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Open Access Full Text Article   Review Article

A Review on Comparative studies on Chemical Composition and Biological Properties of Mentha piperita L with Special Reference to Kurdistan, Iraq

Omji Porwal ¹*, Bawan Jalal Koye ², Kalle Bahdeen ², Sana Khabat Abdulqadir ², Rosa Sidiq Hama Khurshid ², Azhi Abdlarhman ², Ranw Abdalwahid ², Lara R. Al-Khafaf ², Sara Kurdo Kamal ²

¹ Director of academic Research, Faculty of Pharmacy, Qaiwan International University, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq-46001    

² Faculty of Pharmacy, Qaiwan International University, Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan, Iraq-46001    

 

 

Introduction

Medicinal plants have received more attention because of their health benefits and Medicinal plants have long been used in traditional healing systems across the globe to manage a wide range of diseases and health conditions¹, and they continue to hold significant value in global commerce today². The phrase "medicinal plants" typically refers to natural therapeutic agents, and their use is on the rise due to their widespread availability and cost-effectiveness, making them a vital option for delivering primary healthcare, especially in resource-limited settings³.These medicinal plants can be considered as a valuable source of ingredients which can be used in drug development and pharmacological research ^4-7. On the other hand, medical plants significantly affected the human life across the entire world ^{4, 8-10}. The use of herbal medicine is leading modality, followed in Middle East, Europe and certain other advance countries, in order to treat of catastrophic human diseases ¹¹. Based on the WHO reports, the advanced countries have used medicinal plant for both clinical therapy and food industries significantly ^{11, 12}. Medicinal plants have significant potentials for human societies and consumed by people across the entire world. Although most of their health benefits have not investigated yet, their medical activities can be considered in the treatment of present or future diseases ⁸. Currently, more than 80% of the world population uses the traditional medicine and medicinal plants (especially plant extracts and essential oils) for their primary health needs ¹³. A wide range of nations across the globe, including Iraq ^14–16, maintain distinctive traditional healing practices and frequently rely on indigenous remedies and folk medicine to address health issues. According to the WHO Traditional Medicine (TM) Strategy 2014–2023, traditional healers, herbal therapies, and age-old treatment methods remain the primary—sometimes sole—source of healthcare for millions worldwide ³. One of the main challenges in this field is evaluating these remedies and establishing systems to regulate and register them, ensuring their safety and effectiveness. Although the clinical, medicinal, and economic significance of traditional treatments is increasingly acknowledged, the level of recognition still differs considerably among nations ². In contemporary settings, medicinal plants are not only used in customary or regional healing practices but are also officially listed in pharmacopoeias as standardized medicinal products ¹⁷. In many developing regions, however, traditional medical knowledge remains under-researched, underutilized, and poorly documented ¹⁸. These ancient systems, often passed down orally through generations of traditional healers, face the threat of extinction due to a weakening transmission between older and younger generations ^19–21. Globally, it is estimated that 35,000 to 70,000 plant species serve medicinal purposes, with about 6,500 natives to Asia ²². Iraq, owing to its ecological richness and climate diversity, hosts an abundance of wild plant species. The nation’s heritage in traditional medicine dates back to ancient civilizations, beginning with the Sumerians (3000–1970 B.C.), followed by the Babylonians and Assyrians (1970–589 B.C.) ²³. Hopper and Field (1973) also documented several medicinal and useful plants from Iran and Iraq ²⁴. Iraq’s wide-ranging habitats—from mountains and hills to valleys, plains, and lakes—support this botanical diversity. The rich cultural traditions and varied lifestyles in Iraq have fostered a complex system of local healthcare that relies heavily on the empirical knowledge and individualized practices of traditional healers who utilize natural materials to diagnose and treat ailments.

The aim of this study was to compile chemical diversity, components and activity of M. piperita cultivated in Iraq region. Peppermint or mint (M. piperita), a perennial aromatic herb belonging to the Lamiaceae (Labiatae) family, is a natural hybrid between spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) and water mint (Mentha aquatic L.) ^{25, 26} is one of the important species of mint in Iraq. It is herbaceous and perennial considered as a medical and aromatic plant and were produced extensively for the medicinal and food product industries ^{27, 28}. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, this genus is now grown globally due to its wide-ranging applications in culinary flavoring, perfumery, traditional medicine, and pharmaceutical industries ²⁹. Members of the M. piperita genus are characterized by their volatile oils which are of great economic importance ³⁰. Generally, it is extensively cultivated in soils with high water holding capacity; it requires a daytime length of 15-16 Hrs ^{31, 32}.  Its leaf is used as a remedy for common cold, inflammation of the mouth, pharynx, liver, as well as disorders in the gastrointestinal tract such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, flatulence and dyspepsia. It is also used as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic ^33-41. M. piperita is the most well-liked flavor that is often used in tea and intended for flavoring chewing gum, toothpaste, ice cream, and confectionery. M. piperita can also be found in particular soaps, skin care products as well as shampoos. M. piperita leaves were found to be a good source of volatile oils (menthol, menthone, menthofuran, menthyl acetate, cineol, and limonene), phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic and rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (menthoside, isorhoifolin, flavonones and luteolin), and tannins. Other reported constituents, azulene and minerals ⁴². Peppermint oil is obtained from the leaves of the perennial herb, M. piperita is a colorless, pale green or pale-yellow liquid that has strong, penetrating odor and a pungent taste that is followed by a sensation of cold when air drawn into the mouth³² and freely soluble in ethanol (70%). The solution may show opalescence ⁴³. The oil is found on the undersides of the leaves, is extracted by steam distillation and is generally followed by rectification and fractionation before use⁴⁴. It is generally used to relieve or treat symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, anorexia, abdominal pain, indigestion, and flatulence. Skin preparations having peppermint oil are used for treatment of headache, toothache, muscle pain, nerve pain, joint conditions, allergic rash, pruritus and repelling of mosquitos⁴⁵. M. piperita leaf, as well as M. piperita oil commonly have been employed internally (upper-gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts) to relieve diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, crohns disease, and ulcerative colitis, catarrh of the respiratory tract, and inflammation of the oral mucosa⁴⁶. Or it is further used as a flavoring agent in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries throughout the world.  It primarily consists of menthol and menthone, along with several lesser components such as pulegone, menthofuran, and limonene. The chemical profile of this plant can differ depending on its growth stage, geographic origin, and methods of processing ^47-49. Naturally, menthol appears as a colorless crystalline substance or powder and is mainly responsible for the antispasmodic properties of peppermint^50-51. Research has shown that menthol promotes bile secretion, lowers esophageal sphincter pressure aiding in belching, and exhibits antibacterial effects ^52-54. Globally, India stands as the leading producer, exporter, and consumer of mint oil, while China has become one of its primary importers ^55-57.

Nomenclature, botany and cultivation

M. piperita was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus from specimens that had been collected in England; he treated it as a species ⁵⁸, but it is now universally agreed to be a hybrid⁵⁹. M. piperita is known by over 101 distinct local names across various countries (Table 1), reflecting its widespread recognition ^60–62. The naming conventions for mint are typically influenced by the cultural traditions and linguistic practices of each region. The species Mentha piperita is the most commonly used scientific designation for peppermint⁶³. The genus Mentha includes 25 to 30 species⁶⁴ include Mentha arvensis (Japanese Peppermint), M. asiatica (asian mint), M. australis (Australian mint), M. cervina (Hart’s Pennyroyal), M. citrato (bergamot mint), M. crispata (wrinkled leaf mint), Mentha aquatica (commonly known as water mint), Mentha laxiflora (forest mint), Mentha longifolia or Mentha sylvestris (horse mint), Mentha pulegium (pennyroyal), Mentha requienii (Corsican mint), Mentha sachalinensis (garden mint), Mentha satureioides (native pennyroyal), Mentha spicata or Mentha cordifolia (spearmint), Mentha suaveolens (apple mint), and Mentha vagans (gray mint) represent notable species within the Mentha genus. Among the hybrids, the most significant is Mentha piperita (peppermint), which is a natural cross between Mentha aquatica (water mint) and Mentha spicata (spearmint), as well as the variety known as ginger M.gracilis a cross between M. arvensis and M.spicata (spearmint)^65,66. It is an herbaceous rhizomatous perennial plant that grows to be 30-90 cm (12-35 in) tall, with smooth stems, square in cross section. The rhizomes are wide-spreading, fleshy and bear fibrous roots. The leaves can be 4-9 cm (1.6-3.5 in) long and 1.5-4 cm (0.59-1.57 in) broad. They are dark green with reddish veins and they have an acute apex and coarsely toothed margins. The leaves and stems are usually slightly fuzzy. The flowers are purple, 6-8 mm (0.24-0.31 in) long, with a four-lobed corolla about 5 mm (0.20 in) diameter; they are produced in whorls (verticillasters) around the stem, forming thick, blunt spikes. Flowering season lasts from mid- to late summer. The chromosome number is variable, with 2n counts of 66, 72, 84, and 120 recorded ^67-69. M. piperita is a fast-growing plant; once it sprouts, it spreads very quickly. The most commercially and medicinally significant mint species are outlined in Table 2. Mentha piperita thrives especially in soils that retain moisture well⁶². Since all commercially cultivated mint types are sterile and do not produce viable seeds, propagation is done through underground stolons (also known as runners or root segments) from mature plants ⁷⁰. However, these stolons have a limited storage life, as they are prone to quick degradation from heat or moisture loss ⁷⁰. Overall, mint plants are adaptable and capable of growing under diverse environmental conditions, including full sunlight exposure⁷¹.

 

 

Table 1:  The most plentiful local names of Mentha piperita around the world

 

 

 

Table 2:  The list of the most plentiful mint species and their functions

 

 

Phytochemicals 

Irrespective of the plant species, the phytochemicals present in the various species of mentha are the same while their ratios may alter ^65,66,72. Differences in the chemical makeup of these plants can be attributed to several factors such as physiological traits, environmental influences, geographical location, and genetic diversity⁷³.  M. piperita plants contain over 40 distinct chemical compounds Fig. 1. M. piperita leaves were found to be a good source of volatile oils, The essential oil of peppermint is mostly made up of menthol, menthone, menthyl esters, 3-carene, carvone, cis-carane, cispinane, isomenthone, limonene, caryophyllene, menthanol, Mentha piperita comprises a wide range of compounds, including myrcene and monoterpene-based derivatives such as pulegone, piperitone, menthofuran, trans-cinnamic acid, oleanolic acid, p-cymene, physcion, terpinolene, and ursolic acid. Additionally, it features constituents like α-pinene, β-pinene, cineole, jasmone, ledol, limonene, neomenthol, viridiflorol, and again, piperitone and pulegone. This plant is also rich in various terpenoids and flavonoids, including acacetin, chrysoeriol, diosmin, eriocitrin (eriodictyol-7-O-rutinoside), hesperidin, hesperidoside, isorhoifolin, linarin, luteolin, menthoside, kaempferol 7-O-rutinoside, methyl rosmarinate, rutin, tilianin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, 5,7-dihydroxychromone-7-O-rutinoside, narirutin, and nodifloretin.

The phenolic acids present are caffeic acid, cinamic acid, narigenin-7-oglucoside chlorogenic, lithospermic acid, rosmarinic acid, protocatechuic acid, protocatechuic aldehyde, phytosterols, eriodictyol glucopyranosyl-rhamnopyranoside, β-sitosterol and daucosterol; the anthraquinones aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, emodin, and tannins Fig. 1. Other reported constituents, azulene and minerals^42,65,72. Various constituents of peppermint oil as per monographs of International Pharmacopoeia are limonene (1.0-5.0%), cineole (3.5-14.0%), menthone (14.0-32.0%), menthofuran (1.0 -9.0%), isomenthone (1.5-10.0%), menthyl acetate (2.8-10.0%), isopulegol (max. 0.2%), menthol (30.0-55.0%), pulegone (max. 4.0%) and carvone (max. 1.0%)⁷⁴.The essential oil contents and composition of M. piperita leaves shows variation in plants of different geographical origin. The chemical composition of the essential oil from M. piperita was analyzed by GC/FID and GCMS in different geographical locations are summarized in Table 3.

 

 

 

Table 3: Comparative chemical composition of M. piperita essential oil

Country	Major components	Ref.
Turkey	Menthone (44.1%), menthol (29.5%), menthyl acetate (3.8%) and menthofuran (0.9%); (+)-Menthol (38.06%), menthol (35.64%), neomenthol (6.73%) and cineole (3.62%).	75 76
Bulgarian	Menthol (35.2-46.2%) and menthone (8.7- 25.9%).	77
Morocco	Menthone (29.01%), menthol (5.58%), menthyl acetate (3.35%), menthofuran (3.01%), 1,8-cineole (2.4%), isomenthone (2.12%), limonene (2.1%), α-pinene (1.56%), germacrene-D (1.5%),β-pinene (1.25%), sabinene (1.13%), and pulegone (1.12%); Menthol (46.32%), menthofuran (13.18%), menthyl acetate (12.10%), menthone (7.42%), and 1,8‑cineole (6.06%)	78   100
Korea	Linalyl acetate (28.2%), menthol (33.4%), 1,8-cineole (32.1%); Menthol (4.30%), caryophyllene (5.50%) and eucalyptol (62.16%).	79 90
Sudan	Menthone (47.38%), menthofuran (9.79%), menthol (8.58%), pulegone (7.92%), 1,8-cineole (5.29%), isomenthone (4.64%) and limonene (2.73%).	80
Brazil	Menthol (12-92.7%), mentone (2.2-56.9%), neomenthol (2.9-12.1%); Menthol (42.32%), menthyl acetate (35.01%), menthofuran (4.56%), menthone (4.05%) and 1,8 cineole (5.56%)	81 86
Taiwan	Menthol (30.35%), menthone (21.12%) and trans-carane (10.99%).	82
Iran	Menthol (38.33%), menthone (21.45%) and methyl acetate (12.49%); Menthol (36.9%), menthone (28.8%), methyl acetate (4.5%) carveone (3.8%), neomenthol (3.8%), 1,8-cineole (3.8%) and limonene (3.29%) Hydrodistillation method: menthol (45.34%), menthone (16.04%), menthofuran (8.91%), cis-carane (8.70%), 1,8-cineole (4.46%), neo-menthol (4.24%), and limonene (2.22%). HS/SPME method: menthol (29.38%), menthone (16.88%), cis-carane (14.39%), menthofuran (11.38%), 1,8-cineole (9.45%), trans-caryophyllene (2.76%), neo-menthol (2.37%), β-Pinene (2.26%), α-Pinene (1.55%), germacrene-D (1.41%), trans-sabinene hydrate (1.28%), and neoisomenthyl acetate (1.02%).	83 84       110
Sudan (Khartoum North)	Menthone (57.7%), menthofuran (7.2%), 1,8- cineole (5.5%), isomenthone (3.8%), menthyl acetate (2.3%), Pulegone (1.7%) Isomenthol (1.5%) and limonene (1.6%).	85
England	Menthol (49.79%), menthone (19.08%), and menthyl acetate (5.08%).	87
Burkina Faso	Menthol (39.3%), menthone (25.2%), menthofuran (6.8%) and menthyl acetate (6.7%).	88
Serbia	Menthol (37.40%), menthyl acetate (17.37%), menthone (12.70%), and menthofuran (6.82%).	89
Colombia	Isomenthol (7.23%), Isomenthone (26.15%), pulegone (44.54%) and Chrysanthenone (8.07%).	91
Saudi Arabia	Menthol (36.02), menthone (24.56), menthyl acetate (8.95) and menthofuran (6.88%).	92
Egypt	Menthol (50.85%), menthone (20.50%), carvone (10.94%) and 1,8-cineole (6.87%); Menthol (37.62%), menthone (20.98%), carvone (11.76%), dihydro carveol acetate (11.23%), cineol (5.89%), β-caryophyllene (2.94), limonene (2.78%) and iso-menthone (2.39).	93   95
India	Menthol (58.80%), pulegone (6.62 %), isomenthne (6.42 %),menthyl acetate (3.94 %), Menthofuran (3.11 %),neomenthone (2.64 %), propylene glycol (13.27%), benzyl alcohol (7.95%), p- Menthone (28.33%), menthol (33.35%), naphthalene (7.43%).	94 98
Tunisia	Menthol (33.59%), iso-menthone (33.00%), limonene (8.00%), piperitone(3.20%),iso-pulegol(2.40%).	96
Ouargla (Algeria)	Carvone (51.04%), limonene (36.37%), β-Pinene (1.66%), Trans- dihydrocarvone (1.52%), β-myrcene(1.5%); Limonene oxide (23,3), followed by 7- Oxabicyclo[4,1,0]heptane,1-methyl-4-(methylethenyl)- (14,6), Cis-(-)-1,2-Epoxy-p-menth-8-ene (5,72), and Bicyclo[2.2.1] heptane-2,5-diol,1,7,7-trimethyl-,(2-endo,5-exo)-(4,04).	97     104
Romania	Plant: Menthone (25.4%), eucalyptol (17.7%) and menthol (12.1%; oil:  (99.6%). Menthol (46.8%) and menthone (25.6%); Menthol (39.695%), menthone (15.742%), and isomenthone (7.735%), estragole (0.929%).	99 106
Sri Lanka	Menthol (41.2%), Menthone (24.3%), b-Caryophyllene (5.1%), Menthyl acetate (2.0%), Limonene (1.1%), a-Pinene (1.1%).	101
Pakistan	Menthone (28.13 and 25.54%), Menthyl acetate (9.51 and 9.68%), limonene (7.58 and 7.73%), isomenthone (4.04 and 7.63%), summer and winter, respectively; P-mentha-6, 8-dien-2-one (46.434%), p-menthan-3-ol (25.749%), borneol (8.865%), d-limonene (5.516%), 2-isopropylidenecyclohexanone (4.838%), 7-oxabicyclo [4.1.0] heptan-2-one-6-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl) (2.039%).	102   108
China	Menthol (30.69), menthone (14.51) and menthy acetate (12.86).	103
Isfahan province, Iran	Camphane (15.203%), menthone (12.013%), menthol (11.406%), β-Pinene (7.62%), pulegone (6.42%), β-Cubebene (4.95%), α-Pinene (4.012%), γ-Terpinene (4.081%), carane (3.82%) and piperiton (3.05%).	105
Montenegro	Menthol (33.15%), menthon (19.61%), 1,8 cineole (6.37%) and methyl acetate (5.63%).	107
Macapa, Brazil	inalool (51.8%), Sesquiphellandrene (9.4%), Cadinene (4%),𝛽-Pinene (3.8%)and epoxyocimene (19.3%).	109
Uzbekistan	(C, %) Menthol (6,46),5-methyl-2-(1-methylpropyl) cyclohexanone  (0,98), 3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol (1,76)	111
Iraq	Alkaloids (0.12%), saponins (6%), simple phenolic acid (0.92%), flavonoids (2.2%)	112

 

 

M. piperita in traditional medicine

Mentha piperita is widely recognized for its efficacy in relieving digestive ailments and is a prominent remedy in traditional and folk medicine systems across Europe, China, Arabia, and the Indian subcontinent. Its leaves exhibit carminative properties and are employed in the management of various gastrointestinal disorders, including dyspepsia (such as spasmodic discomfort of the upper gastrointestinal tract), bacillary dysentery, flatulence, gastritis, and enteritis. Additionally, it functions as a cholagogue, emmenagogue, vermifuge, galactagogue (lactation enhancer), and mild sedative. The foliage is also therapeutically valuable in treating bronchitis, diabetes, diarrhea, fevers, hypertension, jaundice, nausea, pain, and infections of the respiratory and urinary tracts ^{65, 66}.

Fresh or dried peppermint leaves are commonly consumed as herbal tea—either alone or blended with other botanicals in tisanes or infusions. Beyond its medicinal applications, M. piperita is extensively utilized as a flavoring agent in ice cream, confectioneries, fruit preserves, alcoholic drinks, chewing gum, toothpaste, as well as in select shampoos, soaps, and skincare formulations¹¹³. Peppermint oil is clinically applied for short-term management of irritable bowel syndrome and remains a traditional remedy for minor health conditions. When used topically, the oil provides a cooling sensation that alleviates muscle and nerve pain, soothes itching, and serves as a natural fragrance. However, high oral intake (around 500 mg) may lead to mucosal irritation and symptoms resembling heartburn^114–116.

These therapeutic uses are supported by scientifically validated studies.

Scientific studies have shown that M. piperita and its essential oil exerts its antispasmodic effects by inhibiting smooth muscle contractions, primarily through calcium channel blockade. This mechanism helps relax gastrointestinal smooth muscles by limiting calcium influx into cells. Menthol, the key active component, has been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity, promote bile secretion, lower esophageal sphincter tension, support belching, and function as a carminative agent. Additionally, M. piperita demonstrates neuromodulatory effects and potential to enhance physical performance. Its oil influences calcium-dependent mechanisms in intestinal, neural, and cardiac tissues. Furthermore, it alleviates motion sickness, stimulates bile production, and aids in digestion. Research findings suggest that M. piperita exhibits chemopreventive activity against oral cancers induced by shamma in hamster cheek pouch models and lung tumors caused by benzo[a]pyrene in mice. Clinical trials also support its efficacy in treating a range of gastrointestinal conditions, particularly for managing irritable bowel syndrome and alleviating symptoms of digestive disorders such as dysentery, bloating, and gastritis ¹¹⁷.

Reported activity of M. piperita in Kurdistan region, Iraq

1. Sahib et al determined the probable anti-angiogenic activity of Mentha piperita leaves extracts. The ex vivo rat aorta ring assay was employed to screen activity; free radical scavenging ability was done by DPPH Assay. Both of these extracts of Mentha piperita leaves showed a significant dose dependent anti–angiogenesis action with IC₅₀ of 22.126μg/ml for methanol extract and 30.608μg/ml for chloroform extract were compared to the DMSO data (negative control) (P<0.001). In addition, methanol and chloroform sample extracts revealed a significant scavenging activity for the free radical (P<0.05) with IC₅₀ (3.51μg/ml and 3.7μg/ml) respectively ¹¹⁸. 
2. Addai investigated the presences of phytochemicals, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Syzygium aromaticum, Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum verum, Pimpinella anisum and Zingiber purpurea. The extracts were evaluated for antibacterial activity using the disc diffusion method, while antioxidant activities were measured using ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and phytochemical screening was performed using a standard method. Syzygium aromaticum fruit extract exhibited the most activity in the test antioxidants and antibacterial activity when compared with other medicinal plants. Phytochemical analysis revealed that alkaloids, flavonoids, triterpenoids, tannin, and carbohydrates were present in the extracts of all plants ¹¹⁹. 
3. Adham evaluated quantitatively antimicrobial activity of Mentha piperita, Mentha longifolia and Ocimum basilicum, compare between them and to evaluate the type of interaction between them by microbroth dilution method and calculation of fractional inhibitory concentration. Mentha piperita demonstrated the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), ranging from 1.5 to <0.1 mg/mL, followed by Mentha longifolia and Ocimum basilicum, both with MIC values ranging between 3 and <0.1 mg/mL. The corresponding minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values ranged from 6 to 0.1875 mg/mL. When M. piperita was combined with M. longifolia, the MIC was further reduced, ranging from 0.1875 to <0.05 mg/mL. Similarly, the combination of M. longifolia and O. basilicum exhibited MIC values between 0.75 and <0.05 mg/mL.Among the tested bacterial strains, Streptococcus mitis exhibited the highest sensitivity to all individual and combined leaf extracts. Notably, the synergistic combination of M. piperita, M. longifolia, and O. basilicum showed enhanced antibacterial activity against most of the tested bacteria. However, an antagonistic interaction was observed between M. longifolia and O. basilicum against Staphylococcus aureus¹²⁰. 
4. Al-Sahlany detected Vibrio spp. in cheese manufacture and effect of essential oil of Mentha piperita on these bacteria. A 126 isolates of Vibrio spp. were isolated from 30 samples of two types of local cheeses. The samples were collected from 14 markets in Basrah city. 8 species from Vibrio genes was obtained and defined by microscopic and biochemical tests. Vibrio parahaemclyticus and Vibrio cholera were the highest percentage among other isolates. It was 33% and 25 % respectively. Essential oil of Mentha piperita was extracted from leaves. It was 2% (v:w) which used for Vibrio spp. isolates inhibition. Vibrio logei was most sensitive against 15 μl of Mentha piperita essential oil. The MIC of Vibrio spp. was.0035 ml excepted V. cholera was 0.0041 ml and V. harveyi, V. logei were 0.0027 ml ¹²¹.
5. Al-Kassie conducted a study to evaluate the growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets enriched with dried peppermint (Mentha piperita L.), used as a natural growth-promoting alternative. In total, 200 Hubbard broiler chicks were divided into groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with varying concentrations of peppermint—0.00%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%—over a six-week period (42 days). The findings indicated that all groups receiving peppermint showed enhanced growth performance compared to the control. Notably, birds receiving 0.5% peppermint supplementation exhibited superior outcomes in terms of weekly weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and carcass yield compared to those receiving 1.5%. No significant differences were observed in blood parameters (PCV%, RBC, Hb%, and WBC) across the treatments. However, liver weight varied significantly between treatment groups and the control, and a statistically significant variation in the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio was also recorded among the treated groups when compared to the control¹²².
6. Ahmed investigated ttraditional Medicinal Plant Usage Among Healers in Southern Kurdistan An ethnobotanical investigation was undertaken to record the indigenous knowledge of medicinal plant usage among traditional healers in Sulaymaniyah Province during the years 2014 and 2015. Information was gathered through structured interviews with 45 local healers (comprising 36 men and 9 women aged between 25 and 80 years) who maintain ancestral knowledge of herbal medicine. The study also included calculations of the use value (UV) for each plant species and the informant consensus factor (ICF) for the categories of ailments treated. Additionally, comparisons were made between the field data and existing ethnobotanical records from Kurdish literature.

The study identified 66 medicinal plant species, representing 63 genera across 34 botanical families, traditionally used to address 99 distinct diseases and health conditions. The family Lamiaceae was the most prominent, with 7 species reported, followed closely by Apiaceae, Asteraceae, and Fabaceae, each contributing 6 species.

Leaves were the plant part most commonly employed in remedies (46%), while flowers and seeds accounted for 15% and 10%, respectively. Decoction emerged as the primary method of preparation (68%), whereas a smaller number of species were consumed either as vegetables (13%) or in powdered form (10%).

The ailment group associated with respiratory conditions exhibited the highest ICF score (0.68), indicating strong agreement among healers. This was followed by treatments for inflammatory conditions (0.58) and women's health issues (0.54). Notably, the species with the highest UVs—indicating frequent use and perceived effectiveness—were Zingiber officinale (0.48), Matricaria chamomilla (0.37), Adiantum capillus-veneris, Thymus vulgaris, and Pimpinella anisum (each with 0.31)^123.

Conclusion

Plants have been used by people in alternative medicine for different purposes since old ages. Nutraceutical and functional foods help protect against a chronic illness, reducing illness effects. Mentha piperita is a popular and medicinal plant native to Iraq. The essential oil contents of leaves from M. piperita under investigation showed variation in constituents and composition from those obtained from other different geographical origin (locations). It was found that menthone is the main constituent in the essential oil under investigation, whereas menthol isomer, isomenthol was detected as a minor constituent. Some of the benefic biological effects show that this plant may play an important role as anti-oxidant, antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral, anti-allergic and antitumorigenic, indicating its utility in the prevention or treatment of several diseases. Furthermore, we may say that Mentha piperita is a promising plant that may offer low-cost alternative strategy for the use in Medicine and in food industry. It could be concluded that, M. piperita grown under Iraq climatic conditions contain many bioactive constituents but no reported document is available so we need more study on M. piperita to use in various disease.

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no potential conflict of interest with respect to the contents, authorship, and/or publication of this article.

Author Contributions: All authors have equal contribution in the preparation of manuscript and compilation.

Source of Support: Nil

Funding: The authors declared that this study has received no financial support.

Informed Consent Statement: Not applicable. 

Data Availability Statement: The data supporting in this paper are available in the cited references. 

Ethical approval: Not applicable.

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