Mentha
Menta
Mentha, commonly known as mint, is a versatile genus of aromatic herbs widely celebrated for its refreshing fragrance and medicinal properties. Rich in essential oils like menthol, it is utilized globally to aid digestion, soothe respiratory issues, and provide cooling relief, making it a staple in herbal medicine and aromatherapy.
- Scientific name: Mentha
- Family: Lamiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Lamiales and the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Mentha.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Lamiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mentha | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known by various names depending on the language, is referred to as 薄荷属 in Chinese, mięta in Polish, Bozhoz in Azerbaijani, Metvica in Bosnian, and Minte in English.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 薄荷属 | Wikidata |
| pl | mięta | Wikidata |
| za | Bozhoz | Wikidata |
| bs | Metvica | Wikidata |
| ang | Minte | Wikidata |
| hu | menta | Wikidata |
| et | münt | Wikidata |
| br | Bent | Wikidata |
| el | Μέντα | Wikidata |
| am | እባን | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a notable presence across several regions within Northern Europe. Specifically, it can be found growing in the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. Its distribution extends further north into the landscapes of Finland and the island of Iceland. Additionally, the species is documented within the territory of the Føroyaar islands. Finally, the geographical reach of this medicinal plant includes the various regions of Great Britain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Føroyar | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Iceland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Svalbard | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Mentha, is a versatile medicinal species where almost every component offers therapeutic benefits. The most prominent part used in traditional and modern medicine is the lush green leaves, which serve as the primary source of its healing properties. Within these leaves, the plant synthesizes concentrated essential oils that provide its characteristic cooling aroma and potency. This aromatic oil is frequently extracted for use in topical ointments and aromatherapy to soothe digestive issues and headaches. Furthermore, a concentrated leaf extract can be derived for various pharmaceutical applications, ensuring that the entire herb is utilized to promote wellness and relief.- Total parts
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 13
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oils | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| herb | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| essential oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| aerial parts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mentha herbs | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mentha extract | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mentha | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Mentha has 34 reported phytochemicals identified across 40 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include menthol, luteolin, menthone, rosmarinic acid, terpenoids.
- Total chemicals
- 34
- Scientific sources
- 40
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| menthol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| luteolin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| menthone | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rosmarinic acid | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| terpenoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Bax | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| IL-6 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| IL-8 | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Rosmarinic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| TNF | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Mentha has 12 reported activities identified across 16 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antiallergic, Anticancer, Antidiabetic.
- Total activities
- 12
- Scientific sources
- 16
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antigiardial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antitumor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mentha has 31 reported medicinal uses identified across 34 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include gastrointestinal disorders, bronchitis, Candida albicans, Cardiovascular Diseases, Giardia duodenalis.
- Total uses
- 31
- Scientific sources
- 34
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| gastrointestinal disorders | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| bronchitis | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Cardiovascular Diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Giardia duodenalis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Mycobacterium Tuberculosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Varroa destructor | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| abdominal pain | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| anxiety | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |