Abstract
Author(s): Anupam KrSachan1*, Doli RDas1,MD. Shuaib2, Sudhir S Gangwar3and Ranjana Sharma3
Aetheroleum Menthae Piperitae is the essential oilobtained by steam distillation of the fresh overground parts of Mentha x piperita L. (Lamiaceae). It colourless, pale yellow or pale greenish-yellow liquid, The monoterpene content determined by gas chromatography should be 1,8-cineole (6–14%), limonene (1–5%), menthone (14–32%), menthofuran (1–9%), isomenthone (2–10%), menthyl acetate (3–5%), menthol (30–55%), pulegone. The major constituents are menthol (30–55%) and menthone (14–32%). Menthol occurs mostly in the free alcohol form, with small quantities as the acetate (3–5%) and valerate esters. Other monoterpenes present includeisomenthone (2–10%), 1,8-cineole (6–14%), a-pinene (1.0–1.5%), b-pinene (1–2%), limonene (1–5%), neomenthol (2.5–3.5%) and menthofuran (1–9%). Internally for symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, and digestive disorders such as flatulence andgastritis dysentery, diabetes, dysmenorrhoea, fevers, jaundice, urinary infections. Externally for treatment of myalgia and headache.