Peppermint extract

Peppermint extract is an herbal extract of peppermint (Mentha × piperita) made from the essential oils of peppermint leaves. Peppermint is a hybrid of water mint and spearmint[1] and was indigenous to Europe and the Middle East before it became common in other regions, such as North America and Asia.

Peppermint extract is commonly used in cooking, as a dietary supplement, as an herbal or alternative medicine, as a pest repellent,[1] and a flavor or fragrance agent for cleaning products, cosmetics, mouthwash, chewing gum, and candies.[2] Its active ingredient menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor in sensory neurons, resulting in a cold sensation when peppermint extract is consumed or used topically. There is insufficient evidence to conclude it is effective in treating any medical condition.[3]

Extraction

Peppermint extract can be obtained through steam distillation, solvent extraction, and soxhelet extraction.[4]

Uses

Peppermint extract is commonly used as a flavoring agent; it is also used as an antiseptic, anti-viral, and stimulant,[5] although there is no sufficient evidence that peppermint extract is effective in treating any medical condition[3] and the evidence of its antimicrobial properties is mixed.[6] Moderate levels can be safely mixed into food items, or applied topically, sprayed on surfaces as a household cleaner, or inhaled using aromatherapy.[7][3] However, the menthol in peppermint oil may cause serious side effects in children and infants if inhaled.[3]

Uses in cooking

Peppermint extract can be used to add a peppermint flavor to baked goods, desserts, and candy, particularly candy canes, mints, and peppermint patties. Extracts for cooking may be labeled as pure, natural, imitation, or artificial. While pure and natural extracts contain peppermint oil specifically, imitation and artificial extracts generally use a mix of ingredients to achieve a flavor resembling peppermint.

Peppermint extract can be substituted in recipes with peppermint oil (a stronger ingredient primarily used in candy-making), crème de menthe, or peppermint schnapps. If the food is not heated, the alcoholic properties of liqueurs may remain present in the finished product.

Peppermint extract may also be added to hot water to create peppermint tea.

Medicinal uses

There is insufficient evidence to conclude that peppermint extract is effective in treating any medical condition.[3]

In alternative medicine, peppermint extract is used to treat symptoms of the common cold and the flu, and to relieve bloating and flatulence. It is also used to treat symptoms of arthritis and rheumatism,[8] to relieve menstrual cramps,[8][9] and as a remedy for toothache.[8]

There is suggestive but still inconclusive[3] evidence for peppermint extract's effectiveness in treating irritable bowel syndrome with constipation,[10][11][12] and in treating tension headaches.[3]

Use as a pest repellent

Peppermint oil is commonly used to repel ants, flying insects, rodents, and spiders. [13]

Use as a physical performance enhancer

Peppermint oil is used in endurance sports to improve mental and physical stamina.[14][15]

References
  1. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2016). "Peppermint". Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  2. "Peppermint oil: Synopsis of information". United States Bureau of Foreign and Domestic Commerce. 1949. Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  3. "Peppermint Oil". NCCIH. Retrieved 2020-04-17.
  4. Siddeeg, A.; Mukhtar, R.M.E.; Salih, Z.A.; Ali, A.O. (2018). "Extraction and characterization of peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil and its assessment as antioxidant and antibacterial" – via ResearchGate. Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  5. Tanu, B.; Harpreet, K. (2016). "Benefits of essential oil". Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research. 8 (6): 143–149.
  6. "Benefits of Peppermint Oil: Uses, Side Effects & Research". Healthline. Retrieved 2020-04-17.
  7. Santos, F. (2020). "Peppermint Oil: Uses, Benefits, & More". Retrieved 4 February 2020.
  8. Worwood, V.A. (1991). The complete book of essential oils and aromatherapy. New World Library. pp. 1, 20. ISBN 0-931432-82-0.
  9. Heshmati, A.; Dolatian, M.; Mojab, F.; Shakeri, N.; Nikkhah, S.; Mahmoodi, Z. (2016). "The effect of peppermint (Mentha piperita) capsules on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea". Journal of Herbal Medicine. 6 (3): 137–141. doi:10.1016/j.hermed.2016.05.001.
  10. Ford, A.C.; Talley, N.J.; Spiegel, B.M.R.; Foxx-Orenstein, A.E.; Schiller, L.; Quigley, E.M.M.; Moayyedi, P. (2008). "Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis". BMJ. 337: a2313. doi:10.1136/bmj.a2313. PMC 2583392. PMID 19008265.
  11. Cappello, G.; Coraggio, D.; De Berardinis, G.; Spezzaferro, M.; Grossi, L.; Marzio, L. (2006). "Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. A prospective double blind placebo controlled randomized trial". Digestive and Liver Disease. 38: S202. doi:10.1016/S1590-8658(06)80548-7.
  12. Grigoleit, H.; Grigoleit, P. (2005). "Peppermint oil in irritable bowel syndrome". Phytomedicine. 12 (8): 601–606. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2004.10.005. PMID 16121521.
  13. Douglas, E. (2017). "How to use peppermint oil for pest control". GardenGuides.com.
  14. Meamarbashi, A. (2014). "Instant effects of peppermint essential oil on the physiological parameters and exercise performance". Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine. 4 (1): 72–8. PMC 4103722. PMID 25050303.
  15. Meamarbashi, A.; Rajabi, A. (2013). "The effects of peppermint on exercise performance". Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 10 (1): 15. doi:10.1186/1550-2783-10-15. PMC 3607906. PMID 23517650.
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