Mentha pulegium
Mentha pulegium
Mentha pulegium is a plant species utilized within various traditional medicinal practices. It has been historically applied as a stimulant, carminative, and cholagogue, with uses ranging from digestive complaints and colic to pectoral issues, infections, and insect bites. Scientific evidence regarding its health benefits remains limited; while some studies suggest a possible association between consumption and higher skeletal muscle percentages, this finding requires further confirmation. The plant has demonstrated weak antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, while its essential oil and component pulegone show significant larvicidal activity. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- stimulant · carminative
- Traditions
- traditional · 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
- stimulant
- carminative
- belly sclerosis
- cholagogue
- colic
- diaphoretic
- digestive complaints
- expectorant
- gout
- infections
- insect bites
- nervous complaints
- pectoral
- spasms
- stomach complaints
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: stimulant, carminative, belly sclerosis, cholagogue, colic, diaphoretic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Mentha pulegium?
Mentha pulegium appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- 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