Mint (Mentha): A Herb and Used as a Functional Ingredient
Muhammad Kamran Arshad, I. Fatima, Waheed Ahmad, Sufyan Ellahi, Mohsin Mumtaz, Muhammad Usman Akhtar, Muhammad Salman Aslam, Waqas Ali Siddique
Abstract
Health never goes out of trend. There is increased interest in alternative medicines particularly those obtained from plants. Functional foods have the ability to prevent or lessen the severity of symptoms of disease. The world is gaining its interest in treatment through natural sources like foods and medicinal plants. Herbal medicines have already been utilized by various cultures around the world for several therapies including chronic pain, malaria, heart conditions, warts, skin diseases and bowel disorders. The need for functional foods is anticipated to increase as a result of three factors: changing laws, increased health care expenses, and scientific discoveries. Mint is a member of the Lamiaceae family. Mint is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, phenolic compounds, dietary fiber and antioxidants. Mint is a mysterious herb because of its many unknown aspects through which it promotes good health that should be revealed. Mint is a rich source of Iron. Alkaloids, steroids, and tannins are among phytoconstituents found in mint essential oils that prevent the absorption of sugars and flavonoids.