Medicinal Plant Research 2024, Vol.14, No.3, 151-161 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/mpr 152 2 Bioactive Compounds in Peppermint Tea 2.1 Identification of key bioactive compounds Menthol, a major component of peppermint essential oil, is a cyclic monoterpene alcohol known for its distinctive cooling sensation. It has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties. Menthol's structure allows it to interact with the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 (TRPM8) receptor, which is responsible for the cooling sensation. Additionally, menthol has been shown to suppress inflammation by modulating various signaling pathways, including the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathways, thereby reducing oxidative stress and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators (Goudarzi et al., 2023). Peppermint tea contains several flavonoids, including eriocitrin, luteolin, and hesperidin. These compounds are known for their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Eriocitrin, the main phenolic compound in peppermint, has been shown to enhance antioxidant capacity and reduce oxidative stress. Flavonoids in peppermint tea contribute to its therapeutic properties by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, Bimakrand modulating enzyme activities involved in inflammation and oxidative stress (Bimakr et al., 2011; Alaşalvar and Çam, 2020). 2.2 Extraction and analysis methods Steam distillation is a conventional method used to extract essential oils from peppermint leaves. This technique involves passing steam through the plant material, which vaporizes the volatile compounds. The vapor is then condensed back into liquid form, separating the essential oil from the water. This method is effective in isolating menthol, menthone, and other terpenoids, which are key bioactive compounds in peppermint essential oil (Pavlić et al., 2020). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) are commonly used to isolate and analyze bioactive compounds in peppermint tea. HPLC is particularly useful for identifying and quantifying phenolic compounds such as eriocitrin and rosmarinic acid (Çam et al., 2020). Gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is employed to measure the concentrations of menthol, menthone, and other volatile compounds. These techniques provide detailed profiles of the bioactive compounds present in peppermint tea, enabling the assessment of their therapeutic potential. 2.3 Synergistic effects of bioactive compounds The interaction between menthol and flavonoids in peppermint tea can enhance its overall bioactivity. Menthol's ability to modulate sensory receptors and signaling pathways may complement the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids. This synergistic interaction can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes, such as enhanced anti-inflammatory effects and better management of oxidative stress. The combined presence of menthol and flavonoids in peppermint tea contributes to its high antioxidant activity. Studies have shown that the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of peppermint tea are significantly enhanced by the presence of these compounds. The interaction between menthol and flavonoids can lead to a more effective scavenging of free radicals and inhibition of oxidative processes, thereby providing greater protection against oxidative stress-related conditions (Rehder et al., 2020). By understanding the bioactive compounds in peppermint tea and their synergistic effects, we can better appreciate its potential health benefits and therapeutic applications in modern herbal medicine. 3 Digestive Benefits of Peppermint Tea 3.1 Mechanisms of action in the digestive system Peppermint tea contains menthol, which has been shown to exert smooth muscle relaxant and anti-spasmodic effects on various parts of the gastrointestinal tract, including the lower esophageal sphincter, stomach, duodenum, and large bowel. This relaxation helps alleviate symptoms associated with gastrointestinal disturbances, such as cramping and discomfort (Scarpellini et al., 2023). Peppermint tea has also been found to influence bile flow,
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