Essential oil content and chemical composition of Mentha Longifolia growing wild in district Panjgur Balochistan.

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the essential oil content and chemical composition of Mentha longifolia (plant) species that grows in the wild (District Panjgur, Balochistan, Pakistan). Essential oil was extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the plant, and its GC-MS analysis was performed. The main constituents of essential oil were 3-cyclopenten-1-one, 2-hydroxy-3-(3-methyl-2-butanyl)-, cyclohexene, 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-, eucalyptol, l-menthone and caryophyllene oxide. Eucalyptol and cyclohexene derivatives which contribute to the woodsy, minty and herbaceous aroma of the plant were particularly important as they have been reported to have antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The essential oil composition marked differences from the previous studies in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where the compounds present in the extract were similar to those reported in this study. Caryophyllene oxide was identified as one of the compounds responsible for stress/anxiety reduction which further supports the medicinal value of M. longifolia oil. The oil also had insecticidal activity. It was used for pest control as well as mosquito repellant. This study highlights the biological and therapeutic importance of M. longifolia and suggests potential industrial applications in agriculture, medicine, and personal care. It also offers insights into the chemical makeup of the plant and opens up the way to further exploration of its different potential uses in order to obtain the safest and sustainable application of the plant in both scientific and practical contexts.