Comparative Analysis of Antioxidant Activities of Fourteen Mentha Essential Oils and Their Components

Abstract

The essential oils of 14 species and hybrids, respectively, of the genus Mentha were examined for their antioxidant capacity in the ABTS (2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)) assay and in a lipid-peroxidation (LPO) assay. The ABTS(.+) -scavenging capacity of pure essential-oil components and mixtures of them was also tested. In both assays, Mentha×dumetorum (classification not fully confirmed), Mentha suaveolens, and Mentha×villosa (classification not fully confirmed) showed the highest antioxidant capacity, which was ascribed to the components germacrene D, piperitone oxide, and piperitenone oxide. The high antioxidant activity in the LPO assay of the two hybrids Mentha×gracilis and, to a lower degree, of Mentha×dalmatica (classification not fully confirmed) was ascribed to their high contents of cis-ocimene and β-caryophyllene. Of the pure components tested (germacrene D, piperitone oxide, and piperitenone oxide were not tested, as not commercially available), only cis-ocimene showed a distinct antioxidant effect, whereas dihydrocarvone and linalool had pro-oxidant effects in the ABTS assay.

Antioxidant, Antifungal, Antibiofilm, and Cytotoxic Activities of Mentha spp. Essential Oils

“…El-Askary et al [43] reported a potent antioxidant activity in vivo, which was about 96% relative to vitamin E, while Ferreira et al [44] described the AChE inhibitory capacity as higher than 50% in the essential oil fraction of M. suaveolens . The antioxidant capacity in this case is due to piperitone oxide being present at 88% [45]. Other authors have reported no relevant antioxidant activity for this species [46].…”

Volatiles and seasonal variation of the essential oil composition from the leaves of Clinopodium macrostemum var. laevigatum and its biological activities

“…Despite ␣-tocopherol, BHT and ascorbic acid (only active in DPPH assays) were more effective than the essential oil, it is feasible to use it as antioxidant additive for food and cosmetic industries. Sitzmann et al (2014) described the antioxidant activity of several Mentha species. According to this study, some compounds including menthone and linalool could be participating in the antioxidant effects of C. macrostemum var.…”

Comparative Evaluation of the Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of the Volatile Oils of Hawk Tea from Six Botanical Origins

“…The antioxidant activities of Hawk tea volatile oils were associated with a significant presence of major compounds such as 1,8‐cineole and limonene. However, the antioxidant activity of an essential oil cannot be attributed only to these main compounds, as minor compounds are likely to play a significant role in the antioxidant activity, and synergistic effects have also been reported …”