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• Strained (Torba) yoghurts were produced using cow milk exclusively or a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. These yoghurts were enhanced with probiotics and infused with medicinal and aromatic plants. • The yogurts containing plants demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. • The formulation incorporating plants showcased protective and stimulatory effects on the probiotics. • The probiotic-strained yogurt enriched with medicinal plants exhibited adverse effects on sensory properties during the storage period. Strained (Torba) yogurts were produced using cow milk as well as the blends of cow-sheep, cow-goat, and cow-sheep-goat milk in equal proportions, combined with probiotic bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum). These yogurts were fortified with medicinal and aromatic plants, including thyme (Origanum onites L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and mint (Mentha piperita L.). The antimicrobial activity and probiotic-enhancing effects of these probiotic-strained yogurts were evaluated over a 30-day storage period. The yogurts containing these plants showed significant antimicrobial effects (P < 0.05) against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans. Additionally, the plant-containing formulation demonstrated probiotic protective and stimulatory effects. However, the inclusion of medicinal plants in the probiotic strained yoghurt negatively impacted the sensory properties over the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated modified solvent evaporation-assisted methanolic Mentha extracts for their antifungal efficacy against Phytophthora infestans. Mentha extracts showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher total tannin content (2193.5 ± 7.5 mg) in the root extract of Mentha citrate , followed by total flavonoid content (1777± 8 mg) in the leaf extract of Mentha piperta and total phenolic content (1710±4 mg) in the leaf extract of Mentha piperta. A significant amount of variability was found for bioactive compounds in Mentha varieties by using qualitative descriptors. Statistically, Mentha extracts and artificial antioxidants showed a significant (p < 0.05) difference in terms of percentage inhibition during DPPH, nitric acid scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum, chelating power, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, from which it was observed that the leaves, stem, and root of wild Mentha showed better antioxidant values. During the antifungal assay, the leaf extract of wild Mentha showed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher inhibition percentage, i.e., 33.2%, followed by the leaf extract of Mentha piperita , i.e., 31.9%. In contrast, the minimum percentage was found in Mentha arvensis (Kosi). Mentha varieties and ascorbic acid are also effective against P. infestans. The HPLC chromatogram of wild Mentha revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) higher eriocitrin level in the leaves, i.e., 7.92 mg, as compared to the stem i.e., 7.63 mg. This study identified Mentha as an alternative treatment against P. infestans as compared to traditional chemical pesticides and also reduced the impact of chemical pesticides on the environment. [Display omitted] • Eight Mentha varieties, i.e., Mentha arvensis (Unti), Mentha arvensis (Kranti), Mentha arvensis (Kosi), Mentha citrata (Kiran), Mentha piperita (Kukurel), Mentha spicata (Supriya), Mentha spicata L. Var. Viridis (MSS-5), and Wild Mentha were subjected to in vitro antifungal activity against P. infestans. • Phytochemical tests were performed for qualitative and quantitative analysis. • The inhibitory of 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide scavenging, reducing power, phosphomolybdenum assay, chelating power and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays were investigated, indicating antioxidant properties. • The extracts showed good antifungal activity against P. infestans, while leaf extract of wild Mentha gave the maximum inhibition percentage, i.e., 33.2 %. • High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed the presence of eriocitrin in the leaves and stem of wild Mentha. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salicylic acid is a phenolic plant growth regulator that affects the secondary metabolite production of medicinal plants. Moreover, Zinc is one of the necessary micronutrients that has a positive effect on the growth parameters and physiological characteristics of the plants. This study aimed to evaluate the interaction effects of foliar application (distilled water (as control), ethanol 1 % (as solvent), 1 and 2 mM salicylic acid), and zinc concentrations containing (0 (Zn omission), 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mgL−1) on the growth, phenolic compounds profile and antioxidant capacity of the peppermint. Results showed that response of most investigated traits to the application of zinc was differing with the levels of salicylic acid applications. In this experiment, variation among methods of antioxidant activity assay was observed. The highest antioxidant activity based on IC 50 (0.16 mg mL−1) was observed in Zn omission and 1 mM SA application. In contrast, the highest rosmarinic acid (34.23 ± 0.04 mg g DW−1) and gallic acid (14.99 ± 0.06 mg g DW−1), as the major PCs, were observed in 0.1 mgL−1 Zn and 1 mM SA application. SA application, as an elicitor, can enhance PCs and antioxidant activity of peppermint at the highest Zn level (0.1mgL−1) and Zn omission due to the stress condition of these Zn levels. Overall, these findings indicated that by increasing appropriate Zn levels and salicylic acid application, the accumulation of PCs and antioxidant activity of peppermint enhanced. [Display omitted] • Main phenolic compounds of peppermint were changed by salicylic acid and zin levels. • Antioxidant activity of peppermint affected by salicylic acid and zin treatments. • Rosmarinic acid increased by salicylic acid application in all zinc concentrations. • Rutin hydrate was known as main flavonoid constituent of peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Lamiaceae species are rich in EOs, aromatic compounds and active phytochemicals. • Phytochemical profile, antioxidant and anticancer activities of the EOs were determined in this work. • A total of thirty-seven different phytochemicals were identified by GC/MS analysis. • Anticancer activities of the EOs against NCI-N87, HepG2, MCF-7, and LNCaP cells were analyzed for the first time. • Some Lamiaceae species are potentially candidates for therapeutic purposes. The present study was aimed to determine phytochemical characterization, anticancer and antioxidant activities of essential oils obtained from 11 Lamiaceae species, including Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. barbatum (P.H.Davis) Bräuchler, Lavandula angustifolia Miller, Mentha × piperita L., Mentha pulegium L. , Ocimum basilicum L., Rosmarinus officinalis L., Salvia aramiensis Rech.f., Salvia fruticosa Miller, Salvia officinalis L., Satureja thymbra L., and Thymbra spicata L. taxa from Türkiye. The chemical composition of the essential oils (EOs) was identified using GC–MS, and antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′- azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) free radical scavenging methods. Furthermore, the anticancer potential of the EOs was evaluated using MTT method against human cell lines, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2), gastric carcinoma (NCI-N87), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), human prostate carcinoma (LNCaP clone FGC-Luc2) cancer cells, and non-cancerous human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The antioxidant activities of the extracts varied from 31.96 to 74.96%. Consistent with antioxidant activities, the anticancer activities of the EOs of S. officinalis, L. angustifolia , and R. officinalis were significantly higher than others. However, almost all EOs were found to inhibit cell viability and induce apoptosis of cancer cells, while the EOs at different concentrations exhibited the highest anticancer activity against NCI-N87, followed by HepG2, MCF-7, and LNCaP cancer cells, with the IC 50 value ranging from 10.98 ± 0.12 to 78.08 ± 1.21 µg/mL, respectively. Variability in phytochemical components, free radical scavenging and anticancer activities of EOs was revealed by principal component analysis (PCA) and agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC). The major components of the EOs distilled from Lamiaceae species were found as eucalyptol, thujone, linalool, linalyl acetate, pulegone, carvone and carvacrol at different concentrations in the EOs. Overall, it can be clearly concluded that the EO samples distilled from some medicinal plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family contain valuable phytochemical compounds and accordingly exhibit remarkable biological activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cyanobacterial suspensions 1% enhance the biomass and special metabolites of Mentha species. • Hormone and ion secretion features is varied among different strains of cyanobacteria. • Various cyanobacterial elicitors differently affect the growth and essential oil profile of mint plants. • Cyanobacteria elicitors enhance the amount of Menthone and neo-Menthol in Mentha piperita and Mentha pulegium. • The effect of cyanobacteria on plant growth and metabolites is different among the different species of a plant. Medicinal and aromatic plants contain compounds with industrial and therapeutic applications; among which genus Mentha L. has special economic importance. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the ability of cyanobacterial strains as bio-elicitors on biomass production, as well as the quality and quantity of essential oils of four species of Mentha (M. spicata L., M. piperita L., M. aquatica L., and M. pulegium L.). Following the seedling growth test, two cyanobacterial strains, Wollea vaginicola ISB89 and Nostoc spongiaeforme var. tenue ISB91, were selected as potential bio-elicitors. Then, the growth of plants under 1% cyanobacterial suspensions was assessed by measuring growth factors including length and weight of plants, and leaf area after 90 days of planting. Moreover, the amount of essential oils of plants and their constituents were evaluated. According to the results, both cyanobacterial elicitors significantly increased plant biomasses and essential oils yield. There was a direct relationship between cyanobacterial auxins and biomass and essential oil of Mentha spp.; in this way, Wollea with a higher level of auxins and cations provides essential elements for plants. Therefore, plants treated with Wollea exhibited more growth and essential oil promoting features compared to Nostoc treatments. The most important terpenoids in essential oils of investigated species belong to oxygenated monoterpenes with 79–91% contents; including Piperitenone, Menthol, and Menthone. In M. piperita , the amount of Menthone, as one of the principal constituents of essential oil, increased under cyanobacterial elicitors (115–137%). For M. spicata the enhancement of Piperitenone (46–96%), and for M. pulegium , the increase of neo-Menthol (17–115%) was remarkable. Based on the results, two cyanobacteria strains are considered as a rich source of natural compounds and phytohormones which can be used to increase the yield and essential oil production of studied economically important plant species. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Severe Pb condition significantly increase in menthol content. • Essential oil content improve Mentha piperita L tolerance to heavy metal stress. • Advance breeding programs are vital to develop species wiht high secondary metabolite content. Mentha piperita L., belonging to Lamiaceae , is widely cultivated to extract one of the most invaluable compounds, such as menthol used in the pharmaceutical and food industries. However, abiotic stress adversely affects high yields, compelling researchers to utilize biotechnological approaches to improve tolerance in this plant. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate stress responses at biochemical, molecular, and metabolic levels under four Pb concentrations:0, 100, 300, and 600 ppm. The results indicated that the relative abundance of menthofuran synthase (MFS) was downregulated, whereas menthol reductase (MR) and pulegone reductase (PR) were upregulated. Accordingly, GC–MS data have demonstrated an increasing tendency of menthol content with intensifying Pb stress. Moderate stress decreased the total chlorophyll, chlorophyll a/b, and carotenoid content and increased the oxygen peroxide content compared to the control. Although the total protein level was unaffected, the plant antioxidant system, especially the enzymatic system, showed high activity at Pb levels of 600 and 300 ppm, respectively. In conclusion, the correlation between menthol content and the relative expression level of genes involved in biosynthetic pathways under Pb stress demonstrates the contribution of this metabolite in withstanding such abiotic environmental factors. These findings pave the way for further metabolomic studies of medicinal plants of interest to cultivate them under severe conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seaweed extracts are considered as marine biostimulants and have been successfully used in agriculture to improve the growth and tolerance to different environmental stress conditions of many crops. Therefore, the present study was carried out for the first time and aimed to determine the effects of a seaweed liquid extract on growth and photosynthetic performance as well as the water status of hydroponically-grown peppermint and purple basil plants. For this purpose, the experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and plants were cultivated in hydroponic systems according to the nutrient film technique. A seaweed liquid extract at 10% was prepared from the green marine macroalgae Ulva intestinalis and then added to the nutrient solution of the hydroponic system. Based on our experimental data, the main results have proven that Ulva intestinalis seaweed liquid extract could be successfully used as a biostimulant in the hydroponic cultivation of peppermint for its enhancing effect on some plant growth and photosynthetic as well as water status parameters. However, it is not recommended to add the seaweed liquid extract of Ulva intestinalis to the hydroponic culture of purple basil since most of the parameters analyzed were shown to be negatively affected by the seaweed liquid extract treatment. Furthermore, the results of this study could be practical for enhancing the production of medicinal and aromatic plants by adding the Ulva intestinalis seaweed liquid extract to the nutrient solution of the hydroponic system. [Display omitted] • A seaweed liquid extract was applied to hydroponically-grown peppermint and purple basil. • Plant growth is enhanced by adding the seaweed liquid extract in the nutrient solution. • Seaweed liquid extract could be successfully used as biostimulant in the hydroponic cultivation of peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes a simple, effective, and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of zinc oxide/silver nanoparticles (ZnO/Ag NPs) using three different plant extracts. The plants used in this study were moringa oleifera (MO), mentha piperita (MP), and citrus lemon (CL). Characterizations of ZnO/Ag NPs were done using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) along with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In accordance with size distribution findings, ZnO/Ag NPs synthesized with MO have a narrow size distribution, with the average particle size being 119 ± 36 nm. Among these three reducing agent MO act as the best reducing agent. Moreover, the anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and ZnO/Ag NPs synthesized with MO were demonstrated in human cervical cancer cells (HeLA). The results revealed that ZnO/Ag NPs demonstrate in vitro cell viability of 72%, 81%, and 84% using 2.5, 5, and 10 μgml−1of ZnO/Ag NPs for 24 h. While Ag NPs and ZnO NPs prepared with MO showed 50% and 60% cell viability using 2.5 μgml−1concentration for 24 h. This showed that the ZnO/Ag NPs act as a strong anticancer agent compared to Ag NPs and ZnO NPs. Overall, this research proposes a green synthesis approach for ZnO/Ag NPs with a wide range of potential uses, particularly in biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Emulsion-based carriers have been widely studied for the co-encapsulation of active ingredients with different partition coefficient (Log P). However, it is challenging to encapsulate active ingredients with low Log P values in emulsified oil droplets. In this study, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG, 160 µg/g*emulsion, Log P 2.38) and resveratrol (Res, 320 µg/g*emulsion, Log P 2.57), as models with low Log P, were co-encapsulated in emulsified oil droplets for the first time by peppermint essential oil (PEO) mediation. During storage process, EGCG and Res consistently remain co-located inside the emulsified oil droplets. However, both EGCG and Res migrated towards the inner layer of the interface of emulsified oil droplets along with PEO. Res exhibited better stability compared to EGCG, while the degradation of EGCG occurred within the emulsified oil droplets. Furthermore, when co-localized with Res, the degradation rate of EGCG slowed down. PEO did not degrade during storage, and over 98 % of PEO was encapsulated within the emulsified oil droplets. This is the crucial reason for maintaining the stability of SC-stabilized emulsion and achieving high encapsulation efficiency of active ingredients. This provides a green and simple strategy for co-encapsulation of active ingredients with Log P lower than 3.0 within emulsified oil droplets. [Display omitted] • Polyphenols with Log P＜3 were partitioned within emulsified oil droplets. • EGCG and Res were co-located in emulsified oil droplets for the first time. • PEO mediated the co-partition and stabilization of EGCG and Res. • EGCG and Res migrated towards the interfacial inner layer of emulsified oil droplets. • When co-localized with Res, the degradation rate of EGCG slowed down. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our research addresses the challenge of low concentrations of viridiflorol, a unique and highly valuable sesquiterpene found in various Mentha species. We employed biotechnological strategies to enhance viridiflorol production, which could significantly boost export revenue. Mentha piperita L. sesquiterpene synthase (MpTPS4) was the focus of our study because it is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of viridiflorol. Through biochemical characterization, we confirmed that MpTPS4 exclusively synthesizes viridiflorol. By overexpressing MpTPS4 in M. ×piperita L. using a glandular trichome-specific promoter, we achieved a notable increase (9–25 %) in viridiflorol content. Additionally, we explored the practical application of viridiflorol as a deterrent against the herbivore Helicoverpa armigera. The RNAi-mediated knockdown of MpTPS4 resulted in a significant reduction in viridiflorol levels in the essential oil. More importantly, these results show how relevant MpTPS4 is for making viridiflorol and how biotechnology could be used to increase biosynthesis. Our research provides valuable insights into enhancing the production of this commercially important sesquiterpene, offering promising opportunities for the mentha industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The semi-arid highlands offer favorable temperature and radiation conditions for cultivating medicinal plants organically. This practice not only supports the sustainability of the ecosystems in these regions but also presents a valuable opportunity for the production of medicinal plants. Peppermint, a highly sought-after medicinal plant, presents a favorable choice for farmers residing in semi-arid regions due to its versatile applications across various industries. To assess the biomass and essential oil (EO) of peppermint, the utilization of diverse fertilizer sources across different cuttings has been examined. The experimental treatments consisted of four fertilizer sources including poultry manure (POM), sheep manure (SHM), cattle manure (CAM), and chemical fertilizers (CHF), and different cuttings, namely first cutting (CUT1), second cutting (CUT2) and third cutting (CUT3). Plants treated with POM and SHM gave the highest biomass in CUT1 and CUT2, respectively. The nutrient content (macro- and micro-) raised with the application of POM and SHM. The highest EO content was recorded in POM treatment and CUT2. Plants amended with POM had the greatest EO yield in three cuttings. The major EO constituents were menthol (35.2%-58.3%), menthone (3.1%–33.6%), menthyl acetate (1.1%-9.4%), iso -menthone (0.41%-8.8%), with the highest percentages of these compounds reached in treatments with organic manures in various cuttings. High-quality EOs (high menthol and low menthoufuran content) were obtained with organic manure treatments in three cuttings. Plants amended with POM, CHF and CHF showed the highest antioxidant capacity of EO in CUT1, CUT2 and CUT3, respectively. Overall, the usage of POM and SHM can be recommended for increasing biomass and improving the quality of peppermint EO during the growth season, while maintaining ecosystem sustainability by replacing chemical fertilizers in the semi-arid highlands. [Display omitted] • This is the first report to study peppermint essential oil in three cuttings • The semi-arid highlands offer favorable conditions for essential oil production • The amendment with poultry and sheep manure allowed the highest plant biomass • The use of poultry and sheep manure raised peppermint's essential oil yield • Percentages of the main volatile compounds increased by applying organic manures [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Botrytis cinerea is the phytopathogenic fungus responsible for the gray mold disease that affects crops worldwide. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as a sustainable tool to reduce the adverse impact of synthetic fungicides. Nevertheless, the scarce information about the physiological mechanism action and the limitations to applying EOs has restricted its use. This study focused on elucidating the physiological action mechanisms and prospection of lipid nanoparticles to apply EO of Mentha piperita. The results showed that the EO of M. piperita at 500, 700, and 900 μL L−1 inhibited the mycelial growth at 100 %. The inhibition of spore germination of B. cinerea reached 31.43 % at 900 μL L−1. The EO of M. piperita decreased the dry weight and increased pH, electrical conductivity, and cellular material absorbing OD 260 nm of cultures of B. cinerea. The fluorescence technique revealed that EO reduced hyphae width, mitochondrial activity, and viability, and increased ROS production. The formulation of EO of M. piperita loaded- solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) at 500, 700, and 900 μL L−1 had particle size ∼ 200 nm, polydispersity index < 0.2, and stability. Also, the thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the EO of M. piperita -loaded SLN has great thermal stability at 50 °C. EO of M. piperita -loaded SLN reduced the mycelial growth of B. cinerea by 70 %, while SLN formulation (without EO) reached 42 % inhibition. These results supported that EO of M. piperita -loaded SLN is a sustainable tool for reducing the disease produced by B. cinerea. • Essential oil (EO) of Mentha piperita decrease mycelia growth of Botrytis cinerea. • EO of M. piperita promotes the release of cell constituents of B. cinerea. • EO of M. piperita alters fluidity of cell membrane and mitochondrial activity. • Solid lipid nanoparticles containing EO of M. piperita has antifungal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A PDMS coated PTFE separation membrane for gaseous aromatic water was explored. • Effective separation properties of the prepared PDMS/PTFE membranes were found. • The medicinal components of the obtained essential oils meet the EP standard. • Membrane separation mechanism of gaseous peppermint aromatic water was revealed. This study harnessed polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composite (PDMS/PTFE) membranes for the separation of peppermint aromatic water in vapor state. The effects of the PDMS coatings' morphology structure on the separation performance of the membrane were investigated. The vapor permeation process, selective-permeation mechanism, and membrane stability were explored. Results showed that the separation effect of the membranes depended on the degree of polymerization of PDMS coating. Almost no water molecules can pass through the membrane during the 6 h separation process, and the separation factor was as high as 668. The main pharmacodynamic components in the separated permeate were L-menthol, L-menthone, and menthyl acetate, accounting for 49.16 %, 26.3 %, and 5.46 %, respectively, which conformed to the standard of the European Pharmacopoeia. The parameters of membrane separation showed that the maximum permeability coefficients of L-menthol, L-menthone, menthyl acetate, and water were 40.80, 20.28, 4.211, and 0.3945, respectively, at 105 °C and 65 kPa. This finding indicated that the large difference in permeability coefficient was the key to the excellent selectivity of the PDMS/PTFE membrane for separating volatile pharmaceutical components and water molecules in the peppermint aromatic-water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contamination of Iran's underground water sources with nitrate from chemical fertilizers poses a significant health risk to communities reliant on this essential water source. This study investigates the benefits of organic alternatives, such as vermicompost and bio-fertilizers, in sustainable peppermint production. The aim is to foster environmentally friendly agricultural practices and enhance soil health. Multiple fertilizer treatments were examined for their impact on peppermint growth, essential oil (EO) content, and bioactive properties. Results show that incorporating vermicompost with chemical or bio-fertilizers significantly improves plant height, dry leaf weight, leaf number, and drug fraction by 18.6%, 82%, 27.5%, and 25%, respectively. Vermicompost application leads to a remarkable 100% increase in EO content and a substantial 31.5% rise in menthol percentage compared to other treatments. Furthermore, the study reveals that enhanced menthol production coincides with improved antibacterial and antifungal properties of the plant extract and EO. Treatments with bio-fertilizers demonstrate a significant 23.4% increase in menthol percentage compared to the control group. Vermicompost usage also boosts the total phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content, along with the antioxidant capacity by 5%–17%. Replacing chemical fertilizers with vermicompost and bio-fertilizers shows notable improvements in peppermint production. These findings underscore the significance of employing organic fertilizers as a means to advance sustainable agricultural practices, mitigate health hazards linked to water contamination, and optimize the cultivation of peppermint as a globally valuable medicinal plant. [Display omitted] • Mitigation of fertilizer leaching in peppermint cultivation through alternatives. • Improved peppermint growth and oil yield with vermicompost and bio-fertilizers. • Enhanced menthol and antibacterial properties using vermicompost and bio-fertilizers. • Vermicompost boosts phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and antioxidant properties in peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Peppermint oil-loaded emulsion gels with different properties were prepared. • Emulsion gel composition and crosslinking affected the flavor release profile. • Enzyme-induced emulsion gels were stronger than heat-induced ones. • Faster flavor release was observed for heat-induced emulsion gels. For some food applications, it is desirable to control the flavor release profiles of volatile flavor compounds. In this study, the effects of crosslinking method and protein composition on the flavor release properties of emulsion-filled protein hydrogels were explored, using peppermint essential oil as a model volatile compound. Emulsion-filled protein gels with different properties were prepared using different crosslinking methods and gelatin concentrations. Flavor release from the emulsion gels was then monitored using an electronic nose, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and sensory evaluation. Enzyme-crosslinked gels had greater hardness and storage modulus than heat-crosslinked ones. The hardness and storage modulus of the gels increased with increasing gelatin concentration. For similar gel compositions, flavor release and sensory perception were faster from the heat-crosslinked gels than the enzyme-crosslinked ones. For the same crosslinking method, flavor release and perception decreased with increasing gelatin concentration, which was attributed to retardation of flavor diffusion through the hydrogel matrix. Overall, this study shows that the release of hydrophobic aromatic substances can be modulated by controlling the composition and crosslinking of protein hydrogels, which may be useful for certain food applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hesperetin, a methoxylated flavanone, has numerous biological activities. Access to this compound is currently restricted by its low abundance in plants, which limits its practical applicability. To provide an alternative, eco-friendly production source, we developed a biosynthetic pathway of hesperetin in an engineered Escherichia coli consortium, which was fed with naringenin as a precursor and demonstrated good hesperetin production. The biosynthetic pathway was divided into two modules. The first recombinant host harbored the pathway genes from two different species: a flavonoid 3′-hydroxylase (F3'H) gene from Gentiana triflora and a cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) gene from Arabidopsis thaliana. The second strain heterologously expressed a gene encoding a flavonoid 4′- O -methyltransferase (MpOMT) from Mentha × piperita , which was N-terminally fused to a Sumo tag. A construct expressing a 29 aa N-terminally truncated F3'H and CPR was the most effective combination for the conversion of naringenin. The strain expressing the Sumo-tagged MpOMT protein exhibited an increase in the final hesperetin titer, reaching 5.9 mg/L. Simultaneous overexpression of metK (coding for the endogenous S-adenosyl- l -methionine [SAM] synthase) further improved the hesperetin titer by 25.1%. Finally, the designed E. coli consortium harboring the two modules efficiently converted naringenin to hesperetin (37.1 mg/L). This work reports the construction of a multi-step in vivo cascade biocatalyst for the biotransformation of naringenin to hesperetin. It also illustrates the potential of the E. coli consortium system for producing other O -methylated flavonoids. • The highest titer of hesperetin was achieved in a microorganism. • Co-expression of genes coding for a truncated F3'H and CPR led to the highest conversion rate of naringenin. • An artificially designed E. coli consortium system for the biosynthesis of hesperetin was developed. • The developed E. coli consortium is a general system for the two-step biotransformation of O -methylated flavonoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of organic (poultry and cattle manures) and biological (effective microorganisms, EM) fertilizers on growth, essential oil yield and its compositions, endogenous phytohormones content and antibacterial activity of peppermint plants grown in pot over 12 weeks was studied. Application of organo- and bio-fertilizers greatly affected on growth, essential oil production and other estimated parameters of peppermint plants. Slight stimulation effect was happened due to soil application of organic manures. Soil application of EM alone or in combination with organic fertilizers significantly increased growth, yield and components of essential oils, endogenous hormones of peppermint as compared to other treatments. Using disc diffusion method, the extracted oil of peppermint plants amended with organic and biofertilizers recorded the highest antibacterial activity against tested pathogenic bacteria like Klebsiella pneuumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mentha piperita are exploited as a natural source of bioactive phytochemicals • Several processes are available for extraction of plant phytopchemicals • Different elicitors can be used to increase secondary metabolites production • Peppermint components have new applications against diseases of different origins • M. piperita compounds have clinical, industrial , and agricultural applications Mentha piperita L. (peppermint) is one of the most popular and widely consumed species worldwide, and is used in the medical as well as in industrial and culinary fields. The importance of M. piperita is mainly due to its essential oils (EOs) and polyphenols. The present work reviews various novelty aspects of M. piperita phytochemicals, including their components, processes used to obtain EOs and extracts , agricultural strategies for the induction of EO production, shelf-life processes, and their application in phytoremediation, animal science, herbicides, pesticides, food industries, and therapeutic issues. The amount and components of M. piperita EOs (MpEOs) available vary widely depending upon the region, climatic and agronomic conditions, the extraction technique and drying procedure. In recent years, different methodologies have been evaluated to enhance EO production and other phytochemicals, such as inoculation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, application of chemical elicitors, titanium dioxide nanoparticles, fly ash, and environmental factors. MpEOs and phenolic compounds possess high antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, anthelmintic, and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Due to the wide range of bioactivity and antioxidant activity, this is an interesting topic of research due to the growing usage of natural antioxidants as additives in food and cosmetics. However, further studies should be directed towards MpEOs and extract production and formulation, to enable their wide scale application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint oil (PO) is the most prominent oil using in pharmaceutical formulations with its significant therapeutic value. In this sense, this oil is attracting considerable attention from the scientific community due to its traditional therapeutic claim, biological and pharmacological potential in recent research. An organic solvent-free and environment-friendly electrohydrodynamic assisted (EHDA) technique was employed to prepared PO-loaded alginate microbeads. The current study deals with the development, optimization, in vitro characterization, in vivo gastrointestinal tract drug distribution and ex-vivo mucoadhesive properties, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of PO-loaded alginate microbeads. The optimization results indicated the voltage and flow rate have a significant influence on microbeads size and sphericity factor and encapsulation efficiency. All these optimized microbeads showed a better drug release profile in simulated intestinal fluid (pH 6.8) at 2 h. However, a minor release was found in acidic media (pH 1.2) at 2 h. The optimized formulation showed excellent mucoadhesive properties in ex-vivo and good swelling characterization in intestine media. The microbeads were found to be well distributed in various parts of the intestine in in vivo study. PO-loaded alginate microbeads similarly showed potential antioxidant effects with drug release. The formulation exhibited possible improvement of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in MO-induced rats. It significantly suppressed proinflammatory cytokines, i.e. , interleukin- IL-1β, and upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine expression, i.e. , IL-10. It would be a promising approach for targeted drug release after oral administration and could be considered an anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategy for treating IBS. [Display omitted] • A simple microbead GIT distribution method using fluorescent probe was used to facilitate the visibility in the GIT. • The encapsulation efficiency of PO-loaded alginate microbeads was more than 91%. • In vitro drug release of PO-loaded alginate microbeads was more than 95%. • PO-loaded alginate microbeads showed excellent pH sensitivity and potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel peppermint oil (PO)-loaded composite microcapsules (CM) with hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)/chitosan/silica shells were effectively fabricated by PO Pickering emulsion, which were stabilized with chitosan-decorated silica nanoparticles (CSN). The surface modification of chitosan could improve the hydrophobicity of silica nanoparticles and favor their adsorption at the oil-water interface of PO Pickering emulsions. The microcapsule composite shells were formed dependent on the electrostatic adsorption of HPMC and CSN, and further subjected to spray-drying. The peppermint oil-loaded composite microcapsules with 100% HPMC as wall material (PO-CM@100%HPMC) seemed to be optimum formulation based on the prolonged release, acceptable entrapment efficiency (89.1%) and drug loading (25.5%). The PO-CM@100%HPMC could remarkably prolong the stability of PO. Moreover, the PO-CM@100%HPMC had a long-term antimicrobial activity (85.4%) against S. aureus and E. coli even after storage for 60 days. Therefore, the Pickering emulsions based microcapsules seemed to be a promising strategy for antibacterial application for PO. • Chitosan decorated silica nanoparticles (CSN) were used as particle stabilizer of PE. • The CSN stabilized PO-PE was successfully prepared by homogenization method. • The novel PO-CM was firstly prepared based on PE templates. • The PO-CM could prolong the stability and antibacterial activity of PO. • The PO-CM is a promising carrier for antibacterial application for PO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinity is a major environmental problem that affects plant growth and production. Peppermint, a member of the Lamiaceae family, is a widely used medicinal plant that has many applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, it is important to identify new ways to improve the growth and production of secondary metabolites in mint plants. The current study was performed on peppermint plant to assess the impacts of zeolite (0, 2, and 4 g kg−1) and titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Nano TiO 2 , 0 and 100 mg L−1) in NaCl salinity (0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl) conditions in a factorial arrangement on the basis of a randomized complete block design (RCBD) three times. According to the results, salinity stress decreased root and shoot dry weight, relative water content (RWC), photosynthetic pigment contents, root and shoot K content, K/Na ratio of root and shoot, ion selectivity of K over Na, and increased Na ion content, H 2 O 2, and Malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. Also, salinity stress at the level of 100 mM increased proline, total phenol, flavonoid content, Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzyme activity, and essential oil yield, but increasing the salinity level to 200 mM led to a decrease in morpho-physiological parameters. Nano TiO 2 and zeolite improved the shoot and root dry weight, root and RWC, shoot potassium content, K/Na ratio of shoot and root, Ion Selectivity (S K, Na), total phenol, flavonoid content, PAL enzyme activity, and essential oil yield, and decreased root and shoot sodium content, Na/Ca, H 2 O 2, and MDA content under salinity stress conditions. Salinity caused a significant (p ˂ 0.01) decrease in oxygenated monoterpenes, especially menthol, but led to an increase in menthone, menthofuran, and pulegone content. On the other hand, exposure to Nano TiO 2 and zeolite could increase the menthol content and decrease the menthone, menthofuran, and pulegone content under salinity stress. Thus, moderate salinity stress, zeolite, and 100 mg L−1 Nano TiO 2 foliar spray are suggested to get a greater yield and high-quality products in mint plants. According to the results of this experiment, the positive impacts of zeolite and Nano TiO 2 enhance both the quantity and quality output of essential oil, photosynthetic pigments, phenolic compounds as defense compounds, and potassium content as an osmotic regulator. [Display omitted] • The effect of zeolite and Nano TiO 2 under salinity stress was studied on the Mentha piperita L. plant's performance. • Zeolite and Nano TiO 2 application led to enhancement in the growth and photosynthetic pigments under 100 mM salt stress. • Zeolite and Nano TiO 2 resulted in an increase in the K/Na ratio, total phenol, and PAL enzyme activity under salt stress. • Nano TiO 2 and zeolite under salt stress augmented the essential oils content and main components of EO especially menthol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Influence of methyl jasmonate and zinc was investigated on peppermint in soilless culture. • Phenolic compounds of peppermint were changed by methyl jasmonate and zinc application. • Peppermint antioxidant activity influenced by methyl jasmonate and zn treatments. • MeJA under different levels of zn changes membrane injury indices of peppermint. • MeJA and zn activated antioxidant enzyme activity for scavenging of ROS. This study aimed to assess the physiological characteristics, phenolic compounds (PCs), antioxidant enzymes, and antioxidant activity of M. piperita under different Zn concentrations (0, 0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mgL−1) and foliar spraying of methyl jasmonate (distilled water, distilled water + 1% ethanol and 1 and 2 mM of methyl jasmonate) under soilless culture system. According to the findings of this study, Zn omission and the highest Zn level (0.1mgL−1) showed stress conditions on the plants and their effects on the studied traits was different from the other Zn concentrations (0.025 and 0.05mgL−1). In addition, different Zn and MeJA concentrations had special effects on the treated plants. As 1 mM MeJA application significantly enhanced antioxidant activity and the accumulation of PCs of M. piperita in different Zn levels. Rosmarinic acid, as the main PCs, showed a higher content (34.34 mg g DW−1) in 1 mM MeJA and 0.05 mgL−1 Zn application. In addition, a specific concentration of Zn could promote physiological characteristics such as antioxidant enzyme activities. These findings indicated that different Zn concentrations and exogenous MeJA might encourage the accumulation of PCs and enhanced antioxidant activity of peppermint. It also found that antioxidant enzyme activities modified with Zn and MeJA levels to decrease the injury produced by Zn stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint, Mentha piperita L. (Family 'Lamiaceae'), a vegetatively propagated, essential oil-bearing crop, is cultivated in temperate and sub-temperate countries for perfumery and aroma industries. Induced mutagenesis is a unique and supplemental breeding approach to overcome the limitations of conventional propagation method in peppermint crop. Addressing problems of creeping growth habit, propagation only by runners, low oil content and oil yield, higher than 5% menthofuran content of peppermint varieties; aims to develop genotype with erect growth habit, high oil yield and oil content with high menthol and low menthofuran contents. Runners and seeds of menthofuran-rich genotype MPS-36 (Mentha piperita selection 36) were irradiated by applying gamma-rays at 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 90, and 110 Gray doses at a dose rate of 55 Gray/minute, and mutants were isolated in VgM 2 / M 2 generation. Sorting was devised within and among the family to select superior variants in the VgM 3 /M 3 generation. The VgM 3 /M 3 to VgM 5 /M 5 generations are used to screen for desirable and promising variants based on agro-economic attributes, homozygosity, and field performance stability. Morpho-chemical and molecular analyses were performed for the identification/ differentiation of mutant genotypes. A mutant, MPS-36(S-3–3), was identified as a novel and promising mutant with a globally distinct quality of peppermint oil having high menthol (68-78%) with low menthofuran (0.2-0.8%) content, sucker producing, erect growth habit, flower-bearing and an increase in herb yield, oil content, and oil yield. This mutant has been released as a commercial variety named CIM- Suras in the north Indian plain to represent a sustainable solution to overcome previous issues of available genotypes/varieties of peppermint. The introduction of the peppermint variety 'CIM-Suras' has the potential to revolutionize mint cultivation in India, by crystallizing major component L-Menthol from its essential oil in the form of menthol crystal (26.4%) and the remaining dementholised oil (63.2%) have peppermint oil quality, thereby turning it into a major producer/supplier of peppermint oil. • Vegetative mode of propagation has limitation for creating genetic variability. • Creeping growth, runner propagated, low biomass/oil yield, > 5% menthofuran. • Irradiated with gamma rays resulted Mentha piperita selection-36(S-3-3)/CIM-Suras. • Menthol rich, sucker producing, erect growth, flowering behavior in CIM-Suras. • Recover menthol crystal (26%) from E.O. and DMO (63%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Standardized order sets for postoperative patients often include antiemetic medications only for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of PONV in patients receiving peppermint aromatherapy and usual care to patients receiving only usual care. Quasi-experimental research design used to evaluate the ability of peppermint aromatherapy to decrease PONV and antiemetic use postoperatively. Intervention group received peppermint aromatherapy with a control group receiving standard of care. The nausea scale with descriptors was used to evaluate PONV. Descriptive statistics and a χ2 test revealed no statistical significance (P =.28). However, peppermint aromatherapy was preferred by many patients as indicated by patients' statements and decreased ratings and complaints of nausea. The peppermint aromatherapy was favorably received by many of the postoperative patients and may be an effective adjunct treatment with antiemetics for PONV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Encapsulation of essential oils represents a good strategy to protect and to transform them in free-flowing particles. Core-shell systems containing peppermint essential oil have been obtained by inverse ionotropic gelation. An O/W emulsion composed of essential oil (O) and aqueous CaCl 2 solution enriched with hydroxyethylcellulose (W) was dripped in an alginate solution added of a secondary excipient (maltodextrin or shellac gum) at two concentrations. The qualitative/quantitative modifications of capsule shell composition had a limited impact on the essential oil content (it was more than 50% w/w), while they affected other dried capsule properties like dimensions, shell thickness, hardness and swelling behavior. Neither the type nor the amount of secondary excipient influenced wet capsule particle size (about 4 mm). After drying, particle size decreased (it was about 2 mm) and while shellac gum amount did not affect dried capsule dimensions, an increase in maltodextrin amount corresponded to an increase in their diameters. Capsule hardness diminished by increasing the amount of secondary excipient in the formulations. In addition, the amount of maltodextrin included in the formulations affected the swelling behavior of the dried capsules in water and this leads considering maltodextrin a useful excipient to modulate swelling according to the needs of the different applications. Unlabelled Image • Maltodextrin and Shellac gum do not affect alginate's gelation behavior. • High amount of excipients results in high weight and high shell thickness of beads. • Amount and type of excipient do not have significant influence in oil content after drying. • Stability of emulsion during drying determines the shape of beads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borage seed oil (BSO) is one of the richest sources of γ-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, which are considered to retain plenty of health promoting benefits. However, its application in functional foods and dietary supplements remains limited owing to its superior vulnerability to oxidation. To solve this problem, ultrasound-assisted BSO-loaded nanoemulsions were prepared with modified starch incorporating different concentrations of peppermint oil (PO), as a natural antioxidant. The influence of different PO levels on the mean droplet size, rheology attributes, and oxidative stability of nanoemulsions stored at various temperatures (4, 25, and 40 °C) during 30 days storage was analyzed. In addition, DPPH and ABTS assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity and antioxidant capacity of BSO-loaded nanoemulsions, respectively. The optimized formulation (NE3; 5:5% v/v PO: BSO) exhibited a slight change in droplet size and oxidative stability at all temperatures during storage compared to other formulations. At a concentration of 328.08 μL/mL, formulation NE3 presented the minimum DPPH IC 50 at 40 °C, which was lower than other formulations. The findings of this study revealed that the maximum retained antioxidant capacity (99.42 μg Trolox/mL) was related to NE3 comprising (5:5% v/v PO: BSO) stored at 40 °C for 30 days; which could be accredited to the role of PO as a natural antioxidant in order to improve the oxidative stability of nanoemulsion delivery system. Taken together, co-encapsulation of BSO and PO within nanoemulsions provides novel insights regarding the development of functional foods, dietary supplements and beverages. • Ultrasound-assisted BSO-loaded nanoemulsions were prepared with PGU incorporating diverse concentrations of PO. • Incorporation of PO enhanced the oxidative stability of BSO loaded nanoemulsions during storage. • Different concentrations of BSO and PO influenced the oxidative stability of nanoemulsions. • The optimized formulation NE3 exhibited better physical and oxidative stability during storage. • NE3 was the best formulation owing to its superior physical and oxidative stability properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present work was to assess the influence of high-intensity airborne ultrasound application on duration and energetic performance of hot air drying of peppermint leaves. To this end, drying experiments were conducted at constant air flow rate of 1 m s−1 and different temperatures (40, 50, 60 and 70 °C) without and with application of ultrasound power (90, 180, 270 and 360 W). The results showed that the maximum (170.84 MJ kg−1) and the minimum (63.36 MJ kg−1) specific energy consumptions belonged to convective drying at temperature of 40 °C and ultrasonic-assisted drying at 60 °C and 270 W, respectively. Energy efficiency varied from 1.41 to 3.69%. Depending on the power level, application of the ultrasound power at the air temperatures less than 70 °C reduced drying time and improved energetic performance of the process. The obtained findings in this research declare that acoustic power could be effectively used in combination with convective dryers to reduce duration and energy required for drying of heat-sensitive products. • Ultrasound power ability to improve energy efficiency of drying process was studied. • Application of the power reduced the process duration of up to 41%. • At temperatures less than 70 °C, ultrasound power increased the energy efficiency. • The values of energy efficiency ranged from 1.41 to 3.69%. • The power has good ability to reduce the process duration and energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a flavoring additive used worldwide, and Trichoderma species are beneficial fungi that can stimulate growth and disease resistance of these plants. Here the growth conditions and metabolic processes of essential oil (EO) biosynthesis in response to inoculation with Trichoderma viride Tv-1511 were investigated. The results showed that T. viride Tv-1511 was able to colonize roots of peppermint to promote its growth and photosynthetic activity and induce higher levels of glandular trichomes and elevated EO yield and composition. GC-MS analysis showed that T. viride Tv-1511-inoculated peppermint produced higher concentrations of menthone, menthol, and pulegone and lower concentrations of menthofuran than un-inoculated seedlings, and qRT-PCR showed that T. viride Tv-1511 inoculation induced upregulation of Pr (pulegone reductase encoding gene) and Mr (menthone reductase encoding gene), whereas it led to the downregulation of Mfs (menthofuran synthase encoding gene). Furthermore, a mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in peppermint, which was determined to be an analog of Arabidopsis MPK6 protein, was found to be responsible for the modulation of EO metabolism at the transcriptional level and for enzymatic activation in the T. viride Tv-1511-inoculated peppermint. Notably, NADPH oxidase-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) production played vital roles in the root colonization of T. viride Tv-1511 and was also involved in the induction of MAPK activation. These data showed the beneficial effects of T. viride Tv-1511 on the seedling growth and EO yield of peppermint, and they elucidated that T. viride Tv-1511 improved the quantity and quality of EOs by regulating the genes that encode the enzymes involved in EO metabolism through a potential MAPK-mediated signaling pathways. • Peppermint (Mentha × piperita L.) is a well-known cash crop, and it is important to maintain and improve the yield and quality of essential oils (EOs). • Trichoderma viride Tv-1511 colonized in peppermint roots, promoted EOs yield and quality by regulating the transcriptional and protein levels. • A peppermint MAPK, analogous of Arabidopsis MPK6, was involved in the modulation of growth and EOs metabolism of peppermint induced by Tv-1511. • NADPH oxidase-dependent ROS production was vital for the root colonization of Tv1511 and the MAPK activation induced by Tv-1511 in peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The use of essential oil (EO) nanoemulsions is expanding to meet customer demand for all-natural antibacterial agents. Thymus daenensis (T) and Mentha piperita (M) EOs were employed to make nanoemulsions (TEO and MEO NE), using Tween 80/Span 80 as surfactant/cosurfactant and a high-speed homogenizer. The TEO and MEO NEs were then characterized in terms of particle size (121, 113 nm), surface charge (-11.2 and −12.6 mV), morphology, and stability over time. Then, the antibacterial activity of EOs and their nanoformulations against Escherichia coli (E. coli) were evaluated based on various residence times, and concentrations on a microfluidic chip. The release of cytoplasmic constituents was used to compare the antibacterial activity of bulk EOs and nanoformulations. After completing MIC, MBC, and time-killing assays, the inhibitory effect of nanoformulations on E. coli biofilm formation was examined. Remarkable intensification was observed by employing a microfluidic chip owing to high-contact surface area provision between nanoemulsions and bacteria. Once compared to the conventional method for 3 h operation, the bacterial activity was nearly completely inhibited in a 24-min residence time using nanoemulsions. After 6 min of treatment, the cell membrane began to rupture, indicating that nanoemulsions could improve the antibacterial activity of bulk essential oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At present, odorous emissions from wood products are the main leading cause of perceived discomfort in indoor environments. The source control is the most effective way to reduce odorous emissions. Herein, this study aims to investigate the impact of peppermint essential oil microcapsules on the unpleasant odor emissions from wax oil coated wood products. In this paper, peppermint essential oil microcapsules were added to wax oil to endow wax oil-coated wood with continuous fragrance release. The results showed that the microcapsules prepared by the complex coacervation method with gelatin and gum arabic as the wall materials and peppermint essential oil as the core material had significant fragrance slow-release ability and improved thermal stability. Adding microcapsules to wood wax oil at a mass ratio of 10% has no significant effect on the quality of the paint film, but the presence of amino groups in the wall material of the microcapsules causes a significant color change of the finished wood. The release of aromatic odors in wax oil-coated wood is significantly prolonged. The main odorant compounds released in the early stage were terpenes with herbal, woody and balsamic flavor characteristics. The odor compounds released at a later stage are mainly alkanes, and the odor is expressed as waxy, herbal and woody. The dispersion of microcapsules in wood wax oil leads to changes in the pore structure of the wood wax oil finish material, which provides multiple pathways for the slow release of odor compounds. [Display omitted] • Fragrance woods obtained by encapsulation of peppermint essential oil into wood. • The odorous retention of essential oil was prolonged in natural exposure. • Wax oil-coated wood with MEOM was characterized by waxy, herbal and woody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active packaging with antimicrobial characteristics can inhibit bacterial growth and prolong the shelf life of packaged food products. Numerous attempts have been made to develop biobased eco-friendly polymer packaging films to minimize the utilization of synthetic antimicrobial packaging. However, polymer-based packaging has limited physio-mechanical properties, making it a poor candidate for packaging applications. In this study, an antimicrobial fibre-reinforced biocomposite was fabricated using rice husk fibre (RH) in the starch matrix to enhance the properties of packaging film. Peppermint essential oil (PEO), extracted from peppermint leaves, was incorporated into the film to enable antimicrobial properties. Rice husk fibre was varied from 10% to 50%, PEO ranged from 1% to 6%, and influence on various properties of biocomposite film was analysed. Developed biocomposite films were evaluated using XRD, FT-IR, SEM, water contact angle, and surface roughness. Furthermore, mechanical properties, water solubility, moisture content, colour properties, and optical barrier properties of biocomposite film were also calculated. In mechanical properties, biocomposite film that has 10% rice husk fibres, and 1% PEO showed the maximum tensile strength and elastic modulus of 2.25 MPa, and 57.4 MPa, respectively. In the biodegradability test, the degradation rate was reduced with reinforcing rice husk fibres and incorporation of PEO. The fabricated biocomposite films exhibit a zone of inhibition against Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) as well as Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae). Moreover, fabricated biocomposite was used as bread packaging and compared with synthetic and open packaging for shelf-life analysis. In observation, it was found that it has increased the shelf life of packed bread and reduced the growth of food-borne microbes in bread. This fabricated antimicrobial biocomposite is an eco-friendly packaging film that may reduce the food wastage and environmental impact of packaging materials by utilizing agricultural waste. [Display omitted] • Rice husk fibre, agriculture waste, is used to design biocomposite active packaging film. • Optimum rice husk fibre content in antimicrobial biocomposite film is 10% w/w. • A significant improvement in physical and mechanical properties has been achieved. • Peppermint essential oil is optimized to attain good antimicrobial properties. • The designed active packaging has reduced visible microbial growth in bread for more than 30 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A comprehensive study was conducted on a large set of peppermint EOs. • Conventional and chiral GC/MS along with chemometrics were utilized. • Substandard or adulterated EOs could be identified by single or combined methods. • Commercial oils originating from US, India or blend were predicted by chemometrics. • Possible forms of adulteration were explored. Peppermint essential oil (EO) has a multitude of applications, such as a fragrance in cosmetics, personal care and industrial products, or as a flavoring ingredient in food and beverages. Despite its popularity and economic significance, peppermint EO is often adulterated to reduce production costs and to increase profits. Although the ISO standard for peppermint EO exists, detecting sophisticated forms of adulteration remains challenging. The current study used conventional and chiral GC/MS analysis of volatiles compounds, and chemometric techniques to evaluate an extensive set of authentic peppermint EO (n = 22) and commercial products (n = 36) purported to contain peppermint EO. Specifically, thirty-six terpenoids were examined in each sample and compared with the ISO standard. Fifty-three percent of the selected commercial products did not meet the ISO specifications and the ratio between menthone/isomenthone was proven to be a good indicator for authentication and adulteration detection. Chiral GC/MS was further employed to measure eight terpenoids: α-pinene, β-pinene, limonene, menthol, menthone, isomenthone, pulegone, and menthyl acetate. The enantiomeric compositions of 27 commercial products were above or below the norm measured from authentic peppermint EOs. Of the 27 samples, eight met the ISO standard. A sample class prediction (SCP) model based on partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) of conventional GC/MS data was constructed using authentic peppermint EOs and cornmint EOs. The model can distinguish the most common types of peppermint EOs (US, India, and US/India blend) and cornmint EOs sold in the US market. After construction, the SCP model was then used to analyze commercial samples. One sample, which passed both ISO specification and chiral analysis, was identified as outlier by the SCP model. Overall, the applicability of combining both conventional and chiral GC/MS along with chemometric tools has been successfully demonstrated to address the overall quality of peppermint EOs in commerce and may help combat sophisticated adulteration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel nanoparticles (Z -R/H) were successfully fabricated by a resveratrol-grafted zein covalent conjugate (Z-R) combined with quaternary ammonium chitosan (HTCC), which were used as stabilizers to prepare peppermint oil (PO) Pickering emulsions with antioxidant activity. HTCC effectively adjusted wettability of Z -R conjugate, and three-phase contact angle of Z-R/H 3:1 was moderate (95.01°). The influencing factors of Pickering emulsion formation, including volume fraction of PO, concentration of Z -R/H, and mass ratio of Z-R to HTCC, were evaluated by droplet size, ζ-potential, microscopic observation, and stability index analysis. Pickering emulsions stabilized by Z -R/H 3:1 showed excellent physical stability under heat treatment. Z-R/H nanoparticles adsorbed on the oil-water interface yielded a dense filling layer as a physical barrier to improve the emulsion stability, which was validated by confocal laser-scanning microscopy. After 4 weeks of storage, retention rate of PO in Pickering emulsion stabilized by Z -R/H 3:1 remained high (72.1 %). Electronic nose analysis showed that Z -R/H 3:1 -stabilized emulsion effectively prevented volatilization of PO aroma components. Additionally, PO and Z-R/H nanoparticles provided an additive antioxidant effect of Pickering emulsions against DPPH and ABTS free radicals. In summary, these novel Z -R/H nanoparticle offer promising applications as a stabilizer with great potential in preparing functional Pickering emulsions to improve essential oil delivery. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant essential oils (EO) are increasingly used as food preservatives due to their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. For such applications, EO are commonly microencapsulated to overcome their poor stability, low solubility and dominant aromas. But, typically, individual EO act against only a narrow range of bacterial species. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to develop a microencapsulated preservative using a combination of three EO and to determine its anti-bacterial action against three common food contaminants, viz. Escherichia coli , Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus , and one, usually, beneficial species, viz. Lactoplantibacillus plantarum. The EO of cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), peppermint (Mentha haplocalyx) and lemon (Citrus limon) were combined in the proportions, 1.0 : 1.8: 2.4, respectively and were encapsulated in gelatin-chitosan by spray drying. The particle size, zeta potential, moisture content, and encapsulation rate of the essential oil microcapsules (EOM) were measured. With increasing EOM exposure time, the concentrations of E. coli , Salmonella , S. aureus and L. plantarum decreased by 3, 3, 4, and 5 orders of magnitude, respectively. Cell apoptosis accompanied loss of membrane integrity and permeability, inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase activity and disruption of organic acid metabolism. Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus and L. plantarum) were more susceptible to those effects of EOM than Gram-negative bacteria (E. coli and Salmonella). It also demonstrates that in applications as preservatives for probiotic foods requiring live L. plantarum , EOM comprising cinnamon, peppermint or lemon EO should be avoided. [Display omitted] • Microcapsules comprised cinnamon, peppermint and lemon essential oil. • Gelatin/chitosan encapsulated the essential oil. • The microcapsules exhibited good physicochemical and antibacterial properties. • Antibacterial assessment included Lactobacillus plantarum and other bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) of natural resources was the focus of investigation for great number of researches recently, however great potential of this technique is still not fully utilized. The aim of this work was evaluation of MAE parameters (ethanol concentration, extraction time and liquid-solid ratio) on total polyphenols yield (TP) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP and ABTS) of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts. Experiments were performed within face-centered central composite design and artificial neural network (ANN) approach was used for extraction system modeling. Good fit of applied model and experimental data was achieved for almost all responses which provided influence analysis and optimization. Ethanol concentration was the most influential MAE factor. TP, FRAP and ABTS were selected responses included in separate and multi-response optimization. Narrow range of ethanol concentration (49.75-51.07%) and lower L/S ratio (13.04-18.88 mL/g) provided different solutions for optimal conditions. LC-MS/MS analysis suggested that flavonoids, phenolic acids and stilbenes were the most dominant in polyphenolic fraction, while GC-MS results showed that menthomenthene, menthone, 1,8-cineole, n, L-limonene and p-cimene were the most abundant volatiles. Therefore, MAE was successfully applied for co-extraction of polyphenolics and terpenoid bioactives and production of liquid extracts with high antioxidant potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the efficacy of coatings formed by chitosan (Chi) and Mentha piperita L. (MPEO) or M. × villosa Huds (MVEO) essential oil to control the development of antrachnnose in papaya fruit caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and C. brevisporum. Chi (2.5–10 mg/mL), MPEO and MVEO (0.15–1.25 μL/mL) alone effectively inhibited the growth of C. gloeosporioides and C. brevisporum isolates in laboratory media. Combinations of Chi (5 and 7.5 mg/mL) and MPEO or MVEO (0.15–1.25 mL/mL) inhibited the growth of Colletotrichum isolates and mostly presented additive or synergistic interactions. Development of anthracnose lesions caused by C. gloeosporioides and C. brevisporum isolates was reduced by coatings formed by Chi (5 mg/mL) and MPEO or MVEO (0.3–1.25 μL/mL) combinations during storage (10 days, 25 ± 0.5 °C). Decreases in anthracnose lesion development in papaya coated with Chi (5 mg/mL) and MPEO or MVEO (0.6 and 1.25 μL/mL) were similar or higher than those caused by a comercial fungicides formulation. The application of coatings formed by combinations of selected Chi and MPEO or MVEO concentrations could be considered an alternative strategy to control papaya anthracnose caused by C. gloeosporioides and C. brevisporum. • Chitosan (Chi) and Mentha essential oils (MEO) inhibited pathogenic Colletotrichum. • Chi + MEO had additive or synergistic effects on C. gloesporioides and C. brevisporum. • Chi-MEO coatings inhibited anthracnose lesion development in papaya over time. • Coatings were similarly or more effective than fungicides to control anthracnose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dietary peppermint leaves and menthol supplementations on performance, survivability rate, cost economics, meat physicochemical properties, and carcass characteristics of broiler chicks. A total of 384 1-day-old, unsexed Ross 308 broiler chicks, were divided into 2 experiments. Each experiment included 192 birds that were assigned to 4 dietary treatments that included peppermint leaves at concentrations of 0, 5, 10, or 15 g/kg in the first experiment or menthol at concentrations of 0, 26, 52, or 78 mg/kg in the second experiment. Each treatment had 6 replicate pens with 8 birds. The experiments lasted for 35 D. The peppermint leaves contained 1.48% essential oil that contained 35.1% menthol, and the levels of menthol were selected based on the concentrations in peppermint leaf levels. Body weight and body-weight gain increased with the increase in dietary peppermint leaves (linear, P < 0.01) and menthol concentrations (linear, quadratic, P < 0.01) during the trial periods. In addition, the feed intake linearly increased (P < 0.01) with increasing peppermint leaves or menthol levels and, in turn, caused linear improvements (P < 0.01) in feed conversion values. Interestingly, a lower mortality rate was recorded in the supplementation groups and, therefore, a higher net return was observed. However, pH values and drip loss percentage of breast and leg muscles were not affected by either dietary peppermint levels or menthol levels. Increasing peppermint or menthol levels decreased (P < 0.001) cook-loss percentage of breast and leg muscles. On the other hand, dietary supplementation of peppermint leaves or menthol had no effect (P ≥ 0.05) on the relative weights of dressing, breast, leg, liver, heart, gizzard, spleen, or pancreas. Interestingly, abdominal fat percentage was decreased by either supplemental peppermint or menthol. Hence, the present investigation demonstrates that peppermint leaves can be used as an effective novel nutritional bio-agent up to 15 g/kg to improve the performance of broiler chicks, mainly due to its active component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are agriculturally important soil bacteria that increase plant growth. We subjected peppermint to inoculation with three species of PGPB. After inoculation, the plants were sprayed with methyl jasmonate solution (MeJA) or SA (salicylic acid). Then, the plants were harvested and the plant growth parameters, trichome density, EO content and endogenous phytohormones were measured. Shoot fresh weight was reduced in plants inoculated and treated with MeJA whereas EO content varied depending on the MeJA concentration applied. Plants inoculated and treated with MeJA 2 mM showed the maximum increase in EO production, revealing a synergism between PGPB and MeJA. SA treatments also enhanced EO yield. The increased growth and EO production observed upon PGPB application were at least partly due to an increase in the JA and SA concentrations in the plant, as well as to an associated rise in the glandular trichome density. • PGPR inoculation increased the endogenous jasmonic acid (JA) and salicylic acid (SA) levels. • Exogenous application of JA and SA cause significant increases in essential oil content in peppermint. • Inoculation with PGPR combined with the external application of JA increase the EO production by up to 8-fold, indicating a synergy between PGPR and JA. • Promotion of the growth and the increasing of EO production induced by PGPR can not be replace by the external application of phytohormones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils (EO) possess a wide range of biological activities. However, their application in aqueous media is often limited due to their hydrophobicity and volatile character. This study was designed to prepare stable, water-dilutable microemulsions (ME) containing essential oils of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus (L.) Rendle), mint (Mentha x piperita L. 'Multimentha') and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus Labill.) and to evaluate their in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic properties. The comparison of cytotoxicity of EO solubilised in microemulsions and in dimethyl sulfoxide as well as the recovery of volatiles from cells culture medium over time was also performed. The clear ME were obtained in a range between 10% and 50% of aqueous phase for citronella EO and up to 60% of aqueous phase for mint and eucalyptus EO, in all ratios of Tween 80 to oil phase (from 5:1 to 9:1). Microemulsions of EO (EO/ME) showed higher antioxidant activity compared to EO. The increase in activity was 13.96%, 22.25% and 45.60% for eucalyptus, mint and citronella EO, respectively. The analysis of cytotoxicity profiles of EO/ME and EO/DMSO in Vero and HeLa cell lines showed differences in activity, however, they were statistically significant only in case of mint EO. Furthermore, it can be concluded that after 24 h of incubation ME vehicle itself was responsible for the observed cytotoxic effect. At the same time ME provided good solubility of constituents of EO and diminished evaporation of volatiles from culture medium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water stress is a worldwide agricultural challenge that limits crop growth and quality. Chemical compounds that promote tolerance to water stress, such as omeprazole showed recently promising results. The present study investigates the effect of weekly drenching applications of 0, 10, 50, 100, or 200 μM omeprazole on Mentha piperita (peppermint) subjected to water stress by watering at 100%, 70%, and 50% of container substrate capacity for 7 weeks in an experiment that spanned two seasons. Peppermint that received higher doses of omeprazole showed increased plant height, leaf number, leaf area, and dry weight under normal and water stress conditions. The amounts of chlorophyll and proline in the leaves as well as gas exchange increased in omeprazole-treated plants relative to the control plants. Omeprazole treatment also resulted in increased activity of the enzymes catalase and ascorbate peroxidase, reduced accumulation of the reactive oxygen species hydrogen peroxide, increase in the essential oil ratio, and improvement in essential oil composition. Omeprazole-treated plants showed higher ratios of menthol and menthone composition relative to the control plants. The changes in essential oil composition were associated with increased expression of genes associated with the menthol biosynthesis pathway. These findings indicate that omeprazole can ameliorate water stress in peppermint by increasing vegetative and root growth; increasing chlorophyll amount, photosynthetic rate, and gas exchange; reducing water loss by boosting leaf water potential and relative water content; increasing proline content; and modulating the gene expression of secondary metabolites. • Omeprazole protects peppermint from water stress. • Water stress coupled with omeprazole modulated the menthol biosynthesis pathway. • Morphological, metabolic and molecular modulations associated with enhanced performance under water stress conditions in peppermint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential oils are obtained from vegetal material and present antibacterial activities, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal properties and may replace the use of chemotherapeutics for treating and prophylaxis in fish farm. The objective of this study was to verify the influence of essential oil of Mentha piperita in the prevention of Streptococcus in Nile tilapia. A total of 300 fish with approximately 5 g were divided into 20 tanks with 15 fish each were fed diet supplemented with essential oil at concentrations of Mentha 0.075% ; Mentha 0.125% ; Mentha 0.25% and two controls (commercial feed and feed+cereal alcohol) in quadruplicate, during 50 days. At the end of the supplementation period, four fish from each experimental unit were collected for hemato-immunological analysis and the rest of the animals were challenged against Streptococcus agalactiae intraperitoneally. During seven days after infection, the fish were monitored every three hours for mortality registration. Zootechnical performance indexes were measured based in the biometries each 15 days along the experimente and did not present significant difference as well as the hematological parameters. Total plasmatic protein was higher in fish fed Mentha 0.125% than those fed Mentha 0.25%. After the challenge, unlike the animals whose diet did not contain essential oil, the animals that received supplemented ration maintained their alimentary activity. The supplementation with the essential oil increased the resistance of the fish after the challenge with S. agalactiae and survival was significantly higher in fish fed with Mentha 0.25%. • Mentha piperita essential oil showed in vitro antibacterial activity against S. agalactiae and A. hydrophila bacteria. • M. piperita stimulated the innate cellular response of the animals. • M. piperita increased the resistance against S. agalactiae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Mentha piperita essential oils was successfully loaded in a chitosan polymeric nanogel. • MPEO-nanogel was effective in biofilm inhibition against Streptococcus mutans. • Biofilm formation by S. mutans on the dental surface efficiently decreased in the presence of MPEO-nanogel. • Biofilm related genes was significantly downregulated in the presence of MPEO-nanogel. Abstract Mentha piperita essential oils (MPEO) were loaded into chitosan nanogel to use as antibiofilm agent against Streptococcus mutans and to protect its dental plaque. Chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) were prepared by sol-gel method using linking bridge of tripolyphosphate (TPP). Physiological properties of MPEO-CNs were assessed by FTIR, SEM/EDX, DLS and zeta potential. Release kinetics, MIC and MBC were determined for MPEO-CNs. Expression of biofilm-associated genes including 8 genes: grf B, C and D, brp A, spa P, gbp B, rel A and vic R was investigated at the presence of sub-MIC of MPEO-CNs. Most abundant bioactive compounds of MPEO were l-menthol (45.05%) and l-menthal (17.53%). SEM/EDX exhibited successful entrapment of MPEO into CsNPs followed by the changes in abundance of elemental peaks. A signal at 1737 cm−1 on chitosan spectrum was attributed to the carboxylic (C O) groups overlapped by MPEO incorporation. A new signal at 2361 cm−1 was assigned to electrostatic interactions of amine groups in chitosan with phosphoric units of TPP within the MPEO-chitosan. MPEO incorporation into porous nanogel decreased monodispersity of the nanoparticles and then raises z-average. Maximum release of MPEO was about 50% during 360 h in a hydroalcoholic solvent at ambient temperature. The adherence of bacterial cells showed high sensitivity to the nanoformulation of MPEO compared with unloaded chitosan-nanogel. Antibiofilm inhibition of S. mutans occurred in 50 and 400 μg/mL for MPEO-CNs and unloaded-nanogel, respectively. Among biofilm synthesis genes, gtf B, gtf C, gtf D were slightly affected by MPEO-CNs treatment, while gbp B, spa P, brp A, rel A, and vic R genes underwent significant down-regulation in the presence of both unloaded-nanogel and MPEO-loaded-nanogel. This study demonstrated that the MPEO-CNs promised an efficient nanoformulation with the greatest inhibitory action against some glycosyltransferase genes (gtf B, C and D) as important enzymes involved in extracellular polymers. Finally, the results concluded that MPEO-CNs have a potential use as antibiofilm agent in toothpaste or mouth washing formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Ethnopharmacological relevance Essential oils and essential oil bearing medicinal and culinary plants have a long tradition of being used to combat infection, treat various conditions, and promote and restore health. Mint oils are traditionally applied to repel insects and treat various conditions including wounds, skin infections, inflammation, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, scabies and insect bites. They are among essential oils promoted as a natural way to prevent tick-borne diseases and recommended as ingredients in various homemade repellent mixtures and tick-bite treatments. Aim of the study The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three most common mint oils - peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.), cornmint (M. arvensis L.), and spearmint (M. spicata L.) on obligate intracellular tick-borne bacterium Rickettsia slovaca. Materials and methods Influence of mint oils on R. slovaca replication in Vero cells initially infected by lower (106) or higher (108) number of rickettsial particles was tested during in vitro cultivation with daily change of medium. qPCR and RT-qPCR based growth curves and linear mixed effect models were applied to evaluate the growth inhibition. Peppermint oil was further tested in pilot in vivo study on experimentally infected ticks. Results Two of the tested essential oils, peppermint and cornmint, significantly inhibited rickettsial growth. On average, peppermint oil reduced the amount of rickettsiae present on day 4 post infection up to 0.05% of the rickettsial load present in the respective controls. Cornmint oil decreased the amount of rickettsiae to 0.09% of control. Peppermint oil also significantly reduced the number of living rickettsiae in artificially infected ticks. Conclusions Present study showed that essential oils with antimicrobial properties may also inhibit tick-transmitted bacteria, and thus their possible use as preventative measures against tick-borne diseases is worth further research. Graphical abstract fx1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In an attempt to gain insights into the possible relationship between the irradiation-mediated molecular weight reduction and structural modification and the growth-promotion activity, characterization of the polysaccharide before and after irradiation was carried out through Fourier Transform Infrared (FT–IR), Ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopic studies. Moreover, graded concentrations of irradiated carrageenan (IC) were applied through foliage to assess the performance of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.). Among the various concentrations of IC [0 (control), un-irradiated carrageenan (UC), 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 mg L−1], the effect of 80 mg L−1 IC established to be most favorable for most of the parameters studied. Rubisco and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activities were maximally enhanced by 65.9% and 35.6% by the application of 80 mg L−1 IC, respectively; as compared to the control and UC. A maximum enrichment in the content (32.8%) and yield (88.3%) of essential oil was noted by the application of 80 mg L−1 IC, respectively. Results of the gas chromatography revealed that the contents of menthol and 1, 8-cineole were increased; however, menthone and menthyl-acetate contents were decreased by the application of IC over the control and UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • 12 trace elements were studied in Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea. • Cd and Pb levels above Brazilian and MERCOSUR maximum limits were found. • 16% of DV for manganese can be reached by a daily intake of one cup of mate tea. Abstract In this study twelve trace elements were investigated in herbal tea commercialized in Brazil. Boldo, Chamomile, Mate and Peppermint tea samples were acquired in Brazil local markets and both herbs and their infusions were evaluated. Trace elements were classified in two groups: poorly (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb and Se) and moderately (Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn) extractable. This patterned showed that even levels above threshold established by Brazilian and MERCOSUR regulations were observed in herbal tea (Cd and Pb in 89% and 78% of mate and peppermint tea samples, respectively), their infusions did not presented toxic levels. The estimative of exposure and dietary intake revealed important values for a daily consumption of a single cup of herbal infusion and an unique composition was also verified for herbal tea samples: although age and origin was unavailable, multivariate analysis classified the samples in four distinct groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Negative effects of salinity reduced the synthesis of essential oil in peppermint. • Fungal symbiosis helped peppermint to activate defense mechanisms. • Methyl jasmonate ameliorated the adverse effects of salinity on membrane lipids. • Piriformospora indica and methyl jasmonate were favorable to produce secondary metabolites. Abstract Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is one of the most important medicinal and aromatic plants that its essential oil is extensively used in fragrance, aromatherapy, flavor, and pharmaceutical properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Piriformospora indica inoculation, methyl jasmonate and salinity effects on essential oil from leaves, total phenol, anthocyanin, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-scavenger activity and composition of the oil in peppermint. Treatments included inoculation, and non-inoculation of P. indica , methyl jasmonate (0 and 75 μM) and four salinity levels of irrigation water (0, 3, 6 and 9 dS m−1). Essential oil constituents have been analyzed by GC–MS. The results showed that salinity increased lipid peroxidation as well as membrane electrolyte leakage, while, membrane permeability influenced by methyl jasmonate application, P. indica inoculation and their interaction, reduced the negative effect of salinity on membrane electrolyte leakage. Fungal symbiosis and methyl jasmonate application ameliorated the negative effects of salinity on essential oil content. The results showed that monoterpenes constitute the major components of essential oil. The main oil constituents, menthol, menthone and 1,8-cineole increased considerably in P. indica and methyl jasmonate treatments. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity and polyphenol oxidase was observed in the P. indica inoculation, however methyl jasmonate treatment gave the highest content of total phenol and anthocyanin. In general, when inoculated plants were sprayed by methyl jasmonate, antioxidant activity increased and synthesis of medicinal and anti-microbial compounds was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Several common supplements are used by a significant number of patients affected by gastrointestinal (GI) disorders to improve symptoms and quality of life. We investigated the impact of GI symptom improvement with the use of fiber, STW 5, probiotics, and peppermint oil in relation to overall GI pain and quality of life via an online survey.Design: We used a cross-sectional, descriptive, correlation design. A Qualtrics online survey was utilized to collect data from January to June 2013 through various websites. Areas evaluated included participant demographics, use of supplements, and gastrointestinal symptom severity.Results: The rate of supplement use among patients with GI disorders was high (90% in past year) and consultation with healthcare providers was reported by 80%. Participants who completed the survey (n = 68) reported a strong correlation between GI symptom severity and overall quality of life (r2 = 0.8682, p < 0.001). The use of fiber improved GI symptom severity while both STW 5 and probiotics were linked to specific improvements.Conclusions: Persons with chronic GI disorders often choose the complementary use of common supplements to mitigate GI symptoms and consult with their healthcare providers frequently. The use of STW 5 and probiotics specifically is linked to overall reduction in GI symptoms and improvement of quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]