ABSTRACT
Mentha (also known as mint or pudina) is a common herb that has been used for therapeutic purposes since ancient times. Mentha is one of the most important Lamiaceae family member, with approximately 19 species and 13 natural hybrids. They are rapidly growing and invasive, and can endure a wide range of agro-climatic conditions. They are found in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, and North America. M. piperita, M. spicata, and M. arvensis are widely grown across the world for their essential oil. Mints are said to be excellent companion plants, repelling nuisance insects while attracting beneficial ones. The majority of Mentha species are perennial, contain essential oils, and are commonly farmed as industrial crops for the manufacture of essential oils. It also has an important role in Traditional medicine, has pharmacological action. Mentha species' leaves, blossoms, and stems have traditionally been used as herbal teas and spices in various meals to add aroma and flavour. Fresh and dried plant material, raw extracts and essential oils of mint plants are used as a part of confectionary, as taste enhancing agents in toothpastes, chewing gums and beverages, baking, cosmetics, as oral hygiene products, pharmaceuticals and pesticides. Even so, no such 130comprehensive review on phytochemical, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal use of Mentha species is available. Therefore, this chapter has been compiled.
