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| Latin Name |
English Name |
Hindi Name |
Mentha arvensis
Linn. (Lamiaceae)
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Mint |
Pudina, Putiha |
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| History |
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This
was used in China and Japan atleast 2,000 years ago. Japanese literature
says it as a good diuretic. Also mentioned as having the character
of pepper. From the Pharmacographica it is clear that Dr. Eales observed
it and communicated to Ray, who noticed it in his Synopsis, in 1696.
In Europe peppermint became practically known.
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| Distribution |
It was
introduced from Japan and cultivated in Jammu and Kashmir at an altitude
of 270-1,500 m.
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| Habit |
It is a downy perennial
herb with running rootstocks and rigid branching stem. The leaves
are lanceolate or oblong, sharply toothed, shortly petioled or sessile,
with minute hairs. The flowers are purplish, in loose verticillasters,
in rather distant nodes.
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| Phytochemistry |
The plant on steam
distillation yields a volatile oil called as Japanese mint oil or
as Japanese peppermint oil. Menthol is the one of the active components
of the oil.
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| Pharmacology |
It has
analgesic and antiseptic activities (Harborne, J.B., 1999, Phytochemical
Dictionary, Taylor and Francis Ltd., London).
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| Toxicology |
No adverse effect
was reported on use of the volatile as medicine.
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| Indications |
It is used as carminative,
expectorant.
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| Product
Range |
Rumalaya gel, Cold Balm, Muscle & Joint Rub, Pain Balm,
Rumalaya Vet.
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