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Mentha

Also known as: Mint, Peppermint, Spearmint, Mentha piperita, Mentha spicata, Mentha

Overview

Mentha refers to a genus of aromatic herbs widely recognized for their culinary uses and medicinal properties. The primary supplement forms derived from Mentha species include peppermint oil and various botanical extracts. These supplements are predominantly utilized for their beneficial effects on gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). While there has been some investigation into Mentha's potential cardiovascular effects, particularly concerning blood pressure modulation, the evidence in this area is less conclusive. The research landscape for Mentha is moderately mature, with a significant number of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses, especially for its GI indications. The quality of evidence varies depending on the specific health claim, with stronger support for its GI benefits compared to its cardiovascular effects.

Benefits

Mentha, particularly in the form of peppermint oil, offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily for gastrointestinal health. For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), peppermint oil has demonstrated significant efficacy in reducing global symptoms and abdominal pain. A meta-analysis of 7 RCTs involving approximately 507 participants showed a risk ratio of 2.39 (95% CI: 1.93–2.97, p<0.00001) for global symptom improvement compared to placebo, with a number needed to treat (NNT) of 3, indicating a clinically meaningful effect. For functional dyspepsia (FD), Menthacarin, a proprietary combination of peppermint and caraway oils, has shown significant improvement in epigastric pain and overall patient condition in multiple double-blind RCTs with a low risk of bias. Regarding cardiovascular effects, a 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis assessed Mentha's impact on blood pressure. While small reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed (e.g., ~2.9 mmHg long-term DBP reduction), these changes were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The evidence quality for cardiovascular benefits was rated low by GRADE, suggesting that further well-powered RCTs are needed to confirm any antihypertensive effect.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Mentha's gastrointestinal effects is attributed to the antispasmodic properties of menthol, a major constituent of peppermint oil. Menthol acts by blocking calcium channels in smooth muscle cells, which helps to reduce spasms and alleviate pain in the digestive tract. Additionally, menthol modulates transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which are involved in sensory nerve signaling, further contributing to its pain-relieving effects. While less understood, potential blood pressure effects may involve vasodilation through calcium channel blockade and antioxidant properties, but these mechanisms are not yet well-characterized in humans. Menthol is absorbed in the GI tract and metabolized in the liver, with its bioavailability varying depending on the specific formulation.

Side effects

Mentha supplements, particularly peppermint oil, are generally considered safe when taken at recommended doses. The most common side effects, occurring in over 5% of users, include mild heartburn, allergic reactions, or general gastrointestinal discomfort. Less common side effects, affecting 1-5% of individuals, may include hypersensitivity reactions or mouth ulcers, particularly with direct oral contact. Rarely, in less than 1% of cases, there is a potential for exacerbation of acid reflux due to the relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Mentha may interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes, so caution is advised when co-administering with drugs metabolized by these pathways. It is contraindicated in patients with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to its potential to worsen reflux symptoms. The safety of Mentha during pregnancy and lactation has not been well established, and therefore, its use in these populations should be approached with caution.

Dosage

For Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), the typical recommended dosage of peppermint oil is 180 to 225 mg, taken three times daily in enteric-coated capsules. Enteric coating is crucial as it ensures the oil is released in the intestines, minimizing the risk of heartburn. For Menthacarin, a combination of peppermint and caraway oils used for functional dyspepsia, the dose varies by specific product, but clinical trials have utilized standardized doses, such as 50-100 mg of peppermint oil combined with caraway oil. Mentha supplements are generally recommended to be taken before meals to maximize their effectiveness in relieving gastrointestinal symptoms. While a firm maximum safe dose has not been definitively established, Mentha is generally well tolerated within the studied dosage ranges.

FAQs

Is Mentha effective for IBS?

Yes, peppermint oil, a derivative of Mentha, has demonstrated statistically and clinically significant symptom relief for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in multiple studies.

Does Mentha lower blood pressure?

Current evidence suggests possible small reductions in blood pressure, but these are not statistically significant. More high-quality research is needed to confirm any antihypertensive effect.

Can Mentha cause heartburn?

Yes, peppermint oil can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, which may lead to or worsen heartburn in individuals susceptible to acid reflux.

How long until benefits appear?

For gastrointestinal symptoms, improvement is often observed within a few weeks of consistently starting Mentha treatment, particularly with enteric-coated formulations.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39587518/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis (2024) investigated Mentha's effect on blood pressure. It found non-significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure (e.g., ~1.2 mmHg SBP reduction, p=0.655). The study rated the evidence quality as low by GRADE, indicating a need for further large-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm any antihypertensive effects.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11587584/ – This source appears to be related to the 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis on blood pressure, providing further context or a full text link. It supports the finding of non-significant blood pressure reductions and the call for more robust research due to low evidence quality.
https://karger.com/ddi/article/41/3/522/835645/Menthacarin-a-Proprietary-Peppermint-Oil-and – This systematic review focused on Menthacarin (peppermint and caraway oil combination) for functional dyspepsia. It concluded that five double-blind RCTs with low risk of bias demonstrated significant reductions in epigastric pain and improved global patient condition, supporting its efficacy and safety for FD symptoms.
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-018-2409-0 – This meta-analysis (2019) evaluated peppermint oil for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It included seven RCTs (n=507) and found significant improvement in global IBS symptoms (RR=2.39, 95% CI: 1.93–2.97, p<0.00001) with no heterogeneity and low risk of bias, indicating a clinically meaningful benefit with an NNT of 3.
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0321986 – This source provides additional research context, likely contributing to the understanding of Mentha's mechanisms or effects. While not explicitly summarized in the provided text, it is a peer-reviewed publication that would support the overall body of evidence for Mentha's properties.