoma was induced in adult wild-type C57BL/6J mice by transient elevation of IOP. The dietary supplement, branded as Gangliomix® (125 mg/kg/day), was administered by oral gavage for 17 days and ocular hypertension was induced on the 10th day of treatment. A histological analysis of the retinas was performed and RGC survival was evaluated with fluorogold labeling and Brn3a immunostaining on wholemount and retinal sections. Expression of alpha-spectrin, caspase-3, PARP-1 and GFAP was studied with western blotting or immunofluorescence. A significant increase in RGC survival was reported in the retina of mice treated with the dietary supplement as compared to vehicle-treated animals. The observed neuroprotection was associated with a calpain activity decrease, reduction in caspase-3 and PARP-1 activation, and prevention of GFAP upregulation. These effects were independent from the hypotensive effects of the supplement. Altogether, our data suggest that the dietary supplementation with forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and vitamins of the B group supports RGC survival and may offer beneficial effects in glaucoma patients in combination with the currently used IOP-lowering therapy.

Green synthesis and characterization of RGO/Cu nanocomposites as photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in waste-water

Recently, nanocomposite photocatalysts based on semiconductors have attracted much attention due to their suitable bandgap. Combination of tow of several semiconductors can slow down the electron-hole recombination. In this regard, we have depicted an eco-friendly and green fabrication technique to synthesize RGO/Cu nanocomposite by the reduction of graphene oxide and Cu2+ ion utilizing spearmint extract as a reductant and capping agent. The sample was identified by FTIR, XRD, FESEM, EDS, HRTEM, and CV. The results of photocatalytic performance revealed that RGO/Cu is an efficient catalyst for degrading organic pollutants. This compound can eliminate Rhodamine B (RhB) and Methylene blue (MB) 91.0% and 72.0%, respectively.

L-theanine and Neumentix mixture improves sleep quality and modulates brain neurotransmitter levels in mice.

L-theanine (L-THE), a natural amino acid found in green tea, has been shown to improve anxiety and sleep. Neumentix proprietary spearmint extract (PSE), which is commonly found in beverage flavoring a pharmaceutical, also has a wide range of health benefits, including cognitive performance improvement. Four experiments tested the effects of L-THE and PSE on sleep: a direct sleeping test, pentobarbital-induced sleeping test, sub-hypnotic pentobarbital-induced sleeping test, and sodium barbital-induced sleeping test. Presence of neurotransmitters in brain tissue was detected by liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy (HP LC-MS) during these studies. Pentobarbital-induced sleeping and sodium barbital-induced sleeping tests examined the potential effect of L-THE/PSE mixture on synergistic sleep, while neurotransmitter levels in the brain were determined by the high performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (HPLC/MS) method. L-THE and L-THE/PSE mixture showed increased sleep duration and shortened sleep latency when co-administrated with pentobarbital or sodium barbital. The mixture also increased sleeping rate when co-administrated with the pentobarbital at sub-hypnotic dose. Additionally, the L-THE, PSE and L-THE/PSE mixture significantly increased the concentrations of acetylcholine (Ach), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and decreased the concentration of serotonin (5-HT) in the brain. These data demonstrated that L-THE/PSE mixture regulates sleep disorders via the GABA receptor and neurotransmitter systems.

Spearmint Extract Containing Rosmarinic Acid Suppresses Amyloid Fibril Formation of Proteins Associated with Dementia.

Neurological dementias such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia are thought to be caused in part by the formation and deposition of characteristic insoluble fibrils of polypeptides such as amyloid beta (Aβ), Tau, and/or α-synuclein (αSyn). In this context, it is critical to suppress and remove such aggregates in order to prevent and/or delay the progression of dementia in these ailments. In this report, we investigated the effects of spearmint extract (SME) and rosmarinic acid (RA; the major component of SME) on the amyloid fibril formation reactions of αSyn, Aβ, and Tau proteins in vitro. SME or RA was added to soluble samples of each protein and the formation of fibrils was monitored by thioflavin T (ThioT) binding assays and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We also evaluated whether preformed amyloid fibrils could be dissolved by the addition of RA. Our results reveal for the first time that SME and RA both suppress amyloid fibril formation, and that RA could disassemble preformed fibrils of αSyn, Aβ, and Tau into non-toxic species. Our results suggest that SME and RA may potentially suppress amyloid fibrils implicated in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia in vivo, as well.

A Dietary Combination of Forskolin with Homotaurine, Spearmint and B Vitamins Protects Injured Retinal Ganglion Cells in a Rodent Model of Hypertensive Glaucoma

There is indication that nutritional supplements protect retinal cells from degeneration. In a previous study, we demonstrated that dietary supplementation with an association of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract and B vitamins efficiently counteracts retinal dysfunction associated with retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death caused by optic nerve crush. We extended our investigation on the efficacy of dietary supplementation with the use of a mouse model in which RGC degeneration depends as closely as possible on intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. In this model, injecting the anterior chamber of the eye with methylcellulose (MCE) causes IOP elevation leading to RGC dysfunction. The MCE model was characterized in terms of IOP elevation, retinal dysfunction as determined by electrophysiological recordings, RGC loss as determined by brain-specific homeobox/POU domain protein 3A immunoreactivity and dysregulated levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Except for IOP elevation, dysfunctional retinal parameters were all recovered by dietary supplementation indicating the involvement of non-IOP-related neuroprotective mechanisms of action. Our hypothesis is that the diet supplement may be used to counteract the inflammatory processes triggered by glial cell activation, thus leading to spared RGC loss and the preservation of visual dysfunction. In this respect, the present compound may be viewed as a potential remedy to be added to the currently approved drug therapies for improving RGC protection.

Bioactive properties of powdered peppermint and spearmint extracts: Inhibition of key enzymes linked to hypertension and type 2 diabetes

Peppermint and spearmint, both members of the Lamiaceae family, have been used in the form of extracts, infusions, and decoctions, because of their health benefits. Consumers are looking for functional food products which not only provide health benefits but also necessitate less preparation time. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the bioactive properties of powdered peppermint and spearmint extracts. Peppermint and spearmint extracts obtained using pressurized water extraction were made into powder forms with a spray dryer using the air inlet temperature of 140 °C. Powdered peppermint extract (PPE) and powdered spearmint extract (PSE) showed significant inhibition against key enzymes of type 2 diabetes (α-glucosidase) and hypertension (angiotensin 1-converting enzyme, ACE). Alpha glucosidase inhibition degree of PPE and PSE as IC50 values was 0.6 and 1.2 mg/mL, respectively, while IC50 values for the ACE inhibition test were 4.5 mg for PPE and 5.8 mg for PSE. The HPLC-DAD method for ACE inhibition activity showed the suitability of this method for plant extracts high in phenolics which had no interference effects on the results. There were no differences between PPE and PSE in the DPPH test. However, PPE had higher Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (190 mg/g) with the ABTS test than PSE (170 mg/g). The predominant phenolics of PPE and PSE were found to be eriocitrin (47 mg/g) and rosmarinic acid (27 mg/g), respectively.

A combination of spearmint and flaxseed extract improved endocrine and histomorphology of ovary in experimental PCOS

BackgroundPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproduction and endocrine disorder of women in the reproductive age. Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has anti-androgenic activity and flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) contains phytoestrogen and was reported to improve PCOS conditions. This study aimed to evaluate PCOS conditions following administration of a mixture of these two plants.MethodsTwenty-four rats with regular cycles were randomly divided into four groups as control (C) and treatment-control (TC) received a combination of spearmint extract (SE) + flaxseed extract (FE). PCOS was induced in PCOS and treatment (T) groups by a single intramuscular injection of estradiol valerate. The treatment group received a combination of SE and FE for 30 days, 7 weeks after injection of estradiol valerate. Estrous cycles were monitored for 10 days and in the last day animals were sacrificed, ovaries were collected for the histomorphometric study and the serum levels of progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) were measured.ResultSignificant rise in progesterone and a decrease in testosterone and estradiol with no significant change of DHEA in the T group, was observed in comparison with the PCOS group (P < 0.05). No significant difference noticed between T and control groups (C &CT) regarding evaluated hormones. A significant increase in primary, pre-antral and antral follicles noticed in the T group compared to the PCOS group. The number of cystic follicles decreased in the T group compared with the PCOS group. Granulosa layer thickness increased while the thickness of theca decreased significantly in the T group compared to the PCOS group (P < 0.05). No significant endocrine or histological differences noticed between C and TC groups.ConclusionA combination of flaxseed and spearmint extract improved the endocrine profile and the histomorphometric features of the ovary in the T group compared to the PCOS group.

Protective Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement Based on Forskolin, Homotaurine, Spearmint Extract, and Group B Vitamins in a Mouse Model of Optic Nerve Injury.

Glaucoma is a multifactorial blinding disease with a major inflammatory component ultimately leading to apoptotic retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Pharmacological treatments lowering intraocular pressure can help slow or prevent vision loss although the damage caused by glaucoma cannot be reversed. Recently, nutritional approaches have been evaluated for their efficacy in preventing degenerative events in the retina although mechanisms underlying their effectiveness remain to be elucidated. Here, we evaluated the efficacy of a diet supplement consisting of forskolin, homotaurine, spearmint extract, and vitamins of the B group in counteracting retinal dysfunction in a mouse model of optic nerve crush (ONC) used as an in vivo model of glaucoma. After demonstrating that ONC did not affect retinal vasculature by fluorescein angiography, we determined the effect of the diet supplement on the photopic negative response (PhNR) whose amplitude is strictly related to RGC integrity and is therefore drastically reduced in concomitance with RGC death. We found that the diet supplementation prevents the reduction of PhNR amplitude (p < 0.001) and concomitantly counteracts RGC death, as in supplemented mice, RGC number assessed immunohistochemically is significantly higher than that in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.01). Major determinants of the protective efficacy of the compound are due to a reduction of ONC-associated cytokine secretion leading to decreased levels of apoptotic markers that in supplemented mice are significantly lower than in non-supplemented animals (p < 0.001), ultimately causing RGC survival and ameliorated visual dysfunction. Overall, our data suggest that the above association of compounds plays a neuroprotective role in this mouse model of glaucoma thus offering a new perspective in inflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases of the inner retina.

FEMA GRAS assessment of natural flavor complexes: Mint, buchu, dill and caraway derived flavoring ingredients

In 2015, the Expert Panel of the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) initiated a re-evaluation of the safety of over 250 natural flavor complexes (NFCs) used as flavor ingredients. NFC flavor materials include a variety of essential oils and botanical extracts. The re-evaluation of NFCs is conducted based on a constituent-based procedure outlined in 2005 and updated in 2018 that evaluates the safety of NFCs for their intended use as flavor ingredients. This procedure is applied in the re-evaluation of the generally recognized as safe (GRAS) status of NFCs with constituent profiles that are dominated by alicyclic ketones such as menthone and carvone, secondary alcohols such as menthol and carveol, and related compounds. The FEMA Expert Panel affirmed the GRAS status of Peppermint Oil (FEMA 2848), Spearmint Oil (FEMA 3032), Spearmint Extract (FEMA 3031), Cornmint Oil (FEMA 4219), Erospicata Oil (FEMA 4777), Curly Mint Oil (FEMA 4778), Pennyroyal Oil (FEMA 2839), Buchu Leaves Oil (FEMA 2169), Caraway Oil (FEMA 2238) and Dill Oil (FEMA 2383) and determined FEMA GRAS status for Buchu Leaves Extract (FEMA 4923), Peppermint Oil, Terpeneless (FEMA 4924) and Spearmint Oil, Terpeneless (FEMA 4925).

Reduction of Inflammation and Colon Injury by a Spearmint Phenolic Extract in Experimental Bowel Disease in Mice.

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) encompasses both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, known to be connected to an enlarged risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a Mediterranean plant used as an aromatic agent, and studies have mainly focused on the essential oil suggesting an anti-inflammatory activity. This work aimed to perform a preliminary screening of the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of a spearmint phenolic extract in an acute inflammation model, in a chronic inflammation model of colitis, and also study the effects in vitro on a colon cancer model. Methods: Spearmint extract was administered to rats of a paw oedema model (induced by carrageenan) and to mice from a TNBS-induced colitis model in parallel with studies using HT-29 CRC cells. Results: Administration of the extract led to reduced paw inflammation, reduction of colon injury and inflammation, with attenuation of histological markers, and reduction of iNOS expression. It repressed the in vitro movement of HT-29 cells in a wound healing assay. Conclusions: These findings suggest that spearmint extract exhibits acute and chronic anti-inflammatory activity and is able to inhibit migration of cancer cells, suggesting a potential role in the supplementary therapy of IBD patients.

The attention-enhancing effects of spearmint extract supplementation in healthy men and women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial

Previous studies have demonstrated that chronic supplementation with a proprietary spearmint extract (PSE) can improve cognitive performance in individuals 50-70 years of age with age-related memory issues. In the present study, our hypothesis was that chronic supplementation of PSE would improve cognitive performance in young, active individuals. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, healthy, recreationally active men and women (N = 142) received 900 mg of PSE or placebo (PLA) daily for 90 days. Cognition was assessed via cognitive test battery (CNS Vital Signs) that resulted in 10 cognitive domains. Sleep, mood, and quality of life were assessed via validated questionnaires. Measurements were evaluated on days 0, 7, 30, and 90 of supplementation. Significant (P < .05) treatment effects were observed for sustained attention, wherein PSE improved sustained attention vs PLA at day 30 (PSE: 33.3 ± 0.54 vs PLA: 31.2 ± 0.98; P = .001) and day 90 (PSE: 34.0 ± 0.44 vs PLA: 32.7 ± 0.75; P = .007). Significant (P < .05) treatment × visit interactions were observed for complex attention, wherein PSE improved complex attention compared to PLA at day 7 (PSE: 8.0 ± 2.22 vs PLA: 7.6 ± 0.57; P = .016). Significant (P < .05) improvements were observed in 2 individual tests: the shifting attention test and the 4-part continuous performance test. No significant differences were observed in mood, sleep, or quality of life. The current study demonstrates that chronic supplementation with 900 mg of PSE improves cognitive performance in a young, active population, further supporting PSE as an efficacious nootropic.

EFFECTIVENESS OF LEMON AND SPEARMINT OIL EXTRACTS ON THE SPINY BOLLWORM, EARIAS INSULANA (BOISD.)

laboratory experiments were conducted at Plant Protection Research Institute (Sharkia branch), Bollworms Research Department to evaluate the toxicity of two medicinal plant extracts i.e. lemon, Citrus limon (L.) and spearmint, Mentha spicata (Briq.) oils against the spiny bollworm, Earias insulana (Boisd.). The LC50, LC90 for both extracts after 24 hours were determined. Moreover, the effects of lemon and spearmint oils on some biological and physiological aspects of the SBW were studied. The obtained results showed that C. Limon and M. spicata oils had toxic effect against newly hatched larvae of E. insulana. The LC50, LC90 values were 0.033, 0.2418 for C. limon, and 0.0007, 0.1597 ppm for the M. spicata, respectively. For lemon, the mortality percentage recorded 78.67, 71.33, 65.33 and 24.00 % for 1st instar larvae at concentration 0.150, 0.0750, 0.0375 and 0.0156 ppm. While mortality percentage for spearmint extract was 80.00, 77.42, 75.94 and 62.59 % at concentration of 0.0325, 0.0162, 0.0081 and 0.0040 ppm, respectively. Also, the spearmint oil was more toxic than Lemon oil. Otherwise, treatment with both oils caused pronounced short larval duration, pupal period, adult longevity, oviposition periods; larval and pupal weight, pupation and sex ratio percentages. Both oils significantly reduced adults fecundity and eggs hatchability percentage compared to control. On the other hand, adult moths fed on C. Limon and Mentha spicata oils decreased oviposition periods compared to untreated adults. Additionally, it exhibited a reduction in the numbers of laid eggs, while, in the case of M. spicata the higher concentrations caused infertility for female moths compared to control. The results of the physiologic analysis showed a significant decrease in some biological characteristics of the spiny bollworm, especially the weight of the larvae and pupae, the number of eggs and the hatching rate. The results showed the changes in the activity of carbohydrate enzymes in the spiny bollworm larvae treated with C. limon and M. spicata was a significant increase in amylase and trehalase, aspirate aminotransferase (AST) enzymes and total soluble protein contents in the spiny bollworm larvae treated with C. limon and M. spicata compared to control. While, the invertase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and acetylcholinestriase (AChE) enzyme fluctuated from negative to positive activity up to the oil concentration compared to control. In conclusion, the lemon and spearmint oils could be tested in semi-field and field experiments to clarify its role in reduction infestation of SBW in cotton fields especially at the low infestation in the begging of the cotton season and then incorporated into integrated control programs as one of the vital factors for control the spiny bollworm. L

Effect of Spearmint Extract Containing Rosmarinic Acid on Physical and Executive Functioning Following a Tactical Operation

This investigation examined the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract containing rosmarinic acid (PSE) on physical, cognitive and executive functioning following a high‐risk tactical operation while sleep deprived for 24‐hours. Ten operators (35.1 ± 5.2 y; 177.6 ± 5.3 cm; 81.3 ± 9.3 kg) from an elite counter‐terrorism unit volunteered to participate in this randomized, double‐blind, parallel design study. Participants were randomized into either PSE or placebo (PL) group and ingested 900 mg·day−1 of PSE or an equivalent amount of PL for 17‐days. PRE testing occurred prior to supplementation, while POST testing occurred within 1‐hour of the operation's conclusion. Magnitude based inferences indicated that differences between PSE and PL in jump power, reactive agility, eye‐hand coordination, and cognition were unclear. However, subjective feelings of energy, alertness and focus were very likely, likely and possibly better for PSE than PL, respectively. No difference (p = 0.64) in identifying the correct target was noted between groups, however all participants in PSE correctly identified the target, while only 60% of participants in PL correctly identified the target at POST. Although the results of this study do not provide conclusive evidence in regards to the efficacy of PSE, it does suggest that further research is warranted using a larger sample of participants.Support or Funding InformationThis study was supported by Kemin Foods, L.C. (Des Moines, IA).This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Efficacy of a nootropic spearmint extract on reactive agility: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel trial

BackgroundProprietary spearmint extract (PSE) containing a minimum 14.5% rosmarinic acid and 24% total phenolic content, has evinced positive effects on cognition in individuals aged 50–70 with memory impairment after chronic supplementation. To address the growing interest in connecting mental and physical performance, the present study examined whether the nootropic effects of PSE translate into changes in reactive agility following daily supplementation with PSE.MethodsUtilizing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, healthy, recreationally-active men and women (n = 142) received 900 mg of PSE or placebo (PLA) daily for 90 days. Reactive agility, our primary outcome, was determined by measuring the number of hits and average reaction time (ART) on a Makoto Arena II, a 3600 audio-visual device that measures stationary, lateral, and multi-directional active choice reaction performance. Safety was evaluated using complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, and blood lipids. Measurements were evaluated on days 7, 30, and 90 of supplementation.ResultsAn overall treatment effect (p = 0.019) was evident for increased hits with PSE on the stationary test with footplates, with between group differences at Day 30 (PSE vs. PLA: 28.96 ± 2.08 vs. 28.09 ± 1.92 hits; p = 0.040) and Day 90 (PSE vs. PLA: 28.42 ± 2.54 vs. 27.02 ± 3.55 hits; p = 0.002). On the same task, ART improved (treatment effect, p = 0.036) with PSE at Day 7 (PSE vs. PLA: 0.5896 ± 0.060 vs. 0.6141 ± 0.073 s; p = 0.049) and Day 30 (PSE vs. PLA: 0.5811 ± 0.068 vs. 0.6033 ± 0.055 s; p = 0.049). PSE also significantly increased hits (treatment effect, p = 0.020) at Day 30 (PSE vs. PLA: 19.25 ± 1.84 vs. 18.45 ± 1.48 hits; p = 0.007) and Day 90 (PSE vs. PLA: 19.39 ± 1.90 vs. 18.66 ± 1.64 hits; p = 0.026) for the multi-directional test with footplates. Significant differences were not observed in the remaining Makoto tests. PSE was well tolerated as evidenced by no effects observed in the blood safety panels.ConclusionsThe findings of the current study demonstrate that consumption of 900 mg of PSE improved specific measures of reactive agility in a young, active population.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT02518165. Registered August 7, 2015 – retrospectively registered.

Spearmint Extract Improves Working Memory in Men and Women with Age-Associated Memory Impairment.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementation with a spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) extract, high in polyphenols including rosmarinic acid, on cognitive performance, sleep, and mood in individuals with age-associated memory impairment (AAMI).Design: Subjects with AAMI (N = 90; 67% female; age = 59.4 ± 0.6 years) were randomly assigned (n = 30/group) to consume 900, 600, or 0 mg/day (two capsules, once daily) spearmint extract for 90 days, in this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Assessments were completed for cognition (days 0, 45, and 90), sleep (days 0 and 90), and mood (days 0 and 90) by using the Cognitive Drug Research (CDR) System™, Leeds Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire (LSEQ), and Profile of Mood States (POMS™), respectively.Results: Quality of working memory and spatial working memory accuracy improved after supplementation with 900 mg/day spearmint extract by 15% (p = 0.0469) and 9% (p = 0.0456), respectively, versus placebo. Subjects consuming 900 mg/day spearmint extract reported improvement in their ability to fall asleep, relative to subjects consuming placebo (p = 0.0046). Overall treatment effects were evident for vigor-activity (p = 0.0399), total mood disturbance (p = 0.0374), and alertness and behavior following wakefulness (p = 0.0415), with trends observed for improvements after spearmint supplementation relative to placebo.Conclusions: These results suggest that the distinct spearmint extract may be a beneficial nutritional intervention for cognitive health in older subjects with AAMI.

Effect of Spearmint Extract Containing Rosmarinic Acid on Physical and Executive Functioning After a Tactical Operation.

We examined the effect of a proprietary spearmint extract containing rosmarinic acid (PSE) on physical, cognitive, and executive functioning of study participants after a high-risk tactical operation while sleep deprived for 24 hours. Ten Operators (mean ± standard deviation: age, 35.1 ± 5.2 years; height, 177.6 ± 5.3cm; weight, 81.3 ± 9.3kg) from an elite counterterrorism unit volunteered to participate in this randomized, double-blind, parallel-design study. Participants were randomly assigned into either the PSE or placebo (PL) group and ingested 900mg/day PSE or an equivalent amount of PL for 17 days. Physical, cognitive, and executive functioning was tested before PST supplementation (PRE) and within 1 hour of the operation's conclusion (POST). Magnitude-based inferences indicated that differences between PSE and PL in jump power, reactive agility, eye-hand coordination, and cognition were unclear. However, subjective feelings of energy, alertness, and focus were very likely, likely, and possibly better for PSE than PL, respectively. There was no difference (ρ = .64) between groups in identifying the correct target; however, all participants in the PSE group correctly identified the target, whereas 60% of participants in the PL group correctly identified the target at POST. Although the results of this study do not provide conclusive evidence regarding the efficacy of PSE, they do suggest additional research is warranted in a larger sample of participants.

Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of a Polyphenol‐Rich Spearmint Extract in a Rat Paw Edema Model

This study assessed the anti‐inflammatory effects of a polyphenol‐rich spearmint extract containing rosmarinic acid using a rat paw edema model. Four groups of male Wistar rats received intraperitoneal administration of either a proprietary spearmint extract containing 15% rosmarinic acid at doses of 10, 30 or 100 mg/kg (n=18), rosmarinic acid standard at doses of 15 or 50 mg/kg (n=10), Indomethacin, an anti‐inflammatory agent, at 10 mg/kg (n=6), or saline alone as a vehicle control (n=10). Fifteen minutes later, subplantar injections of carrageenan (100 μl, 1%) were administered to induce paw edema in all animals with the exception of four animals in the saline control group who received a saline subplantar injection (saline‐saline group). Paw volumes were assessed by the volume displacement method immediately after carrageenan injection (baseline) and 3 and 6 hours later. Paw edema was expressed as mean percent change of paw volume at 3 and 6 hours compared to baseline.As expected for the rats in the saline‐carrageenan group, paw volume increased by 36% and 46% at 3 and 6 hours post‐injection, respectively, and was significantly higher than the saline‐saline group at the same time points (p=0.014 and p=0.014 respectively). On the other hand, rats treated with spearmint extract demonstrated limited inflammation with paw volume increases of 9%, 11% and ‐8% at 6 hours post‐injection for the 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg spearmint groups respectively, which was significantly lower than the saline‐carrageenan group (p&lt;0.05 for all at 6 hours). In addition, the increase in paw volume in rats treated with 100 mg/kg spearmint extract at 3 hours was also significantly lower than that in the saline‐carrageenan group at 3 hours (p=0.008). Similarly, rats treated with the anti‐inflammatory agent had limited inflammation compared to the saline‐carrageenan group at 3 and 6 hours post‐injection (p=0.031 and p=0.005, respectively), with increases in paw volumes of 6% and 3% from baseline. Animals treated with 15 and 50 mg/kg rosmarinic acid showed increased paw volumes of 20% and 7% at 3 hours, and 10% and 5% at 6 hours compared to baseline, respectively. These volumes were also significantly lower than the saline‐carrageenan group at 3 hours (p=0.043, 50 mg/kg) and 6 hours (p&lt;0.05, 15 and 50 mg/kg).When comparing the attenuation in inflammation following spearmint extract treatment to the anti‐inflammatory agent, the spearmint extract group performed equally well at attenuating local inflammation. Furthermore, when comparing the 15 mg/kg rosmarinic acid group with the spearmint extract group that contained an equivalent amount of rosmarinic acid (100 mg/kg group), the animals receiving the spearmint extract injections exhibited significantly less inflammation than the rosmarinic acid standard group at both the 3 and 6 hour time points (p=0.013 and p=0.045, respectively) indicating that additional actives in the spearmint extract have an effect on the inflammation response.In conclusion, these data show that this polyphenol‐rich spearmint extract has similar anti‐inflammatory properties to indomethacin and superior effects to rosmarinic acid alone, indicating a potential synergy between the constituents present in the spearmint extract.Support or Funding InformationSupported by Kemin Industries, Inc.

Safety and tolerability of a dried aqueous spearmint extract

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and spearmint extracts are Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for use as flavoring in beverages, pharmaceuticals, and confectionaries. Studies of spearmint extracts in humans and animals have reported conflicting results with respect to toxicity. Since the chemical composition of these extracts was not reported and the spearmint source material was different, the relevance of these existing data to evaluating the risks associated with ingestion of a dried aqueous spearmint extract standardized to rosmarinic acid is not clear. Hence, the safety and tolerability of the dried aqueous spearmint extract was evaluated as part of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial in healthy adults with age-associated memory impairment. Ingestion of both 600 and 900 mg/day for 90 days had no effect on plasma levels of follicular stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, or thyroid stimulating hormone, or other safety parameters including vital signs, plasma chemistry or whole blood hematology values. Additionally, there were no reported severe adverse events, no significant between-group differences in the number of subjects reporting adverse effects and the adverse events reported could not be attributed to ingestion of the extract. These results therefore show that ingestion of the aqueous dried spearmint extract is safe and well-tolerated.

Effect of botanical extracts containing carnosic acid or rosmarinic acid on learning and memory in SAMP8 mice

Oxidative damage is one of the hallmarks of the aging process. The current study evaluated effects of two proprietary antioxidant-based ingredients, rosemary extract and spearmint extract containing carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid, respectively, on learning and memory in the SAMP8 mouse model of accelerated aging. The two rosemary extracts contained carnosic acid (60% or 10% carnosic acid) and one spearmint extract contained 5% rosmarinic acid. Three doses of actives in each extract were tested: 32, 16, 1.6 or 0mg/kg. After 90days of treatment mice were tested in T-maze foot shock avoidance, object recognition and lever press. Rosemary extract containing 60% carnosic acid improved acquisition and retention in T-maze foot shock, object recognition and lever press. Rosemary extract with 10% carnosic acid improved retention in T-maze foot shock avoidance and lever press. Spearmint with 5% rosmarinic acid improved acquisition and retention in T-maze foot shock avoidance and object recognition. 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE) was reduced in the brain cortex after treatment with all three extracts (P<0.001) compared to the vehicle treated SAMP8. Protein carbonyls were reduced in the hippocampus after administration of rosemary with 10% carnosic acid (P<0.05) and spearmint containing 5% rosmarinic acid (P<0.001). The current results indicate that the extracts from spearmint and rosemary have beneficial effects on learning and memory and brain tissue markers of oxidation that occur with age in SAMP8 mice.