Enzyme-assisted Extraction of Bioactive Phytochemicals from Japanese Peppermint (Mentha arvensis L. cv. 'Hokuto')

In this study, we provide a method for obtaining essential oil from Mentha arvensis L. in large quantities. Three types of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes were investigated, namely cellulase A "Amano" 3, cellulase T "Amano" 4, and hemicellulase "Amano" 90. The optimum extraction conditions were the combined use of 2 wt% cellulase T and 2 wt% hemicellulase 90, and 3 h of incubation. Enzymeassisted extraction increased the amount of the essential oil from 2.2 mL to 3.0 mL, compared with the amount extracted without an enzyme.