Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 151-161 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 151 Research Report Open Access Peppermint Tea: Evaluating Its Digestive Benefits, Neuroprotective Effects, and Role in Modern Herbal Medicine Yufen Wang, Guangman Xu Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Center, Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: guangman.xu@cuixi.org Medicinal Plant Research, 2024, Vol.14, No.3 doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0013 Received: 18 Apr., 2024 Accepted: 21 May, 2024 Published: 05 Jun., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Wang and Xu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Wang Y.F., and Xu G.M., 2024, Peppermint tea: evaluating its digestive benefits, neuroprotective effects, and role in modern herbal medicine, Medicinal Plant Research, 14(3): 151-161 (doi: 10.5376/mpr.2024.14.0013) Abstract Peppermint tea has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, with a growing interest in its application in modern herbal medicine. This study evaluates the digestive benefits, neuroprotective effects, and broader therapeutic potential of peppermint tea by identifying its key bioactive compounds, such as menthol and flavonoids. Additionally, the mechanisms underlying peppermint tea’s digestive benefits, including its ability to relax gastrointestinal muscles and influence bile flow, are examined in clinical studies, particularly for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia. The neuroprotective properties of peppermint tea, such as its modulation of neurotransmitter activity and potential role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases, are also assessed. A case study on clinical trials supports its efficacy and safety, with a review of long-term health benefits in diverse populations. This study highlights peppermint tea's integration into contemporary herbal practices, its safety profile, and potential for future therapeutic applications, offering insights into its role in modern herbal medicine. Keywords Peppermint tea; Digestive health; Neuroprotection; Bioactive compounds; Herbal medicine 1 Introduction Peppermint tea, derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant (Mentha × piperita L.), has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries (Nayak et al., 2020). This perennial herb, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, is renowned for its strong aroma and distinctive flavor. Traditionally, peppermint has been utilized for its therapeutic properties, including the treatment of fever, colds, digestive issues, and inflammation of the oral mucosa and throat (Mahendran and Rahman, 2020). The essential oils and bioactive compounds in peppermint, such as flavonoids and phenolics, contribute to its wide range of medicinal applications (Gadaka et al., 2021). In contemporary herbal medicine, peppermint tea continues to hold significant value due to its diverse pharmacological benefits. Modern research has highlighted its potential in improving digestive health, supporting the central nervous system, and enhancing respiratory function (Wei et al., 2023). The essential oils in peppermint, particularly menthol, are credited with these health benefits. Additionally, peppermint exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties, making it a versatile natural remedy (Figueroa-Pérez et al., 2018). The increasing demand for natural product-based medicines has further propelled research into the specific metabolites of peppermint and their mechanisms of action against various diseases. This study systematically evaluates the digestive benefits, neuroprotective effects, and overall therapeutic potential of peppermint tea in modern herbal medicine. By synthesizing existing research findings, we aim to provide in-depth insights into the effective use of peppermint tea in promoting health and well-being. The study focuses on analyzing the bioactive compounds in peppermint tea with therapeutic potential and explores its prospects in developing new natural medicines with high efficacy and minimal side effects. We hope this study will further highlight the significance of peppermint tea in both traditional and modern medical practices, providing valuable guidance for future clinical applications and herbal therapies.
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