Menta verde

Related Terms

Brook mint, bush mint, Clinopodium douglasii, curly leaf mint, English mint, garden mint, green mint, Kentucky colonel spearmint, Indian mint, lamb mint, Lamiaceae (family), menta verde, Mentha picata, Mentha spicata, Menthaspicata L. var. longifolia L., Menthaspicata L. var. spicata, mentha verde, Mentha veridis, Mentha viridis, menthe de Notre Dame, mint, Moroccan green mint, nana mint, our lady's mint, Ovcon?, pudina (India), sage of Bethlehem, Scotch spearmint, spear mint, spire mint, Touareg tea, yerba buena.
Combination product examples: Carmint (Melissa officinalis, Mentha spicata, and Coriandrum sativum); Zahraa (Alcea damascena, Aloysia triphylla, Astragalus cf. amalecitanus, Cercis siliquastrum, Colutea cilicica, Crataegus aronia, Cytisopsis pseudocytisus, Eleagnus angustifolia, Equisetum telmateia, Helichrysum stoechas, Matricaria recutita, Mentha longifolia, Mentha spicata, Micromeria myrtifolia, Paronychia argentea, Phlomis syriaca, Rosa damascena, Salvia fruticosa, Sambucus nigra, Spartium junceum, and Zea mays).

Background

Spearmint (Mentha viridis or Mentha spicata) is a species of mint plant native to Europe and Asia that grows well in nearly all temperate climates. The name is derived from the plant's spear-like pointed leaf tips. It is an invasive species in the Great Lakes region of the United States.
Spearmint is grown for its aromatic and carminative essential oil, called oil of spearmint. Spearmint leaves can be used whole; chopped; dried; dried and ground; frozen; or preserved in salt, sugar, sugar syrup, alcohol, or oil.
Spearmint is an ingredient in several alcoholic drinks, such as the mojito and mint julep. Sweet tea, iced and flavored with spearmint, is a summer tradition in the southern United States. It is used as a flavoring for toothpaste and confectionery, and it is sometimes added to shampoos and soaps. The cultivar Mentha spicata 'Nana', the Nana mint of Morocco, possesses a clear and pungent, but mild, aroma and is an essential ingredient of Touareg tea.
Spearmint-based sprays have been used to control pests, such as weevils, mites, greenhouse whiteflies, sciarid flies, roundworms, and nematodes.
In folk medicine, spearmint has been used for gastrointestinal distress, respiratory problems, stomachache, dandruff, bad breath, and chronic bronchitis. It has also been used as a sedative, abortifacient, and menstruation stimulant (emmenagogue).
Some human research suggests that drinking spearmint tea may help reduce excessive hair growth (called hirsutism) in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Early evidence suggests that an herbal combination product containing spearmint may help treat irritable bowel syndrome. It is unclear if chewing spearmint-flavored gum improves memory; evidence is mixed.
At this time, high-quality human trials do not support the use of spearmint for any indication. Better-designed clinical trials are needed before conclusions can be made regarding taking this agent for any condition.
Spearmint, spearmint extract, and spearmint oil are listed on the FDA Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) list.
Caution is warranted, as spearmint has been found to dose-dependently cause liver and kidney damage. Allergic reactions to spearmint and spearmint oil have been reported.
Although it is commonly recommended that patients with gastrointestinal reflux disease avoid spearmint and peppermint, research in healthy individuals suggests that spearmint may not affect esophageal sphincter function and acid reflux.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Excessive hair growth (called hirsutism) is typically a sign of increased androgen levels and is a common symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Early evidence suggests that spearmint tea may help reduce hirsutism in women with PCOS. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
C


Excessive hair growth (called hirsutism) is typically a sign of increased androgen levels and is a common symptom of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Early evidence suggests that spearmint tea may help reduce hirsutism in women with PCOS. More research is needed to confirm these findings.
C


The herbal remedy carmint (made from spearmint, lemon balm, and coriander extracts) plus loperamide or psyllium has shown promise as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. However, additional studies testing spearmint alone are needed.
C


The herbal remedy carmint (made from spearmint, lemon balm, and coriander extracts) plus loperamide or psyllium has shown promise as a treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. However, additional studies testing spearmint alone are needed.
C


It is unclear if chewing spearmint-flavored gum improves memory. Research results are conflicting.
 C


It is unclear if chewing spearmint-flavored gum improves memory. Research results are conflicting.
 C


Patients with heartburn or gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) are often discouraged from consuming mint-flavored products. It has been suggested that spearmint may impair muscles in the throat. However, in available human research, spearmint had no effect on lower esophageal sphincter function and acid reflux in healthy volunteers.
 D


Patients with heartburn or gastrointestinal reflux disease (GERD) are often discouraged from consuming mint-flavored products. It has been suggested that spearmint may impair muscles in the throat. However, in available human research, spearmint had no effect on lower esophageal sphincter function and acid reflux in healthy volunteers.
 D
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
According to secondary sources, to treat a stomachache, it is suggested to drink mint tea, prepared by adding one tablespoon of fresh mint leaves to hot water. To treat dandruff, it is suggested to mix a sprig of spearmint and rosemary in eight ounces of cider vinegar, let it sit for one week, and then apply to the scalp after shampooing.
A high dose of spearmint (500mg) or a flavoring spearmint dose (0.5mg) taken once orally did not show beneficial effects for gastrointestinal reflux disease.
For excessive hair growth (hirsutism), spearmint tea has been taken twice daily for one month, with mixed results. Alternatively, 250mL of spearmint tea has been taken twice daily for five days during the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle with beneficial effects.
Chewing Wrigley's Extra? Thin Ice spearmint-flavored microstrips or Wrigley's Extra? Spearmint sugar-free chewing gum during a learning exercise showed no benefit. However, one study found that chewing or sucking on Wrigley's Extra? Spearmint sugar-free chewing gum during a learning exercise was beneficial.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Spearmint may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs that use the liver's "cytochrome P450" enzyme system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered in the blood. Patients using any medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzyme system should check the package insert, and speak with qualified healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, about possible interactions.
Spearmint may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Spearmint may increase the risk of liver damage when taken with agents that are broken down by the liver.
Spearmint may increase the risk of kidney damage when taken with agents that are broken down by the kidneys.
Spearmint may also interact with hormonal agents, antibiotics, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, cholesterol-lowering agents, anticancer agents, and radioprotective drugs.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Akdogan, M, Tamer, MN, Cure, E, et al. Effect of spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism. Phytother.Res 2007;21(5):444-447.
Baker, JR, Bezance, JB, Zellaby, E, et al. Chewing gum can produce context-dependent effects upon memory. Appetite 2004;43(2):207-210.
Bonamonte, D, Mundo, L, Daddabbo, M, et al. Allergic contact dermatitis from Mentha spicata (spearmint). Contact Dermatitis 2001;45(5):298.
Bulat, R, Fachnie, E, Chauhan, U, et al. Lack of effect of spearmint on lower oesophageal sphincter function and acid reflux in healthy volunteers. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther. 1999;13(6):805-812.
Clayton, R and Orton, D. Contact allergy to spearmint oil in a patient with oral lichen planus. Contact Dermatitis 2004;51(5-6):314-315.
Grant, P. Spearmint herbal tea has significant anti-androgen effects in polycystic ovarian syndrome. a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res 7-7-2009.
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Johnson, AJ and Miles, C. Evidence against memorial facilitation and context-dependent memory effects through the chewing of gum. Appetite 2007;48(3):394-396.
Larsen, W, Nakayama, H, Fischer, T, et al. Fragrance contact dermatitis: a worldwide multicenter investigation (Part II). Contact Dermatitis 2001;44(6):344-346.
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Ormerod, AD and Main, RA. Sensitisation to "sensitive teeth" toothpaste. Contact Dermatitis 1985;13(3):192-193.
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Tucha, O, Mecklinger, L, Maier, K, et al. Chewing gum differentially affects aspects of attention in healthy subjects. Appetite 2004;42(3):327-329.