Open AccessPharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol
Author(s) -
Peyman Mikaili,
Sina Mojaverrostami,
Milad Moloudizargari,
Shahin Aghajanshakeri
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
ancient science of life/ancient science of life
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2249-9547
pISSN - 0257-7941
DOI - 10.4103/0257-7941.139059
Subject(s) - pulegone , menthone , borneol , traditional medicine , herb , menthol , folk medicine , antimicrobial , biology , essential oil , pharmacology , medicine , chemistry , botany , traditional chinese medicine , medicinal herbs , alternative medicine , organic chemistry , pathology , microbiology and biotechnology
Mentha longifolia (wild mint) is a popular folk remedy. Some parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine of Iran and other countries. Many studies have shown various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the plant. Our aim in preparing this study was to review the traditional uses of M. longifolia together with the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of its entire extract and major compounds. Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and nervous system effects. Pulegone is the main compound of the plant responsible for most of its pharmacological effects followed by menthone, isomenthone, menthol, 1, 8-cineole, borneol, and piperitenone. Moreover, the plant may dose-dependently exert toxic effects in different systems of the body. Based on the review of various studies, it can be concluded that M. longifolia is a potential natural source for the development of new drugs. However, further studies are required to determine the precise quality and safety of the plant to be used by clinicians.