Investigation of biochemical and histopathological effects of Mentha piperita Labiatae and Mentha spicata Labiatae on liver tissue in rats

The plant Mentha piperita, or peppermint, is commonly used in the treatment of loss of appetite, common cold, bronchitis, sinusitis, fever, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion as a herbal agent. In this study, we aimed to investigate biochemical and histological effects of M. piperita Labiatae, growing in the Yenisar Bademli town of Isparta city, and Mentha spicata Labiatae, growing in the Anamas high plateau of the Yenisar Bademli town, on the rat liver tissue. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were used for this study. Rats were divided into four groups of 12 animals: Group I received no herbal tea (control group); Group II received 20 g/L M. piperita tea; Group III received 20 g/L M. spicata tea; and Group IV received 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Herbal teas were prepared daily and provided at all times to the rats during 30 days as drinking water. Liver function tests, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST/GOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT/GPT) activities were measured. To evaluate liver antioxidant defences, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) activities were determined in the homogenates of liver tissue. In addition, liver tissues were submitted for histopathologic examination. AST and ALT activities were increased in Group II, Group III and Group IV gradually when compared with the control group. The difference between Group II and the control group was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). Increases in AST and ALT activities of Group III and Group IV were statistically significant when compared with the control group. SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were increased in Group II when compared with the control group but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.016). However, SOD, GSH-Px activities and the TBARS level were significantly increased, and CAT activity was significantly decreased in Group III when compared with the control group. In Group IV, while SOD, GSH-Px and CAT activities were decreased, the TBARS level was increased as compared with the control group (P < 0.0016). Histopathological evaluation of experimental groups revealed a mild to severe degree of hepatic damage when compared to the control group. In Group II, there was only minimal hepatocytes degeneration. In Groups III and IV, there were granular or ballooning hepatocyte degeneration and necrosis, sinusoidal and central vein dilatation. It was concluded that lipid peroxidation and hepatic damage occurs after M. piperita and M. spicata administration in rat liver and the damage seems to be dose dependent.     

Different stereoselectivity in the reduction of pulegone by Mentha species

Aqueous solutions of [2H]-labeled pulegone enantiomers were fed to Mentha spicata ssp. spicata L. and Mentha spicata ssp. crispata L. shoot tip and first leaf pair. After solid phase microextraction the essential oil was analysed with enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Both Mentha spicata species were able to convert labelled (1R)- and (1S)-pulegone at the same rate into the corresponding menthone and isomenthone, indicating an unspecific process. The reduction of both pulegone enantiomers preferably led to the cis-stereoisomers. The observed stereoselectivity is completely different from those of pulegone reduction by Mentha x piperita L.     

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils

The present study describes the antimicrobial activity and free radical scavenging capacity (RSC) of essential oils from Mentha aquatica L., Mentha longifolia L., and Mentha piperita L. The chemical profile of each essential oil was determined by GC-MS and TLC. All essential oils exhibited very strong antibacterial activity, in particularly against Esherichia coli strains. The most powerful was M. piperita essential oil, especially towards multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei and Micrococcus flavus ATTC 10,240. All tested oils showed significant fungistatic and fungicidal activity [expressed as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) values, respectively], that were considerably higher than those of the commercial fungicide bifonazole. The essential oils of M. piperita and M. longifolia were found to be more active than the essential oil of M. aquatica. Especially low MIC (4 microL/mL) and MFC (4 microL/mL) were found with M. piperita oil against Trichophyton tonsurans and Candida albicans (both 8 microL/mL). The RSC was evaluated by measuring the scavenging activity of the essential oils on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and OH radicals. All examined essential oils were able to reduce DPPH radicals into the neutral DPPH-H form, and this activity was dose-dependent. However, only the M. piperita oil reduced DPPH to 50 % (IC50 = 2.53 microg/mL). The M. piperita essential oil also exhibited the highest OH radical scavenging activity, reducing OH radical generation in the Fenton reaction by 24 % (pure oil). According to GC-MS and TLC (dot-blot techniques), the most powerful scavenging compounds were monoterpene ketones (menthone and isomenthone) in the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. piperita and 1,8-cineole in the oil of M. aquatica.     

Protective effect of Mentha piperita against arsenic-induced toxicity in liver of Swiss albino mice

The protective role of leaves of Mentha piperita Linn (Mint) was studied in adult Swiss albino mice against arsenic-induced hepatopathy. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I: only vehicle (0.9% NaCl) was administered. Group II: the animals received Mentha leaf extract (1 g/kg body weight per day) orally for 30 days. Group III: animals were treated with sodium arsenite (4 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally in 0.9% NaCl. Group IV: animals were given Mentha extract for 10 consecutive days prior to sodium arsenite treatment and continuously for 30 days after sodium arsenite treatment. The animals from the above groups were killed at various time-points, and body weight and liver weight were measured. The biochemical estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), acid phosphatase (ACP), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in liver and serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) in serum were done. In the arsenic-treated group there was a significant increase in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content, whereas a significant decrease was recorded in body weight, liver weight, GSH and LDH activity in liver. Pre- and post-treatment of Mentha with arsenic significantly alters the biochemical parameters in liver. A significant decline in ACP, ALP, SGOT, SGPT and LPO content was observed. However, a significant increase in body weight, liver weight, GSH content and LDH activity in liver was estimated. The results indicate that the Mentha extract may be useful in reducing the side effects of arsenic-induced hepatopathy.     

留兰香的活性成分(Ⅱ)

目的对唇形科薄荷属植物留兰香(Mentha spicataL.)的活性部位的化学成分进行研究。方法采用硅胶柱色谱等方法进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和光谱数据进行结构鉴定。结果又分离得到5个化合物,分别鉴定为(+)isolariciresinol 2aOβDglucoside(Ⅰ)、5,4′二羟基黄酮7OβD吡喃葡萄糖醛酸丁酯(5,4′dihydroxy flavonoid 7OβDpyranglycuronate butyl ester,Ⅱ)、香蜂草苷(didymin,Ⅲ)、橙皮苷(hesperitin,Ⅳ)、迷迭香酸(rosmarinic acid,Ⅴ)。结论化合物Ⅰ、Ⅱ是从薄荷属植物中首次分离得到,化合物Ⅲ、Ⅳ、Ⅴ是从留兰香中首次分离得到。     

Two new lignans from Mentha spicata L

Two new lignans named spicatolignan A (1) and spicatolignan B (2) have been isolated from the whole herbs of Mentha spicata L.     

留兰香的活性成分(Ⅰ)

目的对唇形科薄荷属植物留兰香(Mentha spicataL.)的活性部位的化学成分进行研究。方法采用硅胶柱色谱等方法进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和光谱数据进行结构鉴定。结果得到4个化合物,分别鉴定为3甲氧基4羟基苯甲酸(3 methoxy 4 hydroxybenzoic acid,Ⅰ)、3,5二甲氧基4羟基苯甲酸(3,5 dimethoxy 4 hydroxybenzoic acid,Ⅱ)、橙皮素7OβD葡萄糖苷(hes-peretin 7OβDglucoside,Ⅲ)、芹菜素7OβD吡喃葡萄糖苷(apigenin 7OβDpyranglucoside,Ⅳ)。结论化合物Ⅰ,Ⅱ为首次从薄荷属植物中分离得到,化合物Ⅲ,Ⅳ为留兰香中首次分离得到。     

Effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) extracts on experimental allergic rhinitis in rats

The present study was carried out to clarify the effects of extracts of the leaves of Mentha piperita L. on experimental allergic rhinitis. The 50% EtOH extract of peppermint inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells induced by compound 48/80. The effect was dose-dependent and significant inhibition was observed at a concentration of 3 microg/ml. In addition, the 50% EtOH eluate separated from the 50% EtOH extract of peppermint by column chromatography (DIAION HP-20) was also effective in inhibiting histamine release at a concentration of 1 microg/ml. Nasal symptoms, sneezing and nasal rubbing induced by antigen challenge in actively sensitized rats were inhibited by oral administration of the 50% EtOH eluate. Significant inhibition of sneezing and nasal rubbing was observed at doses of 300 and 1000 mg/kg, p.o., respectively. Furthermore, the 50% EtOH eluate inhibited dye leakage into the nasal cavity of rats induced by antigen in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggested that extracts of Mentha piperita L. may be clinically effective in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.     

Two new monoterpenoid glycosides from Mentha spicata L

Two new monoterpenoid glycosides, spicatoside A and spicatoside B, were isolated from the whole herbs of Mentha spicata L. which have anti-inflammatory and hemostatic activities. Their structures have been determined on the basis of spectral and chemical analysis. They are (+)-5-[1-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxymethyl)ethenyl]-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (1), and (-)-5-[[2-(beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy)-1-hydroxy-l-methyl]ethyl]-2-methyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one (2).     

种植、野生薄荷原药材调研考察及分析

目的：考察分析国内不同种植及野生薄荷的质量,为薄荷的标准提高和质量控制提供合理化建议。方法：采用气相色谱质谱联用方法,分析40批次不同产地薄荷挥发油中的主要化学成分;采用薄层色谱方法,分析薄荷及其混淆品的薄层色谱行为;观察植物花序类型,茎、叶、花萼的特征及气味特点。结果：根据挥发油中所含主要成分、薄层色谱行为及植物形态,进行了分类,分为三大类：薄荷类、留兰香类及其他类。薄荷较稳定的特征为轮伞花序腋生,茎、叶、花萼有毛,辛凉味足,挥发油中主成分为薄荷脑、薄荷酮。结论：大多数地区种植的薄荷与药典规定基原相符,个别地区存在留兰香类及同属其他植物当薄荷错种、误种的问题,部分地区野生品植物形态与药典品相近,挥发油主成分为胡薄荷酮、薄荷酮,而薄荷脑含量较低或无,不应作为药用薄荷使用;薄荷的质量控制应采取性状与化学成分相结合的方式。     

Identification of individual herbal drugs in tea mixtures using restriction analysis of ITS DNA and real-time PCR

We have studied a sedative tea made of Valerianae radix (Valeriana officinalis L.), Lupuli strobuli (Humulus lupulus L.), Melissae folium (Melissa officinalis L.) and Menthae piperitae folium (Mentha piperita L.). In order to identify the constituent drugs a method was established involving amplification of the internal transcribed spacers (ITS) region of nuclear ribosomal DNA on the basis of restriction analysis and real-time PCR. ITS regions of individual drugs were amplified and sequenced. Restriction analysis was performed with selected restriction endonucleases Nae I, PshA I and Xcm I. Real-time PCR was carried out, using primers specifically designed for each individual herbal drug. Real-time PCR proved to be a method for identifying individual herbal drugs in a tea mixture with a single DNA extraction in a single PCR run, since its limit of detection is lower than that for restriction analysis.     

Antiallergic effect of flavonoid glycosides obtained from Mentha piperita L

Six flavonoid glycosides, eriocitrin (1), narirutin (2), hesperidin (3), luteolin-7-O-rutinoside (4), isorhoifolin (5), diosmin (6), rosmarinic acid (7) and 5,7-dihydroxycromone-7-O-rutinoside (8), were isolated from the aerial part of Mentha piperita L. Among these compounds, compound 4 showed a potent inhibitory effect on histamine release induced by compound 48/80 and antigen-antibody reaction. This compound was more effective than luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucoside in inhibiting histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. Compound 4 also caused a dose-related inhibition of the antigen-induced nasal response and significant effects were observed at doses of 100 and 300 mg/kg. These results indicate that compound 4 may be clinically useful in alleviating the nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis.     

Aromatic and polyphenolic composition of infused peppermint, Mentha x piperita L.]

The qualitative and quantitative composition of the main aromatic and polyphenolic constituents of Mitcham type peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) tisane, were examined and compared with those of leaves before and after infusion. The original peppermint leaves contained 2.4% essential oil of which menthol was 0.99%, total polyphenolic compounds 19% and total flavonoid compounds 12% comprising eriocitrin 7%, luteolin-7-rutinoside 1.5%, hesperidoside 0.6% and total hydroxycinnamic compounds 7% (rosmarinic acid 1.4%). The tisane contained 21% of the original essential oil corresponding to 25 mg/l, with increased alcohol and ketone contents and lower contents of hydrophobic terpenecarbons, oxides and esters. It contained also a high proportion of the polyphenolic compounds (about 750 mg/l) corresponding to an extraction yield of 75%. In consequence the monograph "Peppermint leaf" of the Pharmacopoeia should be amended.     

Superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial activities of different fractions of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata (L.)

Mentha spicata is a well-known spice that has a variety of biological properties and is abundantly available throughout the world. This study was designed to investigate the superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial properties of different fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous) of the ethanol extract of Mentha spicata. In addition, xanthine oxidase generated uric acid inhibition, reducing potential and iron chelating activity, also was investigated. Ethyl acetate fraction exhibited the highest (≤84%) superoxide radical scavenging and inhibition of uric acid formation at 40 μg/ml compared with the standard quercetin (≤81%) at 30 μg/ml. The highest reducing potential also is observed in ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions, which were comparable to the reducing potential of quercetin and ascorbic acid. Iron chelating activity of solvent fractions was found to be better than standard of EDTA (79% at 3 mg/ml). In addition, all fractions showed effective antibacterial activity against five human pathogenic bacteria among the ten samples used. However, aqueous fraction showed maximum growth inhibition zone (≤36 mm diameter at 6 μg/per disc) against Shigella boydii. Hence, we conclude that the ethyl acetate and aqueous fractions of ethanol extract of Mentha spicata exhibited higher superoxide radical scavenging and antibacterial activities.     

薄荷属植物的化学成分及药理学研究进展

目的介绍薄荷属植物化学成分及其药理作用的研究概况。方法分析薄荷属植物近年来的研究资料。结果薄荷主要化学成分为挥发油、黄酮类、萜类、有机酸类等,具有保肝利胆、镇痛、抗菌、抗炎等药理作用。结论可进一步加强薄荷的研究、开发和利用。     

留兰香水溶性部分化学成分的分离与鉴定

目的对唇形科薄荷属植物留兰香(Mentha spicataL.)的水溶性部分的化学成分进行研究。方法采用甲基化的方法处理水溶性部分样品,采用硅胶柱色谱等方法进行分离纯化,根据理化性质和NMR波谱数据进行结构鉴定。结果分离得到5个化合物,分别鉴定为柠檬酸三甲酯(trimethyl citrate,1)、原儿茶酸甲酯(methyl protocatechuate,2)、香草酸甲酯(methyl vanillate,3)、次黄嘌呤核苷(inosine,4)、尿苷(uridine,5)。将它们还原为甲基化前的结构,依次为柠檬酸(citricacid,1′)、原儿茶酸(protocatechuic acid,2′)、香草酸(vanillic acid,3′)、次黄嘌呤核苷(inosine,4)、尿苷(uridine,5)。结论化合物4、5为首次从薄荷属植物中分离得到,化合物1′为首次从留兰香中分离得到。     

Evaluation of cytotoxicity and anticarcinogenic potential of Mentha leaf extracts

We examined the possible molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity and anticarcinogenic potential of Mentha leaf extracts (petroleum ether, benzene, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and water extracts) on 6 human cancer (HeLa, MCF-7, Jurkat, T24, HT-29, MIAPaCa-2) and normal (IMR-90, HEK-293) cell lines. Of all the extracts tested, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of M piperita showed significant dose- and time-dependent anticarcinogenic activity leading to G1 cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis, perturbation of oxidative balance, upregulation of Bax gene, elevated expression of p53 and p21 in the treated cells, acquisition of senescence phenotype, while inducing pro-inflammatory cytokines response. Our results provide the first evidence of direct anticarcinogenic activity of Mentha leaf extracts. Further, bioassay-directed isolation of the active constituents might provide basis for mechanistic and translational studies for designing novel anticancer drugs to be used alone or as adjuvant for prevention of tumor progression and/or treatment of human malignancies.     

Protective effect of yellow tea extract on N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced liver carcinogenesis

Context Yellow tea containing the same catechins as other types of tea but in different proportions has been suggested to possess potent anticancer activities.

Objective This study investigates the chemopreventive effect of yellow tea aqueous extract against N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)-induced liver carcinogenesis in rats by employing histological and biochemical methods.

Materials and methods Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups: control (I), yellow tea (II), NDEA (III), and yellow tea?+?NDEA (IV). Groups II and IV were exposed via a diet to yellow tea extract in a concentration of 10?g/kg feed; groups III and IV received 0.01% NDEA in drinking water. The experiment lasted for 13 weeks.

Results Daily intake of yellow tea in an average dose of 800?mg/kg b.w. alleviated the carcinogenic effect of NDEA as evidenced by reversed histopathological changes towards normal hepatocellular architecture and decreased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl formation, and DNA degradation by 64%, 37% and 15%, respectively, as compared with values obtained in NDEA alone-treated rats. Treatment with yellow tea extract caused protection of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT); their activity was recovered by 47% and 12%, respectively, as compared with the NDEA-treated rats. Moreover, the extract normalized the NDEA-induced activity of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), while a further increase in the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) was noticed.

Conclusions On the basis of these findings, it can be concluded that treatment with yellow tea partially protected the livers of rats from NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and that its antioxidant activity contributed to this effect.     

Pharmacological studies on experimental nephritic rats (13). The development and aggravation of nephritis due to the repeated administration of liquoid (author's transl)

In order to elucidate the role of blood coagulation system in the development and aggravation of glomerulonephritis, liquoid (Liq) was repeatedly administered to normal or nephritic rats. When Liq 10 mg/kg was given i.v. daily X 22 to normal rats (group I), the urinary excretions of protein and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase and urea nitrogen content did not significantly change as compared with those in the normal control group. In rats given Liq 10 mg/kg i.v. either every 3 days X 8 (group III) or every day X 22 (group IV) from the 15th day after the i.v. administration of anti-rat glomerular basement membrane rabbit serum (AGS) [0.5 ml/150g body weight], these biochemical parameters were not significantly different from those of nephritic control rats given AGS only (group II). The deposits of fibrin or fibrinoids in glomeruli of groups I, II, III and IV, examined by a fluorescence antibody technique were evident in 2, 2, 8 and 10, respectively, out of 10 rats in each group, although the degree of deposition was slight. Under light microscopy, the adhesion between the glomerular capillary wall and Bowman's capsule, hypercellularity, crescent formation and hyalinization were demonstrated in a part of glomeruli, even in group I. concerning the influence of Liq in nephritic rats, the most prominent glomerular change was hyalinization. While in group II the hyalinization was evident in only 17% of glomeruli, in groups III and IV the hyalinization was 41 and 55%, respectively. Although no significant difference was seen between groups II and III regarding other glomerular changes except for hypercellularity, these changes in group IV increased as compared with those in group II. However, hypercellularity was less in groups III and IV than in group II. A slight occlusion of the glomerular capillary lumen was observed, even in group I. In nephritic groups, the degree of the capillary lumen occlusion in group IV was greater than that in group II. From these results, the acceleration of intraglomerular blood coagulation is considered to be a major factor in the development and aggravation of glomerulonephritis.     

Use of serum prolactin in rats as a determinant in detecting endophyte infected tall fescue seed

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of endophyte (Acremonium coenophialium) toxic tall fescue seed on serum prolactin, daily feed intake, and average daily weight gain in male rats. Thirty Sprague-Dawley male rats (218 g) were randomly assigned to treatments of (I) rat chow (50%) plus an endophyte-free tall fescue seed (50%), (II) same as I only restricted feed intake as III, (III) rat chow (50%) plus endophyte infected tall fescue seed (50%) and (IV) rat chow (50%) plus endophyte infected tall fescue seed (25%) plus endophyte free tall fescue seed (25%). Dry matter intake and average daily gain were lower (P less than .05) for rats fed treatment II and III than for those fed treatment I and IV, with treatment IV being lower (P less than .05) than treatment I. Body weights on days 4, 11 and 21 followed the same trend with the rats fed treatment I having higher weights at each weigh period than those on treatments II, III and IV; and those fed treatment IV having higher weights at each period than those on treatment II and III. Baseline concentrations of serum prolactin were similar among treatments. Serum prolactin concentrations were lower (P less than .05) in rats fed treatment III and IV than in those fed treatment II, and those fed treatment I were not different from all others on day 4. On day 11, rats fed treatment I, III and IV had lower (P less than .05) serum prolactin concentrations than those fed treatment II.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)