Chemical composition and biological properties in Mentha spicata under conventional and organic fertilization

Abstract

Introduction: Spearmint (Mentha spicata) is widely used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, thanks to chemical properties largely influenced by genetic and environmental factors, especially soil conditions. Objective: To determine the effect of conventional and organic fertilization on the chemical and biological properties of M. spicata. Methods: We conducted field trials in a randomized block experimental design, with four replications, using unfertilized crops and crops fertilized with urea (0,15 t ha-1) or vermicompost (5 and 10 t ha-1). Results: All fertilization treatments increased essential oil yield, carvone content, and total polyphenol concentration with respect to the control. They also increased the antioxidant capacity and the inhibitory activity of the acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and α-glycosidase enzymes. The effect was more marked in the crop fertilized with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost. Conclusions: Both conventional and organic fertilization increase the yield and quality of M. spicata essential oils. However, organic fertilization with 5 t ha-1 vermicompost yields rich total polyphenols and carvone. This improves antioxidant and medicinal properties, acting on enzymes related to Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.

Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of Mentha spicata leaves aqueous extracts in different regions of Algeria and their antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities

“…Indeed, the growth conditions determine the characteristics of vegetative growth, the stage of maturity, and therefore the composition of the cell content. The differences in climatic factors and soil characteristics for the three studied areas affected the growth and productivity of the plants and consequently affected their biological activities [5][6][7].…”

“…The El-Oued region is characterized by high temperature, wide thermal range, low humidity, scarcity of rainfall and low height above sea level, and sandy soil with high calcium content. This forces the plant to synthesize suitable secondary metabolites, as a suitable defense mechanism adopted by the plant to cope with the harsh environmental and climatic stress [6,17,18]. For the ABTS •+ test, the MS of the El-Oued region had a lower IC50 value.…”

“…It is a creeping rhizomatous perennial herb well-known for its medicinal and aromatic properties [3]. It is used regularly as a flavour in cooking, chewing gum, toothpaste, mouthwashes and cosmetics [5] and also as an antiseptic, antifungal and antimicrobial and antioxidant agent [6]. It is widely used traditionally as a tea and spice to flavour foods, dishes and drinks.…”