Mentha pulegium
Mentha pulegium
Mentha pulegium, commonly known as pennyroyal, is a traditional herb traditionally used in various folk remedies but lacks documented specific uses. Scientific evidence for its use is limited; however, studies suggest that weekly or daily consumption may be associated with higher skeletal muscle percentage, though this finding requires further confirmation. Mentha pulegium has shown weak antioxidant properties and demonstrated effective antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, particularly in essential oil components. Essential oils from selected plants, including Mentha pulegium, have exhibited significant larvicidal and fumigant effects against Drosophila melanogaster, with notable acetylcholinesterase inhibition by its main component, pulegone. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Mentha pulegium; however, caution is advised due to the presence of pulegone, which can be toxic in high doses.
- Traditionally for
- menstrual disorders · abortion
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- menstrual disorders
- abortion
What the science says
- Weekly or daily consumption of Mentha pulegium was associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle, but this finding needs confirmation.
- Mentha pulegium showed weak antioxidant potential but was effective in antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Mentha pulegium essential oil and its main component pulegone showed significant larvicidal and fumigant activity against Drosophila melanogaster, with pulegone inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.
- Selected plant essential oils showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against carbapenemase-producing multidrug-resistant bacteria, with Z. multiflora exhibiting the strongest effect.
Frequently asked questions
What is Mentha pulegium?
Mentha pulegium (Mentha pulegium) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Mentha pulegium traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Mentha pulegium for: menstrual disorders, abortion. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Mentha pulegium?
Mentha pulegium appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Mentha pulegium?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Mentha pulegium; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Weekly or daily consumption of Mentha pulegium was associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle, but this finding needs confirmation.
How strong is the evidence for Mentha pulegium?
The strongest finding for Mentha pulegium carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Mentha pulegium safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Mentha pulegium in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Mentha pulegium interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Mentha pulegium in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Mentha pulegium?
Mentha pulegium is also known as: мята болотная, Menthe pouliot.
Is Mentha pulegium a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 The association between medicinal herbs consumption and body weight and composition: a hospital based cross-sectional study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insecticidal Potential of Mentha pulegium Essential Oil and Its Main Monoterpenes in Drosophila melanogaster. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Essential Oils as Natural Defenders: Exploring Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential Against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against carbapenemase-producing multidrug-resistant bacteria. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Mentha pulegium CC BY-SA 4.0