Bioactive components of peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.) their pharmacological and ameliorative potential and ethnomedicinal benefits : A review

Peppermint is a medicinal herb, cultivated globally and is known for its distinct flavour and aromatic fragrance. Peppermint is used in different industrial purposes, also consumed as tisane Peppermint is used as traditional medicine from time immemorial. Peppermint possesses flavonoids, volatile oils, lutolin, hesperidins etc. The major components of the volatile oil are methanol and methone. Peppermint has some efficacy as an antineoplastic, anti-microbial, anti-viral, anti-radiation, anti-oxidant as well as anti-inflammatory. Peppermint leaf is used mainly to treat Upper G.I tract diseases, respiratory tract problems, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), nausea, hepatotoxicity, diabetes etc. Anti-microbial effect of peppermint mainly in corona virus (Covid-19) has been found also, peppermint helps to prevent the interaction between corona virus (Covid-19) and the host body by inhibiting the formation of receptor complex of viral spike protein and ACE2 receptors of the host body. Furthermore it may act directly on virus or may pierce the viral membrane or may inactivates essential viral enzymes. Its effectivity has also been seen during post-covid phase. The consumption of tea is generally safe for all age –groups, but intake of large volume can cause heart burn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This article holistically reviews the therapeutic roles of peppermint tea in various physiological and disease conditions.