Nutrition and Food Technology-Sci Forschen

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REVIEW ARTICLE
A Narrative Review on the Mechanistic Actions and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint and Spearmint Teas (Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha spicata L.)

  Emma Derbyshire1*      Tim Bond2      Christopher J Etheridge3   

1PhD, RPH Nutr, Independent Nutrition Consultant, Nutritional Insight, Surrey, United Kingdom
2Tea Advisory Panel, Warwick Avenue, Bedford, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom
3Tea Advisory Panel, London, United Kingdom

*Corresponding author: Emma Derbyshire, PhD, RPH Nutr, Independent Nutrition Consultant, Nutritional Insight, Surrey, KT17 2AA, United Kingdom, E-mail: emma@nutritional-insight.co.uk


Abstract

Mint teas have a long history of use for their distinctive aroma and traditionally reported health benefits. Their consumption has been gaining interest in recent years due to increased consumer awareness of health matters. In light of this, a narrative review was conducted to identify mechanistic and human studies between mint teas and some specific aspects of human health. PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar were used to identify research focusing on two main mint tea forms - peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) and spearmint (Mentha spicata L.). Nine key mechanistic and seven human studies were identified and evaluated. Alongside the pleasant aroma and taste that are characteristic of mint teas, they may also deliver a range of bioactives into daily diets that could have wider implications for health maintenance. An emerging body of evidence indicates that drinking 1-2 cups of mint tea daily (peppermint and/or spearmint) may be safely consumed by most healthy adults and could confer wider-ranging health benefits. Longer-term trials are warranted to continue building research in this important, emerging field.

Keywords

Bioactives; Peppermint; Mentha piperita L.; Spearmint; Mentha spicata L.; Health


Introduction

Herbal teas, also known as infusions or tisanes, are a popular global beverage that have great potential for beneficial actions in some key areas of clinical and preventative health [1]. Mint tea is one of the most commonly consumed herbal teas across the globe and its essential oils are well recognized for their therapeutic properties [2]. Mints are a perennial herb belonging to the genus Mentha and a member of the tribe Mentheae in the subfamily Nepetoideae within the Lamiaceae family [3]. They are known as aromatic herbs and texts show they were widely used in ancient Babylon. Their potential medicinal uses became more widely appreciated in the middle Ages, through texts written by Byzantine physicians [4]. These aromatic plants grow well in moist environments such as near to lakes, rivers and ponds [5]. Market size share and growth trend analysis reveals that the mint tea market is anticipated to have steady growth due to consumers becoming increasingly health-conscious and seeking natural beverages [6].

Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) has a long history of use for its traditional medicinal properties, as a flavouring agent and for its distinctive, exceptional aroma [7]. Spearmint is grown and traded across the world and tea produced from its leaves has traditionally been used in the treatment of digestive disorders, headaches, fevers and other minor ailments [8]. Peppermint (Mentha x piperita L.) is a sterile hybrid mint, a cross between water mint (Mentha aquatica L.) and spearmint [9]. It can rarely occur in the wild with its parent species in Europe and the Middle East, but is more commonly cultivated in many different areas of the world [9]. The herbal tea brewed from the leaves of the peppermint plant, is now one of the most widely consumed tisanes globally [10].

There has been growing interest in the biological activities of many Mentha species due to their proposed antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti allergic, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive effects [11]. The aim of the present review is to collate the latest evidence on mint teas and health.

Bioactive properties

Mint species provide an array of biologically active compounds [12]. The antimicrobial activities of mint have largely been attributed to their diverse range of phenolic compounds [13]. In peppermint infusions flavones (luteolin derivatives), flavanones (eriocitrin derivatives), phenolic acids (rosmarinic and caffeic acids) are regarded as some of the most predominant infusion phenolic bioactives [14]. Unsaturated terpenes such as alpha, beta, gamma and delta and minor cyclic oxygenated terpenes (such as thymol) also contribute to the antioxidant potential [15]. Alongside providing phenolic compounds and flavonoids, peppermint can also provide certain minerals such as magnesium (5.82 g/kg of ariel parts tested) [14]. Research by Farcas, et al. (2015) found that mint infusion samples (2 g plant leaves in 200ml hot water for 2 minutes) provided phenolic compounds (39 mg/100ml of which 13 mg were flavonoids) which could have important roles in human health [16]. Spearmint also contains various terpenoid compounds which could also have potential biological effects, such as L-carvone, piperitone oxide and (+)-trans-carveol [17].

Further analysis has shown that the aroma oil contents of peppermint and spear mint were 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. Peppermint has been found to contain menthone (25.4%), 1, 8-cineole (17.7%) and menthol (12.1%) as the predominant components and its essential oil provides high amounts of menthol (46.8%) and menthone (25.6%) [2]. Spearmint has been found to have a high content of limonene (37.0%), L-carvone (13.0%), β-pinene (10.4%) and α-pinene (9.8%) with the essential oil providing carvone (51.7%), dihydrocarveol (11.5%) and cis-dihydrocarvone (9.1%) [2]. Further bioactive compounds present in peppermint and spearmint tea are shown in (Table 1) [18].

Mint species name Polyphenol Compounds

Aromatic
Components

Peppermint tea (M. x piperita L.) β-myrcene
Caftaric acid β-pinene
Chlorogenic acid α-pinene
Ferulic acid α-thujene
m-coumaric acid Carvone
o-coumaric acid Cineole
p-cumaric acid Isomenthone
Rosmarinic acid (rosA) Isopulegol
Limonene
Linalool
Menthol
Menthyl acetate
Methyl petroselinate
Menthofuran
Menthone
Oxygenated monoterpenes
Pulegone
Spearmint tea (M. spicata L.) Caffeoylquinic acids Carvone
Flavanones Caryophyllene
Flavones 1,8-cineole (eucalptol)
Hydroxybenzoic acids cis-piperitone oxide
Hydroxycinnamic acids Limonene
Rosmarinic acid Menthofuran
Salvianolic acids Piperitenone
Piperitenone oxide
Piperitone
Pulegone

Table 1: Main bioactive compounds in Mentha piperita L. and Mentha spicata species L.
Source: Adapted from T afrihi M, et al. [18].

Search Strategy

Pub Med, Science Direct and Google Scholar were used to search for relevant publications. Filters were applied where appropriate. Phase 1 focused on human studies. The PICO model was applied as the basis of the search strategy. The population (P) was defined as adults. The Intervention (I) was peppermint or spearmint tea intake. The Comparison (C) was an enlisted placebo or control group, and the Outcomes of Interest (O) were markers of health [19].

Included studies were required to follow specified inclusion criteria: (1) published in English, (2) human studies (clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and observational studies), (3) studies focusing on adults, and (4) papers investigating the effects of peppermint or spearmint tea (fresh leaves, dried e.g. commercial tea bags or oil) on markers of health. Included publications needed to investigate mint in tea form, using its leaves, or the oil ingested as a beverage Phase 2 focused on mechanistic studies. The inclusion criteria were defined as: (1) articles published in English, (2) animal/laboratory/in vitro studies and (3) papers studying the effects of mint tea exposure.

Results

Human Studies

Seven key human trials have been undertaken, four with peppermint [20-23] and three with spearmint [24-26]. Peppermint has been associated with a wide range of health outcomes in relation to its ingestion including: cardio metabolic health, effects on human enzyme activity, cognition and mood, and iron absorption (Table 2). In a randomized placebo-controlled trial conducted with 36 healthy adults those provided with 50 µL of peppermint oil as a beverage diluted in 100 ml water (about half a cup) exhibited statistically significant reductions in systolic blood pressure and triglycerides, compared with the placebo group [20]. State and trait anxiety levels were also reduced [20].

Study Population (P) Study Type Tea intervention (I) Control (C) group Study Outcome (O) Main Findings Study (Author, year)
Peppermint
n=36 healthy adults. 20-day randomised, placebo- controlled parallel study design. Drank 50 μL of either peppermint oil or peppermint flavoured placebo, diluted in 100 ml of water twice per day for 20 days. Peppermint flavoured placebo. Cardio metabolic outcomes. There were significantly greater reductions in systolic blood pressure and in triglycerides in the peppermint group compared to placebo. State and trait anxiety indices improved statistically also. Sinclair, et al. (2023) [20]
n=9 (4M/5F). 6-day trial. 2 x 200 ml peppermint tea (2 g of dry leaves/200 mL water). Not specified. Human enzyme activity. Peppermint tea consumption reduced NAT2 (involved in the metabolism of drugs and carcinogens) activity in humans. Begas, et al. (2017) [21]
n=18 undergraduate students. One factor independent groups design. 200 ml peppermint tea (brewed for 5 mins). Hot water. Cognition and mood. Peppermint tea significantly increased subjective alertness compared to the chamomile group. Moss, et al. (2016) [22]
n=78 (23M/54 19-40 years. Eight separate Fe absorption trials. 300 ml peppermint tea (3 g tea, left to infuse for 10minutes before straining and serving). Water control. Iron absorption. Iron absorption inhibition was 84% in the peppermint tea group. Hurrell, et al. (1999) [23]
Spearmint
n=46 adults (mean age 60-70 years) with medically diagnosed knee osteoarthritis. 16-week randomised, double-blind study. 2 x 300 ml spearmint tea brewed from arosA variety (130–150 mg of rosA per cup). 13 mg rosA per cup from the control tea. Knee osteoarthritis symptoms. Ingestion of both teas significantly improved stiffness and physical disability scores. Only the rosA tea significantly decreased pain. Connelly (2014) [24]
n=42 females 19-42 years with PCOS and hirsutism. 30-day randomized controlled trial. 2 x spearmint tea daily. Placebo herbal (chamomile) tea. Serum androgen hormone and gonadotrophin levels. Hirsutism. Free and total testosterone levels significantly reduced over the 30-day period in the spearmint tea group (p 0.05). LH and FSH increased (p<0.05). Subjective assessments of hirsutism were significantly reduced in the spearmint tea group (p<0.05). No significant reduction in objective ratings of hirsutism were observed (p=0.12). Grant (2010) [25]
n=21 females 18-40 years with PCOS or idiopathic hirsutism. 5-day trial. 2 x 250 ml spearmint tea daily (5 g dried leaves steeped for 5-10 minutes). Not specified. Androgen levels. There was a significant decrease in free testosterone and increase in LH, FSH and oestradiol. Akdogan, et al. (2007) [26]

Table 2: Human trials investigating inter-relationships between mint tea consumption and markers of health.
Key: FSH- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone; LH- Luteinising Hormone; NAT-2- N-Acetyl Transferase 2; PCOS- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Begas E, et al. studied how peppermint tea influenced human metabolizing enzymes [21]. After providing adult participants with 2 g dry leaves in 200 ml water twice daily (equivalent to 2 small cups) results showed that after 6 days N-acetyltransferase-2 (NAT2) inhibition had occurred, indicating that the tea ingestion had a potential role in cancer chemoprevention [21]. Other research with healthy young adults provided 200 ml peppermint tea (equivalent to 1 cup ingested over 10 minutes) and found that peppermint tea significantly improved speed of memory, long-term memory and increased subjective alertness [22]. Additional research is needed to establish whether findings could be replicated. Finally, earlier research by Hurrell RF, et al. using adult human subjects identified that 300 ml peppermint tea providing ≈100-400 mg polyphenols per serving reduced iron absorption by 60-90% [23]. Whilst these are interesting findings, longer-term studies are needed to assess whether mint teas can adversely affect iron absorption in the wider population.

For spearmint tea the main studies include knee osteoarthritis, abnormal androgen hormone levels and hirsutism (Table 2). Connelly AE, et al. [24] undertook at randomized trial with 46 adults with a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score of >125. After 16-weeks of consuming two 300ml cups of high-rosmarinic Acid (rosA) spearmint tea daily (280 mg rosA/d) their knee arthritis pain score was significantly reduced compared with the control [24]. This study indicated that rosA spearmint tea could be a useful adjunctive strategy to facilitate the pain associated with knee osteoarthritis.

Other research with spearmint tea has focused on its effects on the endocrine system [25,26]. Early research conducted by Akdogan M, et al. [26] with a 5-day trial where females (n=21) 12 with polycystic ovary syndrome and 9 with idiopathic hirsutism drank a cup of spearmint tea (250 ml) twice daily during the follicular stage of their menstrual cycle. After 5 days a significant reduction in free testosterone and increase in free oestradiol, luteinising hormone (LH) and folliclestimulating hormone (FSH), was observed with authors proposing that spearmint mint could act as a potential anti androgenic treatment for mild hirsutism [26]. A 2010 study [25] undertook a large 30-day randomised trial with 42 females with hirsutism. Spearmint tea was consumed twice daily over 30 days and significantly lowered free and total testosterone levels and was associated with increased FSH and LH levels (p<0.05) [25]. While the participants reported a subjective reduction in their hirsutism, objective rating scores did not support this outcome [25]. This indicates that the study duration may not have been long enough to detect any physiological changes as it takes time for hirsutism to resolve. Further studies for longer treatment times are needed to factor in rates of cell turnover and follicular hair growth.

Mechanistic Studies

Nine mechanistic studies were identified investigating mint and a range of markers of health (Table 3). Of the studies focusing on peppermint tea, some antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects were observed using bacterial strain models, although white tea was also combined with peppermint in this publication [27]. Other research using 27 peppermint tea sample from different countries found that these were protective against Chlamydia pneumoniae (growth inhibition ranged from 21-70%) indicating that peppermint tea consumption could potentially have beneficial health effects in cases of acute respiratory tract infections [28]. Other research showed that peppermint leaf extract and its constituent polyphenols could inhibit methylglyoxal-induced glycations which can contribute to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) which, in turn, have been linked to prediabetes and diabetes [29]. Another mechanistic study focusing on spearmint leaves found that it may be able to inhibit carcinogen activation and protect against certain mutagens such as heterocyclic amines [30].

Study Type Tea Form Intervention/ approach Health outcome Key Findings Study (Author, year)
Modelling study. Peppermint leaf extract made into a beverage. Model with bovine serum albumin & methylglyoxal as a glycation agent. Antiglycation and methylglyoxal trapping effect. The anti-AGE activity of the extract was ≈86%, - eriocitrin 35.4%, rosmarinic acid 25.6%, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside 16.9% and luteolin-7-O-β-glucuronoside 8.1%. Fecka, et al. (2023) [29]
In vitro/vivo Peppermint + white tea. Effects on four bacterial strains tested. Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. White tea combined with peppermint had heightened antibacterial and anti- inflammatory effects. Xia, et al. (2021) [27]
In vitro Peppermint tea. n=27 peppermint tea samples from different countries. Respiratory tract Chlamydia pneumoniaegrowth. Peppermint tea consumption could induce beneficial health effects on acute RTIs (possibly due to luteolin and apigenin glycoside actions). Kapp, et al. (2013) [28]
Mechanistic (Wistar albino rats). Spearmint tea. Group I no herbal tea (control group); Group II received 20 g/L M. spicata tea. The control group was given commercial drinking water. Effect on uterine tissue. MDA levels increased in group II compared with the control group (p<0.01). Lipid peroxidation & uterine damage occurred after M. spicata administration in the uterus. Guney, et al. (2006) [31]
Mechanistic (Wistar albino rats). Peppermint and spearmint tea. Group I no herbal tea (control group); Group II 20 g/L M. x piperita tea; Group III 20 g/L M. spicata tea;Group IV 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Iron absorption. Both herbal teas inhibited iron absorption. Inhibition caused by spearmint tea was dose dependent. Akdogan, et al. (2004) [35]
Mechanistic (male Wistar albino rats). Peppermint and spearmint tea. Group I no herbal tea (control group); Group II 20 g/L M. x piperita tea; Group III 20 g/L M. spicata tea;Group IV 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Liver tissue histopathology. Histopathological evaluation revealed a mild to severe degree of hepatic damage when compared to the control group. Akdogan, et al. (2004) [32]
Mechanistic (male Wistar albino rats). Peppermint and spearmint tea. Control group- commercial drinking water; experimental groups: 1) 20 g/L M. x piperitatea, 2) 20 g/L M. spicata tea,or 3) 40 g/L M. spicata tea. Plasma testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinising hormone levels. There were degenerative changes in the germinal epithelium & spermatogenesis arrest when compared to controls. Sampaio (2004) [33]
In vitro Spearmint leaves Spearmint leaves were brewed in hot water for 5 min at concn up to 5% (w/v). Anti mutagenic activity Spearmint tea protects against certain heterocyclic amines through inhibition of carcinogen activation and via direct effects on the activated metabolite (s). Yu, et al. (2004) [30]
Mechanistic (male Wistar albino rats). Peppermint and spearmint tea. Control group (group I); 20 g/L M. x piperita tea (group II); 20 g/L M. spicata tea (group III); 40 g/L M. spicata tea (group IV). Kidney tissue histology M. x piperita did not show nephrotoxicity but M. spicata resulted in nephrotoxic changes. Akdogan, et al. (2003) [34]

Table 3: Mechanistic studies investigating mint tea consumption and markers of health.
Key: ACE- Advanced Glycation End Products; concn - Concentration; MDA- Malondialdehyde; RTI- Respiratory Tract Infection.

One mechanistic study focusing on spearmint leaves found that it may be able to inhibit carcinogen activation and protect against certain mutagens such as heterocyclic amines [30]. Some laboratory research has found potentially adverse effects on uterine tissue [31] (spearmint leaves) and hepatic (liver) damage [32], degenerative changes to germinal epithelium and spermatogenesis [33], some nephrotoxic changes in kidney tissue [34] and iron absorption [35] (peppermint and spearmint tea). It is, however, important to consider the duration of exposure in these studies. For example, the tea was typically prepared daily and provided as the main habitual beverage to as drinking water [31,32,34-36]. In daily human life mint teas would not normally be consumed in such a manner.

Peppermint and Wider Research

Several publications have focused on ‘mint oils’ specifically. The aroma compounds of mints such as peppermint can be a natural provider of bioactive phyto chemicals with potential bioactive and antimicrobial properties [37]. For example, Khanna R, et al. undertook a meta-analysis of nine studies of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS; n=726) concluding that peppermint oil appears to be a safe and effective approach for the short-term treatment of IBS [38]. A further randomized trial with 72 adults found that peppermint oil (designed for sustained release) helped to reduce the Total IBS Symptom Score by 19.6% and have improvements in general gastrointestinal symptoms including unbearable symptoms [39]. In terms of potential mechanisms, peppermint oil has been found to reduce intragastric pressure, proximal phasic contractility and appetite, indicating that it could be a useful antispasmodic agent [40].

Peppermint oil may also have wider roles in dentistry. A review of 52 studies concluded that essential oils (including peppermint) had potential to be used as therapeutic agents for certain oral pathologies, particularly for their antibacterial and antifungal activities [41]. In a cross-sectional study in Tehran female students (n=84, 14-18 years) with halitosis were identified and half (n=42) were given a peppermint mouth wash which reduced halitosis after 1 week of use [42].

Research investigating direct menthol inhalation has observed improvements both in nasal breathing and reported feelings of a clear nose [43]. Similarly, the inhalation of a hot (fruit) drink has been found to provide relief from symptoms of a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness, cough and tiredness. This suggests that there may be some truth in the folklore that hot drinks are beneficial for cold and flu symptoms [44]. Laboratory models have also shown that peppermint extracts may be clinically effective at easing nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis [45]. Other work suggests that the polyphenol rosmarinic acid could have a role in the suppression of allergic rhino conjunctivitis responses [46].

Additional work by Moss M, et al. exposing 144 volunteers to different aromas found that peppermint aroma compounds were found to increase alertness and enhance memory indicating potential behaviour changes [47]. Kennedy D, et al. also found that peppermint compounds helped to reduce mental fatigue associated with extended cognitive brain tasks with adults [48]. Amongst cardiac patients peppermint essential oil use over 7 nights was found to reduce fatigue, as measured by the fatigue severity scale [49]. Regarding sleep, a randomized trial found that peppermint aroma compounds use (3 drops daily) over 7 days helped to improve sleep quality [50].

Discussion

There has been growing interest in the role of herbal tea consumption for health maintenance [1]. It is increasingly being recognized that both tea and herbal teas, may be a useful way of incorporating beneficial polyphenols and other bioactive components into the daily adult diet [11,51]. Of the different tea and herbal tea forms available, the peppermint tea market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.15% between 2023 and 2030 [52]. This is largely attributed to a rising demand for natural products, the popularity of mint flavour and a growing awareness of the health benefits associated with herbal tea consumption [52].

Mints and mint-based products (including teas) have long been used in ancient civilizations for scenting and perfuming, oral health, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, nervous system and urinary disorders, reproductive purposes, modulating libido and for pain and inflammation [4]. Alongside such historical and traditional use, a growing body of evidence from mechanistic and human studies is also emerging. In particular, some antimicrobial properties of mint have been observed, which may mainly be attributed to their phenolic contents [13,27]. For peppermint tea, mechanistic studies imply a relaxation effect on gastrointestinal tissue, analgesic, and an aesthetic effects in the central and peripheral nervous systems, immune modulating actions and a chemopreventive potential [10]. Laboratory tests also demonstrate bioactive and antitumour actions, and some antiallergenic potential [10].

In some mechanistic studies toxicological effects were reported and associated with mint tea ingestion, including potential hepatic damage, nephrotoxicity and effects on spermatogenesis [33,34,36]. However, it should be considered that in these laboratory studies tea was provided as the only fluid intake available. Similarly, when peppermint and spearmint teas were found to inhibit iron absorption in a laboratory model, this was when the teas were provided as the only fluid over 30-days [35]. This is not necessarily reflective of real life and could explain why reduced iron absorption has been reported in these clinical models.

Turning to human studies, the attenuation of knee osteoarthritis stiffness has been observed after drinking 2 cups (each 300 ml) of spearmint (high-rosA 280 mg) tea over 16 weeks [24]. This has been attributed to its potential anti-inflammatory effects [24]. Rosmarinic acid (RosA) is a water-soluble compound with both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory effects [53]. Alongside this, it is also reported to have anti oxidative, anti apoptotic and anti tumorigenic properties [53,54]. In other research, antiandrogenic effects have been reported with spearmint tea consumption (2 cups daily), namely in the form of reduced testosterone levels [25,26]. It is possible that spearmint tea could have a direct testosterone-lowering activity (an anti-androgenic effect), potentially blocking or suppressing the action of testosterone and potentially helping to abate hirsutism [55]. Longer-term trials are needed to build on provisional research taking rates of follicular hair growth into account which may not have been captured in shorter trials.

It is important to consider that different tea forms can often be used in clinical research. This publication specifically sought to include studies where mints were consumed in a tea or beverage form. In most studies two cups were consumed daily, with potential benefits being shown for reducing systolic blood pressure [20], increasing feelings of alertness [22], reducing stiffness and improved life-quality amongst those with knee osteoarthritis [24], and significantly reducing androgen levels (free testosterone) [25,26]. Other research has used mint essential oils or mint ethanol extracts. For example, Herrlinger KA, et al. reported that spearmint extract (supplementation with 900 mg/day; two capsules once daily) improved working memory and spatial working memory accuracy by 15% compared with placebo [56]. This may help to explain some of the effects reported by Moss M, et al. [22]. In this study 200 ml peppermint tea was brewed for 5 minutes and subjective alertness measured after its consumption which was found to be higher than the chamomile tea placebo [22].

Conclusions

Teas, herbal and fruit infusions are a popular beverage choice, due to their renowned health attributes. Amongst the herbal tea forms interest in mint teas has been accruing. Mint teas have long been used from a historical perspective for their aromatic, soothing and potential health including digestive properties.

The present narrative review shows that drinking up to two cups of mint tea (peppermint and/or spearmint daily) may help to deliver a range of bioactive components and confer some potential health benefits. The bioactives in mint tea include both non-volatiles flavonoid and non-flavonoid phenolics and essential oils. Human studies indicate that the consumption of mint teas could benefit cardio metabolic health, cognition, mood, blood pressure, aspects of women’s health and joint stiffness. The potential adverse impacts of mint tea consumption (iron absorption and hepatotoxicity) require more focused human studies to look at risk, based on real world consumption patterns.

Lastly, supportive mechanistic studies give insights into how mint teas may impact on inflammatory pathways as well as anti-bacterial effects and positive impacts on oral hygiene. Overall ongoing research is warranted in this emerging field of interest.

Declaration

The time spent writing this publication was provided by the Tea Advisory Panel (www. teaadvisorypanel.com) which is supported by a restricted educational grant from the UK TEA & INFUSIONS ASSOCIATION (UKTIA), the trade association for the UK tea and infusions industry. UKTIA plays no role in producing the outputs of the panel. Independent panel members include nutritionists, biochemists, medical herbalists, dietitians, dentists, and doctors.


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Article Type: REVIEW ARTICLE

Citation: Derbyshire E, Bond T, Etheridge CJ (2025) A Narrative Review on the Mechanistic Actions and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint and Spearmint Teas (Mentha x piperita L. and Mentha spicata L.). Nutr Food Technol Open Access 10(1): dx.doi.org/10.16966/2470-6086.187

Copyright: ©2024 Derbyshire E, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Publication history: 

  • Received date: 07 Nov, 2024

  • Accepted date: 20 Dec, 2024

  • Published date: 05 Mar, 2025