THE HEALING HERBS OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE: A REVIEW OF THE PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF MENTHA PIPERITA (PEPPERMINT)
Priti Gupta, Anil Kumar, Dilip Verma, Rupesh Soni, Sanjeev Kumar, Jasleen Singh, Surabhi Raviprakash Singh, Ankur Patel and Uriti Sri Venkatesh*
ABSTRACT
Background: Mentha piperita (peppermint) is a widely used medicinal herb known for its therapeutic properties. Historically significant in traditional herbal medicine, it has gained attention in modern medical applications. This systematic review aims to consolidate existing research on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, and therapeutic applications of peppermint, highlighting gaps in current knowledge and suggesting future research directions. Objectives: This review aims to: (1) Examine the phytochemical composition of Mentha piperita. (2) Explore its pharmacological activities and mechanisms of action. (3) Discuss the applications of peppermint in modern medicine. (4) Identify limitations in current research and propose areas for further investigation. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Studies were selected based on criteria that included relevance to the pharmacological properties of Mentha piperita, methodology, and publication date. Both clinical and preclinical studies were included, focusing on phytochemical analysis, pharmacological efficacy, and safety assessments. Results: The review found that Mentha piperita contains various bioactive compounds, including essential oils, flavonoids, and terpenoids, which contribute to its therapeutic effects. Significant pharmacological activities were identified, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and digestive benefits. Furthermore, peppermint is widely utilized in drug development, complementary and alternative medicine, and commercial products. Limitations: The review highlights several gaps in the literature, including the need for standardized extraction methods, more extensive mechanistic studies, and long-term safety data. Additionally, the lack of large-scale clinical trials limits the generalizability of findings. Conclusion: Mentha piperita possesses significant therapeutic potential, yet further research is essential to validate its efficacy and safety for broader medical use. Addressing the identified research gaps can enhance understanding and facilitate the development of peppermint-based therapies.
Keywords: Mentha piperita, peppermint, phytochemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic applications, herbal medicine, systematic review.
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