Description-
Peppermint oil is derived from peppermint plant, scientifically known as Mentha piperita, originated in Europe & North America and also well grown in Italy, U.S.A, Japan and Britain. It grows up to 1 meter and has slightly hairy leaves with pinkish flowers. Peppermint plant (Mentha piperita) is hybrid of watermint (M. aquatica) and spearmint (M. spicata).
Extraction-
Peppermint oil is extracted from dried or fresh leaves and flowering plant by steam distillation using alcohol.
Composition-
Its major composition is Menthol and Menthone and other constituents are 1, 8- Cineole, Limonene, β-Pinene and β-Caryophyllene.
Properties-
Peppermint oil appears clear to pale yellow in color. It is fresh and sharp in odor and slightly pungent in taste. It is watery in viscosity. Peppermint oil is analgesic, anesthetic, expectorant
Blending-
Peppermint oil is nicely blends with benzoin, eucalyptus, lavender, marjoram, lemon and rosemary.
Uses-
- It is used as flavoring in foods and beverages such as baked goods, desserts & candy canes, mint & peppermint patties and liquors or energy drinks.
- It is used to fragrance soap and cosmetics.
- It is used in aromatherapy because of its cooling and refreshing effect so it stimulate mind.
- It helps in alleviate nausea, vomiting, morning sickness.
- It gives cooling sensation and a calming effect on body as it relieves in sore muscles.
- It reduces stomach aches, headache and also provide ease in sinus, chest congestion, spastic colon, migraine.
- It is used as natural energizer as it improves mental focus and concentration. It is used in formulation of shampoo and conditioners as it stimulate scalp.
- It is used in fever as it helps in reduce fever due to its cooling effect.
- It is used to hydrate burnt skin and relief from sunburn pain.
- It provides freshens bad breath and reduces cavities.
- It is used to prevent prostate cancer.
- It boosts digestion and expelling gases.
- It is used as muscle relaxant.
Safety and Precaution-
- It can cause Gall bladder inflammation.
- It can interfere with sleep.
- Overdose can cause skin rashes, slower rapid breathing, abdominal pain & diarrhea, urinary problems, convulsions, depression and unconsciousness.
- It may raise risk of low blood sugar or hypoglycemia.
- Avoid undiluted use as it can be toxic.
- It can decreases milk production while breast feeding or pregnancy.
- Peppermint oil is non toxic but cause sensitization due to its menthol content.
Specification of Mentha piperita oil:
Testing Protocol – BP
Botanical Source – Mentha piperita
Appearance – A colourless pale yellow or pale greenish yellow liquid. It has characteristic odour and taste followed by sensation of cold.
Solubility – Miscible with alcohol and methylene chloride.
Identification A. – Examine the chromatograms obtained in the test for
Mint oil. – Examine the chromatograms obtained in the test for Chromatographic profile.
Relative Density – 0.900 – 0.916
Optical Rotation – -10° – -30°
Refractive Index – 1.457 – 1.467
Acid Value – Max. 1.4
Fatty oils % & resinified
Chromatographic Profile:
Limonene – 1.0% – 5.0%
Cineol – 3.5% – 14%
Menthone – 14% – 32%
Menthafuran – 1.0% – 9.0%
Isomenthone – 1.5% – 8.0%
Menthyl Acetate – 2.8% – 10%
Isopulegol – max. 0.2%
Menthol – 30% – 55%
Pulegone – max. 4.0%
Carvone – max. 0.2%
Ratio of cineol/Limonene – NLT 2.0%
Storage – In a well fitted, airtight container, protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25°C.
