COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF MENTHA ARVENSIS AND MENTHA SPICATA
Sanjana Sharma and Dr. Sukhada Akole
ABSTRACT
This study aims to compare the antimicrobial activity and phytochemical composition of Mentha arvensis (Field Mint) and Mentha spicata (Spearmint). Both species are well known for their medicinal properties, particularly their antimicrobial effects. Essential powder extracts were prepared from both Mentha species and subjected to phytochemical analysis to identify key bioactive compounds. The phytochemical profiles of aqueous extracts of Mentha arvensis and Mentha spicata were evaluated using standard screening techniques to identify key bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and phenolics. Antimicrobial testing was conducted against two bacterial strains, i.e. Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Antimicrobial assays employing the broth dilution was conducted against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. However, the broth dilution method revealed positive antimicrobial activity at 100% concentration of the extracts, suggesting concentration dependent effects. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenols, and tannins in M. arvensis and in M. spicata revealed the presence of phenol and tannins.
Keywords: Mentha arvensis, Mentha spicata, essential oil, antimicrobial analysis, phytochemical analysis.
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