ESCOP monographs The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Online series. Menthae piperitae folium (Peppermint leaf). Exeter (UK): ESCOP; 2019.

+ Info

SUMMARY:

The herbal monograph selects and summarises scientific studies and textbooks regarding efficacy, dosage and safety to support the therapeutic uses of peppermint leaf.

This herbal drug by definition consists of the whole or cut dried leaves of Mentha × piperita L.

Studies with its main characteristic constituents the essential oil (menthol) and flavonoids are included.

The therapeutic indication is symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, flatulence and gastritis.

Administration of Peppermint leaf addresses posology; its duration of use; contra-indications; special warnings; special precautions for use; interactions with other medicinal products; other forms of interaction; in pregnancy and lactation; its effects on ability to drive; undesirable effects; overdose.

In vitro experiments with Peppermint leaf demonstrated antispasmodic and antimicrobial effects. In vivo experiments with Peppermint leaf or its extracts showed choleretic and antinociceptive properties.

Preclinical safety data were assessed in toxicity studies. The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at bringing together relevant information about the possible physiological roles of Peppermint leaf and its major constituents.

KEYWORDS:

• Menthae piperitae folium
• Peppermint leaf
• Mentha × piperita L.
• Symptomatic treatment of digestive disorders such as dyspepsia, flatulence and gastritis