Knowledge: Peppermint Extract Liquid: peppermint leaf

Peppermint leaf (Mentha x piperita, or, Mentha balsamea Wild ) is a hybrid plant of watermint and spearmint. It is a native plant to Europe, Asia and North America. Its active ingredient includes menthol.

Besides known as a culinary herb, Peppermint leaf is also traditionally used for treating digestive issues, mood and sleep disorder. With its active ingredient menthol and methyl salicylate, peppermint leaf is beneficial for treating common cold / flu, indigestion and skin irritations.

Health Benefits:

1. Chronic Disease Prevention

Research shows 30 days intake of peppermint juice can significantly improve glycemia, total cholesterol, LDL, blood pressure and BMI, in students aged 18 and 45 years.

Table 1: The effect of Peppermint juice on Biochemical and Anthropometric Profile

2. Boost Exercise Performance

Research shows 10 days of Peppermint oil supplementation significantly increase exercise performance and lung function for male university students.

Table 2: The effect of Peppermint oil supplementation on Exercise Performance

Table 3: The effect of Peppermint oil supplementation on Lung Function

3. Muscle Health

With the anti-spasmodic properties of peppermint, studies shows that external application of peppermint extract, helps increase pain threshold, thereby reducing muscle pain and better performance with physical workload.

Usage:

Food and beverage as well as Health Supplement

Reference:

1. Barbalho et al. 2011, “Investigation of the effects of peppermint (Mentha piperita) on the biochemical and anthropometric profile of university students”, Food Science and Technology, vol. 31 (3), pp. 584 – 588
2. Mermabashi, A. & Rajabi, A. 2013, “The effects of peppermint on exercise performance”, Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 10 (15), pp. 1-6
3. Balakrishnan, A. 2015, “The effects of peppermint on exercise performance”, Journal of Pharmaceutical Science and Research, vol. 7 (7), pp. 474 – 476