Mint extract is mainly derived from Mentha haplocalyx Briq., a plant of the genus Mentha in the Lamiaceae family. Mint is a perennial herb that is widely grown in many parts of the world.
Mint is rich in volatile oils and is the main source of mint extract. These volatile oils are synthesized and stored in the glandular hairs of mint plants. Extracts with a strong minty smell can be obtained by extraction.
Components of mint extract
The main component of mint extract is volatile oil, among which menthol (Menthol) has a high content, usually accounting for 70% - 90% of the volatile oil. Menthol is a monocyclic terpene alcohol with cool and aromatic properties.
In addition, it also contains ingredients such as menthone, menthyl acetate, and limonene. These ingredients together give mint extract a unique smell and physiological activity.
Efficacy of mint extract
Cooling and pain relief
Menthol is the main source of the cooling feeling of mint extract. When mint extract contacts the skin or mucous membranes, menthol activates the cold receptors in the skin and mucous membranes, producing a cooling feeling. This cooling sensation can relieve pain and itching.
For example, when you have a headache, applying products containing peppermint extract (such as peppermint
Essential Oil) to the temples and other parts can stimulate nerve endings and produce a cooling sensation, which can relieve headaches to a certain extent. Applying peppermint extract to itchy areas caused by mosquito bites can also relieve itching.
Anti-inflammatory effect
The ingredients in peppermint extract have anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that ingredients such as menthol can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators, such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotrienes. These inflammatory mediators play a key role in the inflammatory response process and can cause symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain.
For some mild skin inflammations, such as redness and swelling of the skin after sunburn, peppermint extract can reduce the inflammatory response and promote skin recovery.
Antibacterial effect
Peppermint extract has an inhibitory effect on a variety of bacteria. Its antibacterial mechanism may be related to destroying the bacterial cell membrane and affecting the metabolism of bacteria. It has a certain inhibitory effect on common pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
In oral care products, peppermint extract can inhibit the growth of oral bacteria, reduce bad breath, and prevent oral diseases such as caries and periodontitis.
Improve digestive function
Peppermint extract can promote gastrointestinal motility. It can stimulate the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract and strengthen their contraction, thereby accelerating the movement of food in the gastrointestinal tract, preventing food from accumulating in the gastrointestinal tract, and reducing symptoms such as indigestion and bloating.
At the same time, peppermint extract can also increase the secretion of bile, which plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of fat and helps improve digestive function.
Soothe emotions
The smell of peppermint extract has a soothing effect on people's emotions. Its fragrant smell can stimulate the olfactory nerves and affect the limbic system of the brain through the olfactory pathway. This system is closely related to emotional regulation.
When people are in an emotional state such as anxiety and tension, smelling the aroma of peppermint extract can make people feel relaxed and comfortable, which helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Application of peppermint extract
Medical field
In terms of medicines, peppermint extract is used to make a variety of drugs. For example, in cold medicines, peppermint extract can relieve symptoms such as headaches and nasal congestion caused by colds. Its cooling sensation can reduce congestion and swelling of the nasal mucosa and improve breathing.
In dermatological medications, it is used to treat skin itching, mild burns and sunburns, etc., and exerts its anti-inflammatory, cooling and antipruritic effects.
Food industry
In the food field, peppermint extract is widely used to make candies, chewing gum, refreshing drinks, etc. In candies and chewing gum, it can provide fresh breath and a cool taste. In beverages, such as mint tea and mint-flavored soda, it can not only add a unique flavor, but also promote digestion to a certain extent.
Cosmetic industry
Peppermint extract is used in skin care products, mainly using its cooling, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. In cleansing products, it can bring a cool and clean feeling to the skin. In products such as lotions and creams, it can soothe the skin and reduce skin discomfort. In hair care products, the cooling sensation of peppermint extract can relieve scalp itching and clean scalp oil.
Daily necessities field
In oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, peppermint extract is a common ingredient. It can keep the mouth clean, inhibit oral bacteria, and provide fresh breath. In addition, in aromatherapy products, peppermint extract can be used to make aromatherapy candles, aromatherapy essential oils, etc., which can soothe emotions and relieve stress through the smell emitted.
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