Biomorphological features and antioxidant activity of mint species of non-hybrid origin growing in the North Caucasus region

Abstract

Introduction. Modern researchers note the role of antioxidants in the correction of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, so the search for new raw materials for obtaining substances with antioxidant activity is relevant. Polyphenolic compounds are considered the most powerful natural antioxidants. Our attention was drawn to non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus region. Objective. Study of biomorphological features and economically valuable characteristics of the species Mentha L. (Lamiaceae), their phytochemical characteristics based on the content of essential oil and some phenolic compounds, determination of antioxidant activity to substantiate the prospects for use in medicine and pharmacy. Material and methods. The studies were carried out according to the methods of the State Pharmacopoeia (SP) XIV and XV editions. Samples of raw mint (M. arvensis L.), watermint (M. aquatica L.), longleaf mint (M. longifolia (L.) Huds.), flea mint (M. pulegium L.), m spicata (M. spicata L.), harvested in forest-steppe and steppe zones, as well as on mountain slopes, damp places, sometimes in wastelands, in North Ossetia – Alania, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria and the Stavropol Territory in their natural places of growth (end of July–August 2021–2023). Objects were dried using the air-shadow method. Antioxidant activity was determined by amperometric and titrimetric methods. Results. Non-hybrid mint species growing in the North Caucasus contain essential oils, hydroxycinnamic and triterpene acids, flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds. The established antioxidant properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of mint species, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for reducing body weight. Conclusion. The content of essential oil and polyphenolic compounds in various types of mint, as well as the established antioxidant properties of aqueous-alcoholic extracts, in addition to the traditionally known choleretic and antispasmodic effects, can be considered significant for weight loss.