Phytochemical Screening and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Mentha piperita L

The study investigated the phytochemical compounds and the free radical scavenging potential of Mentha piperita L. Four solvents namely methanol, ethanol, chloroform and water were taken for the extraction of Mentha piperita L. (Peppermint). Preliminary phytochemical analysis was done using the standard protocol. Further, Mentha piperita L. was assessed for the free radical scavenging activity against four radicals namely DPPH, FRAP, hydrogen peroxide and the reducing power ability. Among all the solvents used, methanol extract exhibited the maximum extractive index. The phytochemical screening detected the occurrence of compounds such as flavonoids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenols, tannins and quinones. The free radical scavenging activity showed a maximum scavenging power in the methanol extract with increase in concentration. The scavenging efficacy of DPPH, FRAP and hydrogen peroxide were 90.33, 81.52 and 91.38% respectively at 60 μg/ml. Similarly, the reducing power showed the highest at the dose of 60 μg/ml. These findings demonstrated that the Mentha piperita L. has rich phytochemical resources, which act as a potent antioxidant species. Further studies on the therapeutic properties of this plant in animal and human models will resolve its potential for the treatment of lifestyle disorders.