Phytochemistry Studies

Preparative isolation of antioxidative compounds from Dracocephalum heterophyllum using off-line two-dimensional reversed-phase liquid chromatography/hydrophilic interaction chromatography guided by on-line HPLC-DPPH assay.

Dang J et al (2018).
J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci.
PubMed:
30121456

Volatile Terpenes and Brain Function: Investigation of the Cognitive and Mood Effects of Mentha × Piperita L. Essential Oil with In Vitro Properties Relevant to Central Nervous System Function.

Essential oils from various plants in the Lamiaceae sub-family Nepetoideae have been shown to have cognitive and mood effects possibly related to their effects on neurotransmitters. Researchers conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled study to assess the cognitive and mood effects of peppermint essential oil, which showed promising in vitro properties. The study involved 24 participants who consumed single doses of encapsulated placebo and peppermint essential oil. The highest dose of essential oil improved performance on the demanding Rapid Visual Information Processing task and attenuated fatigue, compared to the placebo. Peppermint oil also showed cholinergic inhibitory, calcium regulatory, and GABA/nicotinic receptor binding properties. Future studies should examine higher doses of peppermint essential oil.

Kennedy D et al (2018).
Nutrients.
PubMed:
30087294