MENTHA: A REVIEW ON ITS BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS AND POTENTIAL HEALTH BENEFITS.

Mentha, commonly known as mint, is an including Mentha piperita (peppermint), Mentha spicata (spearmint), Mentha arvensis (Japanese mint), Mentha longifolia, and Mentha aquatica. Mentha species have been traditionally used in different systems of medicine for the management of digestive disorders, respiratory problems, headaches, inflammation, and microbial infections. The medicinal properties of mint are mainly attributed to its diverse bioactive compounds, including essential oils, terpenoids, phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites. The major volatile constituents of peppermint essential oil include menthol, menthone, menthyl acetate, and 1,8-cineole. Important non-volatile compounds include rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, eriocitrin, luteolin, and hesperidin. These compounds have demonstrated several biological activities, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, analgesic, and gastroprotective effects in experimental and clinical investigations. Among the various health benefits associated with Mentha, its potential role in gastrointestinal health has received considerable scientific attention. Peppermint oil has been investigated for the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal discomfort, and intestinal spasms. Mint extracts have also demonstrated promising antioxidant and antimicrobial properties in laboratory studies.