Mentha Essential Oils: Unraveling Chemotype-Dependent Biosynthesis and Assessing Evidence for Health-Promoting
Yifan Yu1, Yalin Ma1, Zhen Ouyang1
1School of Pharmacy, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China.
Nutrients
|October 29, 2025
Summary
This review explores Mentha essential oils (EOs), detailing their chemotypic variations, biosynthetic pathways, and health benefits. It highlights genetic influences on monoterpene synthesis and discusses challenges for clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
- Natural Product Chemistry
Background:
- Mentha essential oils (EOs) possess diverse biological activities.
- Existing reviews lack a systematic synthesis linking chemotypic diversity, biosynthesis, and health benefits of mint EOs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze structural variability of Mentha EOs across species.
- To elucidate chemotype-dependent regulation of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway.
- To evaluate evidence for health-promoting activities of mint EOs.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive analysis of EO structural variability.
- Elucidation of enzymatic and genetic regulation in the MEP pathway.
- Evaluation of preclinical and clinical evidence for health benefits.
- Integration of transcriptomic and genomic studies.
Main Results:
- Genetic and epigenetic factors influence monoterpene biosynthesis and bioactivity.
- Identified health benefits include antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive, respiratory, cognitive-enhancing, and anticancer effects.
- Highlighted challenges in EO standardization, bioavailability, and clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- Consolidated understanding of Mentha EOs, linking chemotype to bioactivity.
- Proposed interdisciplinary strategies for overcoming clinical translation barriers.
- Forward-looking perspective on applications in functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and personalized health.
Keywords:
Mentha essential oilschemotypic variationhealth-promoting activitiespharmacological applicationsterpenoid biosynthesisMore Related Videos
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