INTRODUCTION The antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) has been known for ages; in particular, the EOs of Melaleuca alternifolia, Thymus vulgaris, Mentha piperita, and Rosmarinus officinalis have been used for the treatment of fungal and bacterial infections. METHODOLOGY This study focused on the in vitro cytotoxicity to normal human conjunctiva cells and antimicrobial activity of 20...

Neonatal rats learn to approach odors associated with stimulation normally provided by their mother. The present report describes changes in olfactory bulb single-unit activity following olfactory learning in young rats. Rat pups were exposed from postnatal day 1 to 18 to either (1) peppermint-scented air while receiving tactile stimulation (Pepp-Stroked), (2) peppermint-scented air with no tac...

This study provides further evidence for the impact of the aromas of plant essential oils on aspects of cognition and mood in healthy participants. One hundred and forty-four volunteers were randomly assigned to conditions of ylang-ylang aroma, peppermint aroma, or no aroma control. Cognitive performance was assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research computerized assessment battery, with mood s...

The effect of different commercial modified food starch carrier materials on the flavor retention of the essential oil (EO) of peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) during spray drying and storage was evaluated. The obtained results revealed that the emulsification and encapsulation efficiencies of peppermint EO were higher for all n-octenyl succinic anhydride (OSAN)-modified starches as compared to ...

Background: Among important fungi associated with foods are Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum spp. In this study, we evaluated antifungal effects of Essential Oils (EOs) of Zataria multiflora, Mentha pulegium, and Mentha piperita.   Methods: Antifungal properties of EOs of M. piperita, M. pulegium, and Z. multiflora against Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum ca...

Jasmonate compounds are known as new plant hormones that play important roles in the regulation of plant growth and development. Mints have been used and valued as aromatic herbs for thousands of years. Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) is used for medicinal and food purposes and its essential oil is considered industrially important. Peppermint plants were grown in a greenhouse in pots. At flowe...

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni and Mentha piperita are plants that generate interest mainly due to the presence of bioactive compounds in their leaves, such as phenolics. Studies indicate phenolics have pharmacological therapeutic properties, including antioxidant activity. Phenolic may be affected by type fertilization. For this reason, organic chemical fertilization were evaluated along with Resul...