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The aim of the present study was to evaluate antioxidative activities of the essential oil, methanol and water extracts of Iranian pennyroyal in vegetable oil during storage. Different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, 800 and 1000 ppm) of essential oil, water and methanol extracts and beta-hydroxy toluene (BHT; 200 ppm) were added to sunflower oil emulsion in the presence of cupric ions and incubated for 7 days at 60 degrees C. Peroxide values (PVs) and thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS) levels were measured in each day up to day of seven. Furthermore, antioxidant capacity of the essential oil and extracts were determined using DPPH and beta-carotene-linoleic acid methods. Values were compared among groups in each incubation time points using ANOVA. Results showed that DPPH and beta-carotene-linoleic acid assay findings on the Mentha pulegium extracts were comparable to those found on BHT. Furthermore, in all incubation time points, M. pulegium extracts lowered PVs and TBARS levels when compared to the control (p<0.001). In this respect, water extract was more potent than the methanol extract. Essential oil did not show considerable antioxidative effect. It seems that water extract of M. pulegium is a potent antioxidant which makes it as a potential antioxidant for oil and oily products during storage., (2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Radiation is an important modality in cancer treatment and estimates are that between one third and one half of all patients will require ionizing irradiation therapy during some point in their clinical management. However, the radiation-induced damage to the normal tissues restricts the therapeutic doses of radiation that can be delivered to tumors and thereby limits the effectiveness of the treatment. The use of chemical compounds (radioprotectors) represents an obvious strategy to improve the therapeutic index in radiotherapy. However, most of the synthetic radioprotective compounds studied have shown inadequate clinical application owing to their inherent toxicity and high cost. These observations necessitated a search for alternative agents that are less toxic and highly effective. Studies in the recent past have shown that some medicinal plants possess radioprotective effects. Two species of the commonly used aromatic herb mint, Mentha piperita and M. arvensis protected mice against the γ-radiation-induced sickness and mortality. Detail investigations have also shown that the aqueous extract of M. piperita protected the vital radiosensitive organs: the testis, gastrointestinal and hemopoetic systems in mice. The radioprotective effects are possibly due to free radical scavenging, antioxidant, metal chelating, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and enhancement of the DNA repair processes. This review for the first time summarizes the observations and elucidates the possible mechanisms responsible for the beneficial effects. The lacunae in the existing knowledge and directions for future research are also addressed.

Mints are aromatic plants with a tradition as medicinal remedies and culinary herbs. With the aim of investigating potential central nervous system (CNS) activities of traditional medicinal plants, four species and one hybrid of the genus Mentha (M. aquatica, M. longifolia, M. pulegium, M. suaveolens and M. x piperita) were selected. Methanolic extracts of the plants were tested for protective effects against hydrogen-peroxide-induced toxicity in PC12 cells, antioxidant activity (by ABTS and X/XO methods) and neurochemical properties (MAO-A inhibition, AChE inhibition and affinity to the GABA(A) receptor). Mentha x piperita and Mentha aquatica produced significant (p < 0.05) protection of the PC12 cells against oxidative stress. All the plants exhibited antioxidant and MAO-A inhibitory activities, M. x piperita being the most active. M. aquatica showed the highest affinity to the GABA(A)-receptor assay. Results demonstrate that mints might have effect on the CNS., ((c) 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Vegetables of mint (the aerial part of Mentha haplocalyx) contain a significant amount of polyphenols with many health benefits. The crude aqueous acetone extract exhibited high antioxidant activity (IC(50)= 45.67 mug/mL) in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. The activity-guided separation of chlorophyll removal fraction on column chromatography afforded 8 polyphenolic acids, including a new compound, cis-salvianolic acid J (1), and 7 known compounds, salvianolic acid J (2), lithospermic acid (3), rosmarinic acid (4), lithospermic acid B (5), magnesium lithospermate B (6), sodium lithospermate B (7), and danshensu (8), respectively. Their structural elucidations of all the compounds were based on extensive spectroscopic methods, including HRESIMS and 2D NMR experiments (HSQC, HMBC, and ROESY) and by comparison with reference values. Compounds 2, 3, and 5 to 8 were isolated from Mentha genus for the 1st time. The DPPH radical scavenging activities of all the isolated compounds were evaluated.

The GC and GC/MS analyses of the solvent organic extractive from the stomach of the bees, having collected Mentha spp. nectar, revealed the presence of methyl syringate (6.6%), terpendiol I (5.0%) and vomifoliol (3.0%) that can be attributed to the plant origin. Other major compounds from the bee-stomach were related to the composition of cuticular waxes and less to pheromones. Organic extractives from Mentha spp. honey were obtained by solvent-free headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and ultrasonic solvent extraction (USE) and analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major honey headspace compounds were hotrienol (31.1%-38.5%), 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol (0.5-6.0%), cis- and trans-linalool oxides (0.9-2.8%), linalool (1.0-3.1%) and neroloxide (0.9-1.9%). Methyl syringate was the most abundant compound (38.3-56.2%) in the honey solvent extractives followed by vomifoliol (7.0-26.6%). Comparison of the honey organic extractives with the corresponding bee-stomach extractive indicated that methyl syringate and vomofoliol were transferred to the honey while terpendiol I was partially transformed to hotrienol in ripened honey.

A detailed analysis of two essential oils from individual plants of Mentha suaveolens ssp. suaveolens growing wild in Corsica was carried out by combination of GC(RI), GC/MS, and (13)C-NMR analyses. One oil sample is characterized by the pre-eminence of piperitenone oxide, and the second is dominated by piperitenone. In contrast, it was reported that the essential oil of M. suaveolens ssp. insularis, an endemic species to Corsica and Sardinia, contained pulegone and cis-cis-p-menthenolide as main components. A principal-component analysis (PCA) carried out on the composition of the essential oil of 59 individual plants of M. suaveolens sp. allowed the classification into three well-defined groups. All the oil samples from Mentha suaveolens ssp. insularis belonged to the same group, while the oils from M. suaveolens ssp. suaveolens were distributed in the two other groups. The composition of the essential oil isolated from aerial parts of M. suaveolens ssp. has been shown to be an additional tool to differentiate the botanically close subspecies suaveolens and insularis.

Nicotine and flavorant compound levels were measured in 10 "mint"-related sub-brands and 8 "wintergreen" sub-brands of smokeless tobacco (SLT). Also analyzed were "mint"-related and "wintergreen" confectionery products. Of the "mint" SLT, "Timberwolf Packs Mint Pouches" contained the highest menthol level (5.3 mg/g); the average for the five most-highly mentholated SLT products was 4.3 mg/g. The average for the most five most-highly mentholated confectionery products was 3.5 mg/g. For hard candy, a reported average of maximum use levels is 2.1 mg/g (Burdock, 2009). Of the "wintergreen" SLT, "Hawken Wintergreen" was found to contain the highest methyl salicylate (MS) level (29.7 mg/g). The average of the five highest SLT MS levels was 23.8 mg/g, i.e., 5x higher than the level found in the confectionery product with the highest MS level (LifeSavers Wint O Green Sugar Free, 4.6 mg/g). For hard candy, a reported average of maximum use levels is 2.0 mg/g (Burdock, 2009). Assuming 23.8 mg/g MS in SLT, SLT use at 15 g/day, 100% bodily absorption of the MS, and 60 kg body weight, the average daily intake would be 6.0 mg/kg-day, i.e., 12x the acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0.5 mg/kg-day established for this compound by a joint FAO/WHO committee., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and Japanese mint (M. arvensis L. var. piperascens Malinv.) cultivated in either soil or nutrient solution using the deep flow technique (DFT). The differences were measured in terms of harvest period (full bloom period) and quantity and chemical components of volatile oils. The spearmint and Japanese mint were cultivated in four different nutrient formulas: plant standard nutrient, plant standard nutrient with an amino acid mixture, plant standard nutrient with a sulphur compound, and a combination of plant standard nutrient with an amino acid mixture and a sulphur compound. We observed that cultivation of spearmint and Japanese mint in nutrient solution using DFT is an effective method to provide high production of volatile oil, since it results in an earlier harvest period and higher quantity of volatile oil. We determined that for spearmint an amino acid mixture is an appropriate nutrient supplement to enhance production of volatile oil with optimum carvone content. Finally, we observed high menthol content in Japanese mint grown in all four nutrient formulas; however, supplementation with a combination of sulphur fertilisation and amino acid mixture yields the highest quantity of volatile oil.

Analysis of chromium in Mentha piperita and the soil where it is cultivated was done. The capacity of soil for chromium immobilization and the capacity of M. piperita L., to control its uptake were analyzed by spiking the soil with standard solutions of Cr(III). For each concentration three acidity levels: natural, one unit below and one above its natural acidity (pH(2)=6, pH(1)=5 and pH(3)=7) were tested. Three-stage sequential extraction was performed (I stage: 1M ammonium-acetate, II stage: 0.1M hydroxylamine-chlorohydrate and III stage: 0.2/0.2M oxalic acid/ammonium-oxalate mixture). The chromium content in the extracts was obtained after the measurements by GFAAS. The results (expressed in mgL(-1)), at pH(1), pH(2) and pH(3), respectively, were as follows: I stage: 4.64-10.93, 0.79-5.78 and 0.26-5.26; II stage: 1.14-15.99, 0.76-20.31 and 0.67-20.64; III stage: 0.67-20.64, 19.17-100.76 and 19.17-116.05. A high potential of the soil for chromium immobilization was observed. In parallel, soil and plant samples were prepared by microwave-assisted acid digestion for total chromium determination. By analysis of SRMs (NIST SRM 2711 - Montana II Soil, NIST SRM 8433 - Corn Bran and NIST SRM 1547 - Peach Leaves) good recoveries (72.7-115.3%) were obtained. Additionally, iron and manganese oxides and hydroxides were recognized as matrix components of special importance for mobility of chromium species within a soil structures so, the determination of Mn and Fe was done too., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The antipyretic and antinociceptive properties of Mentha longifolia Huds. (Lamiaceae) leaf aqueous extract were investigated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pyrexia in rats, and acetic acid and hot plate analgesia tests in mice. Pentoxifylline, paracetamol and morphine were used as standard drugs for comparison. M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract and pentoxifylline (37.5-150 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05-0.02) reduced the LPS (50 g/kg i.m.)-elicited pyrexia. Pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg i.p.) also significantly (P < 0.01) reduced LPS (50 g/kg i.m.)-induced pyrexia. M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract (6.25-100 mg/kg i.p.) and paracetamol (500 mg/kg i.p.) profoundly inhibited the writhes produced by 3% acetic acid. Furthermore, the plant extract (25-400 mg/kg i.p.) and morphine (10 mg/kg i.p.) significantly (P < 0.001) delayed the hot plate reaction time in mice. The LD(50) values for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plant extract were > 3200 mg/kg and 1730 mg/kg, respectively. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides and triterpene steroids in the leaves of M. longifolia. These data indicate that M. longifolia leaf aqueous extract has antipyretic and antinociceptive properties. Furthermore, the relatively high LD(50) values obtained for oral and intraperitoneal administration of the plant extract demonstrate that the plant extract is non-toxic to mice., (Copyright 2009 Prous Science, S.A.U. or its licensors. All rights reserved.)

The plants grown in seleniferous soils constitute a major source of toxic selenium levels in the food chain of animals and human beings. Greenhouse and field experiments were conducted to study selenium concentrations of weeds, forages and cereals grown on seleniferous soils located between 31.0417 degrees to 31.2175 degrees N and 76.1363 degrees to 76.4147 degrees E in northwestern India. Eleven winter season (November-April) weed plants were grown in the greenhouse in a soil treated with different levels of selenate-Se. Selenium concentrations of weed plants increased progressively with the levels of selenate-Se in soil. The highest Se concentration was recorded by Silene gallica (246 mgkg(-1)) and the lowest by Avena ludoviciana (47 mgkg(-1)) at 2.5 mg Sekg(-1) soil. A.ludoviciana and Spergula arvensis proved highly tolerant to the presence of 1.25 and 2.5 mg selenate-Sekg(-1) soil and the remaining weeds were sensitive to Se. Dry matter yield of Se-sensitive weed plants was 25 to 62% of the yield in the no-Se control at 1.25mg selenate-Sekg(-1) and 6 to 40% at 2.5mg selenate-Sekg(-1) soil. Other symptoms like change in leaf colour and size, burning of leaf tips and margins, and delayed flowering were also observed due to Se. Dry matter yield of Se-sensitive weed plants expressed as percentage of yield in the no-Se control at both the Se levels was inversely correlated with their Se content (r=-0.731, p<0.01, N=17). Among the weed plants grown in seleniferous soils under field situations, Mentha longifolia accumulated the highest Se (365 mgkg(-1)) and Phalaris minor the lowest (34 mgkg(-1)). Among agricultural crops grown on a naturally contaminated soil in the greenhouse, Se concentrations were the highest for oilseed crops (19-29 mgkg(-1)), followed by legumes (6-13 mgkg(-1)) and cereals (2-18 mgkg(-1)). Helianthus annuus among the oilseed crops, A.ludoviciana among the winter season weeds, M.longifolia among the summer season (May-October) weeds and Cirsium arvense among the perennial weeds can be used for phytoremediation of seleniferous soils as these accumulate the highest amounts of Se.

Pulegone constitutes a monoterpene occurring in Mentha species and primarily in Mentha pulegium L. (pennyroyal). A major source of human exposure to pulegone is the use of pennyroyal essential oil in flavorings, confectionery and cosmetics. The rapid quantification of pulegone in hydrodistilled pennyroyal oils (which were also "spiked" to increase the validation range) by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) combined with partial least-squares (PLS) regression was evaluated, using the spectral region 1650-1260 cm(-1). Gas chromatography was applied as the reference method for pennyroyal oil samples, which ranged in pulegone content from 157 to 860 mg/mL. The two methods were subjected to statistical tests and proved equivalent in terms of accuracy and reproducibility (99% confidence level). The use of FT-IR spectroscopy could offer a viable alternative to the standard analysis procedures presently applied for quantification of valuable plant substances and could also provide the processing industry with a simple and high-throughput technique for the fast quality check of incoming raw materials such as pennyroyal oils.

* Author for correspondence and reprint requests Z. Naturforsch. 64c, 809-812 (2009); received May 7/July 23, 2009 Menthalactone, a new long-chain alkene with a bicyclic lactone moiety, was isolated as an analgesic constituent from the leaves of Mentha cordifolia Opiz. At a dosage of 100 mg/ kg mouse, it decreased the number of squirms induced by acetic acid by 67.3%. Statistical analysis using Kruskall Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks showed that menthalac-tone is different from the solvent control at alpha = 0.01 and approximates the analgesic activity of mefenamic acid at 0.001 level of significance.

The study was aimed to investigate essential oil chemical composition (gas chromatography/flame ionization detection [GC-FID] and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry [GC-MS]) and antioxidant (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate [ABTS] assays) and antimicrobial (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi, and yeast) activities of essential oils extracted from leaves of Mentha longifolia L. and Mentha viridis. GC-MS analysis revealed that M. longifolia was constituted by pulegone (54.41%) as a major component followed by isomenthone (12.02%), 1,8-cineole (7.41%), borneol (6.85%), and piperitenone oxide (3.19%). M. viridis was rich in carvone (50.47%), 1,8-cineole (9.14%), and limonene (4.87%). The antioxidant activity by ABTS assay showed IC(50) values of 476.3 +/- 11.7 and 195.1 +/- 4.2 mg/L for M. longifolia and M. viridis, respectively, the DPPH assays have resulted in a moderate IC(50) (>8000 mg/L and 3476.3 +/- 133 mg/L for M. longifolia and M. viridis, respectively). Antimicrobial activity showed that Listeria monocytogenes and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria were more inhibited by the 2 essential oils tested. Escherichia coli was least susceptible. A strong activity was also observed on fungi and yeasts. Carvone, thymol, and piperitone oxide have not been detected in Tunisian M. longifolia. Camphor is reported for the 1st time for M. viridis. Antioxidant and antibacterial activities were correlated to chemical composition.

The optimal conditions of total flavonoids extraction from Mentha spicata were identified by orthogonal test. The results showed that the ethanol concentration and the ultrasonic time had significant effect on the extraction of total flavonoids and the optimum conditions of extraction were A3B3C1D1, which were as follows: the ethanol concentration was 50%, the ultrasonic time was 40 min, the solid-liquid ratio was 1 g: 50 mL and the temperature of extraction was 60 degrees C, On the basis of the extracting method above, the content of total flavonoids in Mentha spicata was 0.0951 mg/mg. The linear equation was A = 11.51143C - 0.00029, r = 0.9999. This method is simple, quick and accurate with good prosperity.

Using pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging, we have performed an in vivo evaluation of the secretory response induced by essential oils in the rat airway. Aim of the work was to establish a computerized method to assess the efficacy of volatile compounds in spatially localized areas without the bias derived by subjective evaluation. Magnetic resonance experiments were carried out using a 4.7 T horizontal magnet. In the trachea, airway surface fluid was easily identified for its high intensity signal. The tracheal glands were also easily visible. The oesophageal lumen was usually collapsed and was identifiable only in the presence of intraluminal liquid. Scotch pine essential oil inhalation significantly increased the surface fluid in the middle portion of the trachea and the increase was visible at both 5 and 10 min. A lesser secretory response was detected after rosemary essential oil inhalation even though the response was significant with respect to the control in particular at 10 min. No secretory response was detected after peppermint essential oil inhalation both at 5 and 10 min. The data obtained in the present work demonstrate a chemically induced airway secretion. The availability of a pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging approach opens new perspectives to test the action of volatile compounds on the airway.

Mentha x villosa Huds (Labiatae) is an aromatic herb widely used in folk medicine. Since the essential oil of the herb has many pharmacological activities, including antispasmodic effects, we determined whether the oil and its major constituent, piperitenone oxide (PO), have antinociceptive activity. The essential oil of M. x villosa (EOMV) and PO administered orally at 200 mg/kg (vehicle: 0.1% Tween 80 in water) significantly reduced the writhings induced by acetic acid from control values of 59.5 +/- 3.1 s (N = 10) to 31.9 +/- 2.8 s (N = 10) and 23.8 +/- 3.4 s (N = 10), respectively. When administered at 100 and 200 mg/kg, EOMV reduced the paw licking time for the second phase of the formalin test from the control value of 20.6 +/- 2.1 s (N = 13) to 5.3 +/- 2.2 s (N = 12) and 2.7 +/- 1.2 s (N = 18), respectively. At 100 and 200 mg/kg, PO reduced this second phase to 8.3 +/- 2.7 s (N = 12) and 3.0 +/- 1.2 s (N = 10), respectively. This effect of EOMV and PO was not reversed by naloxone. EOMV and PO had no significant effect on the first phase of the formalin test. As evaluated by the hot-plate and tail immersion test, EOMV and PO, at doses up to 200 mg/kg, showed no analgesic activity. These results show that EOMV and PO have antinociceptive activity and suggest that this effect is probably an indirect anti-inflammatory effect, which does not involve the central nervous system.

The chemical composition of the essential oil from cornmint (Mentha canadensis L.) was analyzed by GC/FID and GC-MS. The main constituents were menthol (41.2%) and menthone (20.4%). It was established that cornmint oil had antiradical activity with respect to the DPPH and hydroxyl (OH*) radicals. The concentrations necessary for 50% neutralization of the respective radicals (IC50) were 365.0 microg/mL for DPPH and 0.3 microg/mL for OH*, which was indicative that the antioxidant activity in terms of OH* was higher than that of quercetin. Cornmint oil chelated the Fe3+ ions present in the solution. The oil demonstrated antioxidant activity in a linoleic acid emulsion model system, where at 0.1% concentration it inhibited the formation of conjugated dienes by 57.1% and the generation of secondary oxidized products of linoleic acid by 76.1%.

Background: Mentha longifolia L. (Lamiaceae) leaves have been traditionally implemented in the treatment of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation by the indigenous people of Iraq, although the compounds responsible for the medicinal properties have not been identified. In the present study, an antimicrobial compound was isolated and characterized, and its biological activity was assessed., Methods: The compound was isolated and characterized from the extracted essential oil using different spectral techniques: TLC, FTIR spectra and HPLC. Antimicrobial activity of the compound was assessed using both disc diffusion and microdilution method in 96 multi-well microtiter plates., Results: A known compound was isolated from the essential oil of the plant and was identified as (-) menthol. The isolated compound was investigated for its antimicrobial activity against seven selected pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus pyogenis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the yeast Candida albicans. Menthol at different concentrations (1:1, 1:5, 1:10, 1:20) was active against all tested bacteria except for P. aeruginosa, and the highest inhibitory effect was observed against S. mutans (zone of inhibition: 25.3 mm) using the disc diffusion method. Minimal inhibitory concentration MIC values ranged from 15.6-125.0 microg/ml, and the most promising results were observed against S. aureus and S. mutans (MIC 15.6 microg/ml) while, S. faecalis, S. pyogenis and L. acidophilus ranked next (MIC 31.2 microg/ml). Furthermore, menthol achieved considerable antifungal activity against the yeast C. albicans (zone of inhibition range: 7.1-18.5 mm; MIC: 125.0)., Conclusion: The isolation of an antimicrobial compound from M. longifolia leaves validates the use of this plant in the treatment of minor sore throat and minor mouth or throat irritation.

Food safety is a fundamental concern of both consumers and the food industry. The increasing incidence of foodborne diseases increases the demand of using antimicrobials in foods. Spices and plants are rich in essential oils and show inhibition activity against microorganisms, which are composed of many compounds. In this research, effects of garlic, bay, black pepper, origanum, orange, thyme, tea tree, mint, clove, and cumin essential oils on Listeria monocytogenes AUFE 39237, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Proteus mirabilis AUFE 43566, Bacillus cereus AUFE 81154, Saccharomyces uvarum UUFE 16732, Kloeckera apiculata UUFE 10628, Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Candida oleophila UUPP 94365, and Metschnikowia fructicola UUPP 23067 and effects of thyme oil at a concentration of 0.5% on L. monocytogenes and C. albicans in apple-carrot juice during +4 degrees C storage (first to fifth day) were investigated. Strong antibacterial and antifungal activities of some essential oils were found. Thyme, origanum, clove, and orange essential oils were the most inhibitory against bacteria and yeasts. Cumin, tea tree, and mint oils inhibited the yeasts actively. It is concluded that some essential oils could be used as potential biopreservatives capable of controlling foodborne pathogens and food spoilage yeasts.

Mentha spicata Linn. (mint), a herb well known for its gastroprotective properties in the traditional system of medicine has been shown to protect against radiation-induced lethality, and recently its constituents have been found to possess calcium channel antagonizing properties. The present study examined the behavioral radioprotective efficacy of mint oil (obtained from Mentha spicata), particularly in mitigating radiation-induced conditioned taste aversion (CTA), which has been proposed as a behavioral endpoint that is mediated by the toxic effects of gamma radiation on peripheral systems, primarily the gastrointestinal system in the Sprague-Dawley rat model. Intraperitoneal administration of Mentha spicata oil 10% (v/v), 1 h before 2 Gy gamma radiation, was found to render significant radioprotection against CTA (p < 0.05), by blocking the saccharin avoidance response within 5 post-treatment observational days, with the highest saccharin intake being observed on day 5. This finding clearly demonstrates that gastroprotective and calcium channel antagonizing properties of Mentha spicata can be effectively utilized in preventing radiation-induced behavioral changes., (Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

The potential antifungal effects of Thymus vulgaris L., Thymus tosevii L., Mentha spicata L., and Mentha piperita L. (Labiatae) essential oils and their components against 17 micromycetal food poisoning, plant, animal and human pathogens are presented. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodestillation of dried plant material. Their composition was determined by GC-MS. Identification of individual constituents was made by comparison with analytical standards, and by computer matching mass spectral data with those of the Wiley/NBS Library of Mass Spectra. MIC's and MFC's of the oils and their components were determined by dilution assays. Thymol (48.9%) and p-cymene (19.0%) were the main components of T. vulgaris, while carvacrol (12.8%), a-terpinyl acetate (12.3%), cis-myrtanol (11.2%) and thymol (10.4%) were dominant in T. tosevii. Both Thymus species showed very strong antifungal activities. In M. piperita oil menthol (37.4%), menthyl acetate (17.4%) and menthone (12.7%) were the main components, whereas those of M. spicata oil were carvone (69.5%) and menthone (21.9%). Mentha sp. showed strong antifungal activities, however lower than Thymus sp. The commercial fungicide, bifonazole, used as a control, had much lower antifungal activity than the oils and components investigated. It is concluded that essential oils of Thymus and Mentha species possess great antifungal potential and could be used as natural preservatives and fungicides.

In this study, antifungal activity of some essential oils, extracted from Syzygium aromoticum, Foeniculum vulgare, Cuminum cyminum and Mentha piperita were investigated against grey mould of apple. The essential oils of S. aromaticum and F. vulgare showed considerable antifungal activities on PDA medium against Botrytis cinerea. Results indicated that the increasing of dosage of the essential oils caused to the more antifungal activity against B. cinerea in vitro condition. After 10 days, results showed that the essential oil of F. vulgare in both of the concentrations (750 and 1000 microL/L) was more effective than the essential oil of S. aromaticum against grey mould of apple and decrease the disease up to 15.5% in comparison with the check treatment (100%). After 20 days, biocontrol potential of the essential oils of S. aromaticum and F. vulgare at 1000 microL/L were more effective than the other treatments and the percentage of disease was evaluated 41.6% and 50.8%, respectively, in comparison with the check treatment (100%).

Rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from the essential oil of the leaves of Mentha x villosa, is a constituent of several essential oils and known to have spasmolytic activity. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between structure and spasmolytic activity of rotundifolone and its analogues in ileum isolated from guinea-pig. Five of the seven tested analogues were found to have a spasmolytic effect more potent than rotundifolone itself, except for pulegone and (+)-limonene. The comparison between rotundifolone and limonene oxide showed that the absence of the keto group did not decrease the relaxant effect. Comparison of the spasmolytic activity between rotundifolone and (+)-pulegone showed that the absence of the epoxy group did not decrease the relaxation of the ileum. Carvone epoxide was found to be significantly more potent than rotundifolone. The monoterpene (-)-carvone produced ileum relaxation and was more potent than its enantiomer (+)-carvone. (+)-Limonene and pulegone oxide showed a similar effect. The study showed that the functional groups and their position at the ring of rotundifolone contributed to the relaxation activity of the ileum. The absence of the oxygenated molecular structure is not a critical requirement for the molecule to be bioactive.

The antimicrobial and biofilm formation preventive properties of Mentha piperita and Rosmarinus officinalis essential oils and chlorhexidine were assessed against Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus pyogenes. 26 and 20 compounds were identified by GC and GC-MS analysis in hydrodistilled oils from M. piperita and R. officinalis, respectively. The minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBC) of the M. piperita and R. officinalis oils and chlorhexidine were (6000, 2000, 8000 ppm) and (1000, 4000, 1000 ppm) for S. mutans and S. pyogenes, respectively. The decimal reduction time (D) of S. mutans exposed to the oils at their MBC levels was 2.8 min while chlorhexidine showed a longer time. The D values of S. pyogenes on exposure to the MBC levels of M. piperita and R. officinalis oils and of chlorhexidine were 2.14, 4.28 and 2.8 min, indicating a higher efficacy of M. piperita oil. Biofilm formation was performed by growing S. mutans culture with and without essential oils in LB medium in polystyrene tubes. In vitro biofilm inhibitory properties were in the order M. piperita > R. officinalis > chlorhexidine. In vivo experiments on the antibiofilm properties revealed that all concentrations of the oils were significantly (p < 0.001) more effective than chlorhexidine. In conclusion, essential oils may be considered as safe agents in the development of novel antibiofilm agents.

The total phenolic and flavonoid content of the aerial parts of five aromatic plants harvested at different periods was estimated, and their antioxidant capacity was evaluated. Major phenolic compounds present in their extracts were determined by RP-HPLC. The results demonstrated different amounts of total phenolic compounds and various degrees of antioxidant activity depending on the plant species, the time of harvest, and the drying method employed. Extracts from air-dried Mentha viridis L., Origanum majorana L., and Rosmarinus officinalis L. demonstrated the greatest efficacy during the flowering stage, in which the identified flavonoids were found in significantly higher amounts, whereas phenolic acids were found in their lowest concentration. Extracts from air-dried Laurus nobilis L. and Foeniculum vulgare Mill were less efficient in terms of antioxidant activity, with the highest values being observed during the early fruiting stage. This stage was characterized by the lowest flavonoid content and high phenolic acid content, except for L. nobilis L. extracts. Overall, the amount of identified phenolic acids did not vary considerably within the investigated year. The total phenolic concentration in all plant extracts decreased significantly when freeze-dried rather than air-dried samples were used. The HPLC analysis further supported the above for most of the phenolic compounds present in the extracts, except for hydroxybenzoic acids, which were better retained during the freeze-drying process.

Aims of the Study: To isolate the compound(s) responsible for the MAO-inhibitory activity., Materials and Methods: Six extracts of varying polarity of Mentha aquatica L. were tested in a photometric peroxidase linked MAO bioassay. The 70% ethanol extract had highest inhibitory activity. (S)-Naringenin was isolated from the extract by bioassay guided fractionation on VLC and preparative TLC. The structure of the compound was determined by (1)H, (13)C and (13)C-DEPT NMR and optical rotation., Results: The IC(50) values for MAO inhibition by naringenin were 342+/-33 microM for the rat liver mitochondrial fraction, 955+/-129 microM for MAO-A and 288+/-18 microM for MAO-B., Conclusions: The content of naringenin in Mentha aquatica might explain its use in traditional medicine for depression-like conditions.

A new process design and operation for the extraction of essential oils was developed. Microwave hydrodiffusion and gravity (MHG) is a combination of microwaves for hydrodiffusion of essential oils from the inside to the exterior of biological material and earth gravity to collect and separate. MHG is performed at atmospheric pressure without adding any solvent or water. MHG has been compared with a conventional technique, hydrodistillation (HD), for the extraction of essential oil from two aromatic herbs: spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.) belonging to the Labiatae family. The essential oils extracted by MHG for 15 min were quantitatively (yield) and qualitatively (aromatic profile) similar to those obtained by conventional hydrodistillation for 90 min. MHG also prevents pollution through potential 90% of energy saved which can lead to greenhouse gas emission benefits.

The high photon flux at third-generation synchrotron sources can inflict significant primary radiation damage upon macromolecular crystals, even when the crystals are cryocooled. However, specific radiation-induced structural changes can be exploited for de novo phasing by an approach known as radiation damage-induced phasing (RIP). Here, RIP and single-wavelength anomalous dispersion (SAD) phasing were alternatively used to derive experimental phases to 1.2 A resolution for crystals of an alpha-helical 18-residue peptide, MINTS, which was derived from the neurotoxin apamin and the palladium-bound structure of which is now reported. Helix formation is induced by the binding of palladium (or copper) to two histidines spaced four residues apart, while two disulfide bonds tether the N-terminal helix to the C-terminal loop-like part of the peptide. Either RIP or SAD phasing of the palladium-bound and copper-bound forms of MINTS, which crystallized in different space groups, resulted in density maps of superb quality. Surprisingly, RIP phasing of the metal-bound complex structures of MINTS was a consequence of differential radiation damage, resting primarily on the reduction of the disulfide bonds in Pd-MINTS and on depletion of the metal sites in Cu-MINTS. Its miniprotein-like characteristics, versatile metal-binding properties and ease of crystallization suggest MINTS to be a convenient test specimen for methods development in crystallographic phasing based on either synchrotron or in-house X-ray diffraction data.

This work analyzed the effects of the aqueous crude extracts of Artemisia absinthium L., Lippia sp., Bryophyllum sp., Solidago microglossa DC, Cymbopogon citratus DC and Mentha x villosa HUDSON on the osmotic stability of human erythrocytes. Hemolysis was monitored by measurement of absorbance at 540 nm following addition of erythrocytes to NaCl solutions of varying concentration. Absorbance was fitted to sigmoid regression curves given by the Boltzmann equation, and hemolysis was characterized by the NaCl concentration leading to lysis of 50% of cells (H(50)), and by the intensity (H) and the amplitude (dS) of the lysis effect. The parameters were determined in the absence and presence of the crude extracts. The extracts of Artemisia absinthium, Lippia sp., C. citratus and M. villosa protected human erythrocytes against hypotonic shock, as evidenced by a decrease in the values of H and H(50) compared to the control solution (p<0.05). The extracts of Bryophyllum sp. and S. microglossa enhanced hemolysis, since their H(50) values were higher than in the control group (p<0.05), but they also showed protective effects, as evidenced by a decrease in H and an increase in dS.

The use of mint species in traditional and conventional medicine is mostly due to the presence of two classes of secondary bimolecules: monoterpenoids in essential oils and different structural types of phenolic compounds. Essential oils are known to act as antimicrobial, antispasmodic, carminative, and antiviral agents. In addition, essential oils of several mint species have been recently qualified as natural antioxidants. However, since oil composition is highly variable, the pharmacological activity strongly depends on certain chemorace. On the contrary, composition of phenolic constituents is relatively stable within species. The most important phenolic compounds in Mentha species are flavonoids. Mints are characterized by the presence of specific lipophilic flavonoids. Phenolic compounds of mints are found to poses a wide range of pharmacological activity: antioxidant, antiulcer, cytoprotective, heptoprotective, cholagogue, chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetogenic etc. However, besides healing properties some mint species can exhibit an adverse effect on human health. Here we report on botany, chemistry and activity of Mentha species with special respect to their significance for the modern phytotherapy.

Background: This is the first report testing the antibiotic resistance-modifying activity of Mentha arvensis., Methods: In this study an ethanol extract of M. arvensis L. and chlorpromazine were tested for their antimicrobial activity alone or in combination with conventional antibiotics against strains of Escherichia coli., Results: The growth of two E. coli strains tested was not inhibited by the extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericide concentration values were >or=1 mg/ml for both strains of E. coli used. A potentiating effect of this extract on gentamicin was demonstrated. Similarly, there was a potentiating effect of chlorpromazine on kanamycin, amikacin and tobramycin, indicating the involvement of an efflux system in the resistance to these aminoglycosides., Conclusions: It is therefore suggested that extracts from M. arvensis could be used as a source of plant-derived natural products with resistance-modifying activity, such as in the case of gentamicin, constituting a new weapon against bacterial resistance to antibiotics, as with chlorpromazine., ((c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The study reports the effects on volatiles of an endophytic fungus inhabiting asymptomatically the leaves of peppermint. By means of headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gaschromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) terpenoids were sampled in time course from the head space of peppermint leaves and roots. After removal of the mycelium from peppermint tissues, fungal volatiles were analyzed and compared with those of pure fungal cultures. In the presence of the endophyte, the relative amount of all main compounds increased in leaves. Starting from the first 14 d of culture, (-)-menthone and (+)-neomenthol were consistently higher than in control plants. On the contrary, (+)-menthofuran increased only by 28 d of culture. Root volatiles were also dramatically altered by the presence of the fungus, with (+)-pulegone accounting for at least 44% of the total volatile emission. (+)-Pulegone was also the main compound of PGP-HSF mycelium isolated from peppermint roots. The sesquiterpenoid cuparene was found as a novel compound of peppermint leaf headspace and was a main volatile of ex planta and pure culture mycelia. The chemical spectrum of terpenoids and their distribution among peppermint roots, leaves, and mycelia are likely to account for a fine regulation of the mutualism in planta and for the acquisition by the fungus of novel metabolic competences.

The classical methods of chromatographic identification of compounds were based on calculation of retention indices by using different stationary phases. The aim of the work was to differentiate essential oils extracted from different plant species by identification of some of their major compounds. The method of identification was based on the calculation of new retention indices of essential oils compounds fractionated on a polar chromatographic column with temperature programming system. Similar chromatograms have been obtained on the same column for one plant family with two different temperature gradients allowing the rapid identification of essential oils of different species, sub-species or chemotypes of Citrus, Mentha and Thymus.

The herbs of the "mint" group traded in the herbal market of Thessaloniki include eight taxa, members of two genera, Acinos (two species) and Mentha (four species and two hybrids). The essential oil content of 72 samples examined ranged from traces up to 1.69ml/100g of dry weight. Besides three almost scentless samples, the different "mints" are distinguished according to their prominent smell differences, i.e. samples with a pungent, musty and sweet type of smell. As a result, the commercial names attributed to them correspond to a particular type of smell and not to a particular taxon. A number of 29 medicinal uses were recorded in total. In most cases uses were not associated with particular taxa but were rather determined by plant smells. A literature survey has shown that the "mints" traded in Thessaloniki are also used as herbal medicines all over the Mediterranean area, with 67 different therapeutic uses. Among them the 22 uses, already mentioned by Dioscurides, show that the utilization of "mints" as herbal medicines in the Mediterranean countries has a long tradition.

Background: Piperitone from plant essential oils enhancesbactericidal activities of nitrofurantoin and furazolidone against bacteria from the family Enterobacteriaceae. In this study, the essential oils of spearmint (Mentha spicata L.), dill (Anethum graveolens L.) and peppermint (Mentha piperita L.)were screened for augmentation of nitrofurantoin activity and the most active components were determined., Method: The effects of essential oils and their components on the bactericidal activity of nitrofurantoin against Enterobacter cloacae were studied using disk-diffusion and agar-dilution methods. The composition of essential oils was studied using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry., Results: M. spicata and A. graveolens oils exhibited the highest effects. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the oils of these two plants contained 40.12 and 20.32% carvone, respectively. Pure carvone and piperitone equally increased the bactericidal activity of nitrofurantoin. Other ingredients of essential oils, including camphor, limonene and menthone, were less effective., (Copyright 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts obtained from nine plant species from seven families selected depending on their use in Turkish folk medicine, including Citrillus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. (seed), Jasminum fruticans L. (branches), Juniperus drupacea Labill. (fruits), Juniperus nana L. (fruit and leaves), Juniperus oxcycedrus L (fruit and leaves), Mentha longifolia L. (herba), Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Richt. (fruits), Plantago lanceolata L. (leaves), and Zea mays L. (seed) were evaluated for their in vivo anthelmintic activity. Among the plant extracts studied, both ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Jasminum fruticans, Mentha longifolia and Pinus nigra ssp. pallasiana, the aqueous extracts of Zea mays, the ethanolic extracts of Citrillus lanatus, Juniperus drupacea (fruit), Juniperus oxcycedrus and Plantago lanceolata displayed significant anthelmintic activity against pinworms, Syphacia obvelata and Aspiculuris tetraptera, in mice. Rest of the extracts from plants did not show any remarkable anthelmintic activity. The results were considered significant at p<0.05.

We have studied a sedative tea made of Valerianae radix (Valeriana officinalis L.), Lupuli strobuli (Humulus lupulus L.), Melissae folium (Melissa officinalis L.) and Menthae piperitae folium (Mentha piperita L.). In order to identify the constituent drugs a method was established involving amplification of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA on the basis of restriction analysis and real-time PCR. ITS regions of individual drugs were amplified and sequenced. Restriction analysis was performed with selected restriction endonucleases Nae I, PshA I and Xcm I. Real-time PCR was carried out, using primers specifically designed for each individual herbal drug. Real-time PCR proved to be a method for identifying individual herbal drugs in a tea mixture with a single DNA extraction in a single PCR run, since its limit of detection is lower than that for restriction analysis.

Objective: To determine the dynamic change of total flavonoids and its main aglycone and glycoside content in Mentha haplocalyx Briq., Methods: Using UV-VIS spectrum and HPLC method for the total flavonoids and its aglycone and glycoside., Results: The accumulation of flavonoids showed a regular pattern., Conclusion: The contents of total flavonoids and its main aglycone and glycoside are highest in the traditional harvesting time.

Two new N-acylsphingosines (ceramides) named longifoamide A {6'-tetracosenamide, (6'-Z)-N-[2,3-dihydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)octadecyl]} and B {6'-tetracosenamide, (6'-Z)-N-[2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)octadecyl]} were isolated from a methanol extract of Mentha longifolia. Both ceramides were characterized with the aid of 1D and 2DNMR spectroscopic techniques and high resolution mass spectrometry.

Two new N-acyl-glycosphingosines (cerebrosides) named longifoside-A {6'-tetracosenamide, N-[3,4-dihydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl) heptadecyl]-(6'E)} and B {6'-tetracosenamide, N-[3-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)-2-(beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-4Z-heptadecenyl]-(6'E)} have been obtained from the methanolic extract of Mentha longifolia belonging to the family Lamiaceae. Both the cerebrosides were purified as their acetate-derivatives: 6'-tetracosenamide, N-[3,4-diacetoxy-1-(acetoxymethyl)-2-(tetraacetoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl) heptadecyl]-(6'E) and 6'-tetracosenamide, N-[3-acetoxy-1-(acetoxymethyl)-2-(tetraacetoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-4Z-heptadecenyl]-(6'E). They were characterized with the aid of 1D and sophisticated 2D-NMR spectroscopic techniques.

Fresh and dried mint leaves Mentha piperita (peppermint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint) were extracted in two different ways and the extracts investigated by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. All the ethanolic extracts prepared with Soxhlet apparatus were used in the identification of monomenthyl succinate as previously reported. The highest level was found in fresh spearmint leaves. The analysis of the extractions, prepared under mild conditions using a fluorinated solvent (HFC 134-a), confirmed the natural occurrence of monomenthyl succinate in the leaves, ruling out the hypothesis that this constituent could be an artifact of the Soxhlet extraction process. A method for identifying this compound in such a fluorinated solvent extract of mint leaf using preliminary esterification with diazomethane and then GC-MS is described.

Mint, belonging to the genus Mentha in the family Labiatae (Lamiaceae) is pungent in taste with post digestive effects and hot potency. Ten samples of mint leaves, collected from four different locations in North-West parts of India (Roorkee, Dehradun, Baghpat and Uttarkashi) were analysed for seven minor (Al, Na, K, Ca, Cl, Mg, and P) and 20 trace (As, Au, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, La, Mn, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Th and Zn) elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). Also Ni, Cu and Cd were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Samples along with reference materials (RMs) and synthetic primary standard were irradiated at approximately 10(13) n cm-2s-1 and its gamma-activity was measured using HPGe detector and MCA system. Most elements were found in widely varying amounts depending on the location, e.g. Na (0.21-0.86 mg/g), K (12.4-53.3 mg/g) and Ca (5.82-16.8 mg/g) whereas mean contents of other nutrient elements in mint were: Fe (108+/-22 microg/g), Mg (4.83+/-0.92 mg/g), Mn (53.5+/-9.6 microg/g), P (3.88+/-0.94 mg/g), Cu (16.9+/-1.8 microg/g), Zn (21.0+/-4.7 microg/g) and Se (0.18+/-0.03 microg/g). Further, DPPH free radical scavenging activity test in diethyl ether extract showed 100% activity at approximately 40 microg/L suggesting it to be antioxidant in accordance with literature reports.

Inhibitory effect of clove oil on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Shigella dysenteriae and Candida albicans was detected. Mint ether oil had the high antibacterial action on S. aureus, however against other microorganisms mint oil had a reliably low effect then clove oil. Fennel oil had high antibacterial effect on C. albicans, and bactericidal action on S. typhimurium and S. dysenteriae.

Objective: To promote its comprehensive utilization, the involatile constituents of Mentha haplocalyx were studied systematically., Method: The chemical components were isolated and purified by silca gel column chromatography and recrystallization. The chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physico-chemical properties and spectral data., Result: Eight compounds were isolated and identified as: acacetin (I), tilianine (II), linarin (III), n-butyl-beta-D-fructopyranoside (IV), ursolic acid (V), oleanolic acid (VI), beta-sitosterol (VII), daucosterol (VIII)., Conclusion: Compounds I approximately V were obtained from this plant for the first time.

Plant shoot tips do not survive exposure to liquid nitrogen temperatures without cryoprotective treatments. Some cryoprotectant solutions, such as plant vitrification solution 2 (PVS2), dehydrate cells and decrease lethal ice formation, but the extent of dehydration and the effect on water freezing properties are not known. We examined the effect of a PVS2 cryoprotection protocol on the water content and phase behavior of mint and garlic shoot tips using differential scanning calorimetry. The temperature and enthalpy of water melting transitions in unprotected and recovering shoot tips were comparable to dilute aqueous solutions. Exposure to PVS2 changed the behavior of water in shoot tips: enthalpy of melting transitions decreased to about 40 J g H2O(-1) (compared to 333 J g H2O(-1) for pure H2O), amount of unfrozen water increased to approximately 0.7 g H2O g dry mass(-1) (compared to approximately 0.4 g H2Og dry mass(-1) for unprotected shoot tips), and a glass transition (T(g)) at -115 degrees C was apparent. Evaporative drying at room temperature was slower in PVS2-treated shoot tips compared to shoot tips receiving no cryoprotection treatments. We quantified the extent that ethylene glycol and dimethyl sulfoxide components permeate into shoot tips and replace some of the water. Since T(g) in PVS2-treated shoot tips occurs at -115 degrees C, mechanisms other than glass formation prevent freezing at temperatures between 0 and -115 degrees C. Protection is likely a result of controlled dehydration or altered thermal properties of intracellular water. A comparison of thermodynamic measurements for cryoprotection solutions in diverse plant systems will identify efficacy among cryopreservation protocols.

Background/aims: Iron deficiency impairs growth and psychomotor development of infants. In Morocco, infusions are introduced very early in infant diet, and could contribute to iron deficiency, due to their high polyphenol content., Methods: The availability of tea, mint and vervain infusions was assessed using an in vitro model of digestion and dialysis. Two gastric pHs were used: pH 4 as in the first week life, and pH 2.5 as in older infants. Six repetitions of each experiment were made. The total polyphenol content of infusions was measured., Results: At pH 4 and at pH 2.5, iron availability was decreased by tea and vervain, and increased by mint and ascorbic acid. At both pHs it was increased by addition of ascorbic acid to tea and vervain. In addition, at pH 2.5 it was increased by addition of ascorbic acid to mint. The highest value was observed in the presence of both ascorbic acid and mint (33.1 +/- 4.1%). In any case, iron availability was higher at pH 2.5 than at pH 4 (with single compounds or combinations with ascorbic acid). The polyphenol contents (mg/l) of tea, vervain and mint infusions were 2,236.1, 771.1, and 16.5., Conclusions: Tea and vervain infusions inhibited iron availability. In contrast, mint improved it; vitamin C helped in preventing these inhibiting properties. It could be proposed to discourage tea and vervain drinking at early weaning and to replace them by mint infusion, or at least to promote the consumption of vitamin C-rich fruit juice to counteract these inhibiting effects., (Copyright 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Behavioral sensitization, as evidenced by the progressive enhanced locomotor response to a subsequent injection of the drug, is the major behavioral outcome produced by repeated injections of nicotine, and a model for studying drug addiction. It is putatively regarded that the alteration of extracellular dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens is closely associated with nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of the essential oil from Angelica gigas NAKAI (on fragrance inhalation) on repeated nicotine-induced locomotor activity and extracellular dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens of rats using in vivo microdialysis. Rats were given repeated injections of saline or nicotine (0.4 mg/kg s.c., twice a day for 7 d), followed by one challenge injection on the 4th day after the last daily injection. Systemic challenge with nicotine (0.4 mg/kg s.c.) produced a larger increase in locomotor activity in nicotine-pretreated rats than in saline-pretreated rats. A direct local challenge of 3 mM nicotine via a microdialysis probe also induced a larger increase in dopamine release in nicotine-pretreated rats than in saline-pretreated rats. Most importantly, our results showed that inhalation of the essential oils from Angelica gigas NAKAI significantly decreased both dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens and locomotor activity induced by a nicotine challenge. These results suggest that the essential oils from Angelica gigas NAKAI inhibit nicotine-induced behavioral and neurochemical sensitization, and imply that the essential oil from Angelica gigas NAKAI may be effective in treating nicotine addiction, possibly by modulating dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Mentha haplocalyx., Method: The chemical constituents were isolated and purified with column chromatography and the structures were elucidated by spectral analysis., Result: Nine compounds were obtained and identified as emodin (I), chrysophanol (II), physcione (II), benzoic acid (IV), trans-cinnamic acid (V), beta-sitosterol (VI), aloe-emodin (VII), ursolic acid (VIII) and daucosterol (IX)., Conclusion: Compounds I, II, III, V, VII were first isolated from M. haplocalyx.