Clinopodium mexicanum

Clinopodium mexicanum, commonly known as Mexican mint or Mexican pennyroyal, is a versatile medicinal herb native to various regions. Renowned for its aromatic leaves, this plant offers potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. It is traditionally utilized in folk medicine to treat digestive ailments, respiratory issues, and inflammatory skin conditions.

  • Scientific name: Clinopodium mexicanum
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae, it is classified under the genus Clinopodium.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Clinopodium WCVP

Common Names

This plant, Clinopodium mexicanum, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In Spanish, it is commonly referred to as menta de campo or menta silvestre, while in English, it is often called Mexican mint or field mint. In Nahuatl, one of the indigenous languages of Mexico, it is known as xochicuitlatl.
Language Common Name Source

Distribution

This plant is widely distributed across several diverse regions throughout the country of Mexico. It can be found growing within the central territories of Mexico Central. Its presence extends into the various landscapes of Mexico Northeast as well. Furthermore, the species is documented inhabiting the coastal and inland areas of Mexico Gulf. Finally, its range reaches into the expansive southern territories of Mexico Southwest and Mexico Southeast.

Region Area Source
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Clinopodium mexicanum, utilizes its leaves as a primary component in its medicinal profile. These leaves, which typically exhibit a characteristic aromatic scent, contain the essential bioactive compounds responsible for the plant's therapeutic properties. In various traditional practices, the leaves are harvested and processed to extract these beneficial elements, serving as the central part of the plant used for healing purposes.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Clinopodium mexicanum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include isonaringenin, neoponcirin, poncirin.

Total chemicals
3
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
isonaringenin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neoponcirin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
poncirin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Clinopodium mexicanum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Analgesic, Sedative.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Sedative 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Clinopodium mexicanum has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include analgesic, convulsions, sedative, seizures, sleep.

Total uses
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
analgesic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
convulsions 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sedative 1 ★☆☆☆☆
seizures 1 ★☆☆☆☆
sleep 1 ★☆☆☆☆