Mentha Extract

What is Mentha Extract?

Mentha Extract is derived from the leaves of plants in the Mentha genus, commonly known as mint. These plants originated from Europe and Asia. However, they are now cultivated worldwide for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. The extract is full of bioactive compounds such as menthol, menthone, pulegone, and limonene, which are responsible for its cooling sensation and anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. Due to its versatile benefits, Mentha Extract is a popular ingredient in various industries, including personal care, dietary supplements, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals.

Mentha Extract has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for digestive issues, respiratory ailments, and skin health. Its modern applications extend to flavouring, cosmetics, and even as a natural insect repellent. The extract is available in liquid, powder, and oil forms, offering flexibility in its use across different sectors.

Active Ingredients

The key active components of Mentha Extract are:

Menthol: The primary compound in peppermint oil, menthol, is known for its cooling sensation and is widely used in topical applications to relieve minor aches and pains. It also has anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial in treating respiratory and digestive conditions.

Menthone: This compound contributes to the characteristic minty smell and enhances the overall cooling sensation provided by menthol. It also has mild antimicrobial and antiseptic properties.

Pulegone: Present in smaller quantities, pulegone is another compound with a fresh, minty aroma. While not as prominent as menthol, pulegone contributes to the therapeutic profile of the extract.

Limonene: A natural compound found in the peel of citrus fruits and mint, limonene offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It is also known for its potential to support digestive health.

These active ingredients contribute to the diverse health benefits and industrial uses of Mentha Extract.

Common Sources

The primary sources of Mentha Extract are:

Mentha piperita (Peppermint): This is one of the most common species used in the production of Mentha Extract. It is known for its high menthol content and potent aromatic qualities.

Mentha spicata (Spearmint): Another popular source of mint extract, spearmint has a milder flavor and lower menthol content than peppermint, making it ideal for applications with a less intense aroma.

Mentha arvensis (Field Mint): Widely cultivated for its essential oils, Mentha arvensis has a strong minty aroma and is often used in pharmaceutical and personal care products.

These species are extensively grown in Europe, North America, and Asia, with India being a leading global producer of mint oil.

How Does It Work?

Mentha Extract works primarily through its active compound menthol, which interacts with the body’s sensory receptors, particularly TRPM8. These receptors are responsible for the perception of cold sensations. When menthol is applied topically or ingested, it triggers these receptors, producing a cooling effect that can soothe irritated skin or calm inflamed tissues.

Menthol also has mild analgesic properties, relieving minor pain like joint and muscle pains, and even headaches. It works by numbing the area of application, making it a common ingredient in pain-relief balms and creams. Additionally, menthol’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties benefit respiratory and digestive health.

Production Process

Harvesting: Mint leaves are harvested during the flowering stage when the concentration of essential oils and active compounds is at its peak.

Cleaning and Sorting: After harvesting, the leaves are thoroughly cleaned to remove unwanted contaminants, such as dirt and debris.

Drying: The leaves are dried either naturally or using low-temperature drying methods to preserve the volatile compounds, particularly menthol.

Grinding: The dried leaves are then turned into a fine powder, ensuring a uniform particle size for further processing.

Extraction: The ground mint leaves undergo extraction using a solvent, typically ethanol or water, to isolate the active ingredients. Steam distillation is often used for essential oil extraction.

Concentration: The extracted liquid is concentrated by removing excess solvent through evaporation techniques such as rotary evaporation or vacuum concentration.

Purification and Standardization: The extract is purified to remove any unwanted substances, ensuring that the active ingredients are present at consistent levels. This step is crucial for ensuring product quality and efficacy.

Final Processing: The concentrated Mentha Extract is then processed into the desired form (liquid, powder, or oil) and packaged to maintain stability and shelf life.

Quality Control: The final extract undergoes a strict quality tests to ensurto ensure the extract meets industry standards. It is tested for potency, purity, and contaminants before packaging.

Bulk Mentha Extract Specifications

Mentha Extract: Benefits, Side Effects, And More

Respiratory Health: Mentha Extract is an over-the-counter medication for coughs, congestion, and bronchial irritation. Its expectorant properties promote respiratory health by clearing mucus from the respiratory tract. This results to a better airflow and easier breathing.

Digestive Health: Mentha Extract is traditionally used to prevent and relieve indigestion, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. Menthol has antispasmodic properties that help relax the digestive tract muscles, reducing cramping and discomfort.

Pain Relief: When applied topically, menthol acts as a mild analgesic, relieving headaches, muscle strains, and joint pain. It is also used in oral care products to reduce toothache and gum irritation.

Skin Health: Mentha Extract’s cooling and soothing effects make it a superb ingredient in skincare products. It helps reduce redness, inflammation, and itching associated with eczema, dermatitis, and acne.

Antimicrobial Properties: Mentha Extract exhibits antimicrobial activity, preventing the spread of bacteria and fungi. This makes it a valuable ingredient in personal care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and deodorants.

Industry Applications and Uses

Personal Care Products: It is ofted used in products like creams, lotions, shampoos, toothpaste, and other personal care products. It has cooling, soothing, and antimicrobial properties which makes this ingredient ideal for these applications.

Dietary Supplements: Mentha Extract is used in dietary supplements to support digestive and respiratory health.

Functional Foods: Mentha Extract is a natural flavoring agent in foods and beverages, imparting a refreshing taste while providing health benefits.

Animal Nutrition: Mentha Extract is also used in animal feed for its digestive and antimicrobial benefits, improving overall gut health in livestock.

Standard Dosage and Usage

The standard dosage of Mentha Extract varies depending on the form and intended use:

For respiratory health: Mentha Extract is commonly included in lozenges, syrups, or vapor rubs. The typical dosage of menthol in these products ranges from 10 to 20 mg per dose.

For digestive health: Capsules containing 100 to 200 mg of Mentha Extract can be taken two to three times daily to relieve digestive discomfort.

Topical applications: Creams and ointments containing 1-10% menthol are commonly used on the skin to relieve pain or cool it.

Safety and Side Effects

Mentha Extract is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, it can cause side effects, particularly in high doses or when used excessively.

Topical side effects: Skin irritation, redness, or a burning sensation may occur with excessive use of menthol-containing products.

Digestive side effects: Oral consumption of Mentha Extract in large amounts may cause heartburn, nausea, or vomiting.

Allergic reactions: Allergic reactions such as rashes or difficulty breathing may occur to some individuals after using Mentha Extract. In such cases, it is advised that these individuals seek immediate medical help.

Mentha Extract should be used with caution in young children, pregnant women, and individuals with a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn.

Mentha Extract VS Eucalyptus Extract

Both Mentha Extract and Eucalyptus Extract are commonly used to support respiratory health. However, while Mentha Extract primarily provides a cooling sensation and helps clear mucus, Eucalyptus Extract works more as a decongestant, helping to open the airways by thinning mucus and reducing inflammation.

Mentha Extract VS Lavender Extract

Mentha Extract and Lavender Extract are used for their calming effects but differ in their mechanisms. Mentha Extract provides cooling relief and stimulates the senses. In contrast, Lavender Extract is primarily used for its soothing and relaxing properties, making it more suitable for anxiety and sleep-related issues.

How Should This Ingredient Be Stored?

Mentha Extract must be kept in a cool and dry place. It is necessary to keep away from sources of heat and direct sunlight. It must also be stored in airtight containers in order to avoid the ingredient being exposed to air and moisture, which can degrade its active compounds. For long-term storage, refrigeration is recommended to maintain potency and freshness. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for storage and handling to ensure the product retains its efficacy.

Where Can I Find Wholesale Mentha Extract Supplier?

Nutri Avenue is a trusted supplier of high-quality Mentha Extract. We source their extract from carefully selected plants and follow strict quality control to ensure purity and potency. We also offer flexible packaging options, including bulk orders, and provide OEM and ODM services for clients looking to create their custom formulations. For inquiries, contact our sales group.