Bioactivities of Essential of Mentha Species Collected from Lower Himalaya Region of Pakistan

Abstract

Essential oils of plants are secondary metabolites that have curative and pharmaceutical effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral and insect repellent. The Mentha species are potential candidates for development of drugs due to their efficient antimicrobial, antioxidant, radical scavenging activities and reliable cytotoxicity. In the current study Mentha species (Mentha arvensis L., M. longifolia L. and M. spicata L.) were assessed for their phytochemicals. The essential oils contents by using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) and FT-IR. The antioxidant, antibacterial, cytotoxic and mosquito repellent activities of plant extracts were also determined it was observed that various Mentha extracts are good source of flavonoids, phenolic, tannins and saponins. All Mentha specie contained higher quantity of essential oils. The higher antioxidant activity of DPPH assay was found (M. spicata) as compared to ABTS and H₂O₂. Whereas higher zone of inhibition was obtained for S aures as compared to other microorganism. Whereas plant extracts have shown lower cytotoxicity. It is expected that raw materials of Mentha spp will get industrial application and might be used for preparation of drugs required for human health.