title: Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of Mentha Longifolia L. and its main constituent, menthol.
abstract: Mentha longifolia (wild mint) is a popular folk remedy. Some parts of this plant have been used in traditional medicine of Iran and other countries. Many studies have shown various pharmacological and therapeutic effects of the plant. Our aim in preparing this study was to review the traditional uses of M. longifolia together with the pharmacological and therapeutic effects of its entire extract and major compounds. Mentha longifolia is an herb with a wide range of pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial, gastrointestinal, and nervous system effects. Pulegone is the main compound of the plant responsible for most of its pharmacological effects followed by menthone, isomenthone, menthol, 1, 8-cineole, borneol, and piperitenone. Moreover, the plant may dose-dependently exert toxic effects in different systems of the body. Based on the review of various studies, it can be concluded that M. longifolia is a potential natural source for the development of new drugs. However, further studies are required to determine the precise quality and safety of the plant to be used by clinicians.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
authors.forename: Peyman
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Mikaili
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
authors.forename: Sina
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mojaverrostami
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
authors.forename: Milad
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moloudizargari
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
authors.forename: Shahin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aghajanshakeri
keywords: Mentha longifolia; menthol; pharmacological effects; traditional use