Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract is a product of natural origin obtained from the seedling Mentha aquatica L., belonging to the botanical family Lamiaceae.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Mentha Aquatica" is the scientific name for the plant commonly known as water mint or marsh mint.
• "Leaf Extract" indicates that the product is an extract obtained from the leaves of the plant.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Mentha Aquatica leaves. Also known as water mint, this plant has refreshing and aromatic properties. The extract derived from its leaves is valued for its distinctive scent and beneficial properties.
• Solvents and carriers. Used to extract active compounds from the leaves and to maintain the extract's integrity.

Step-by-step summary of industrial extraction process.

• Leaf harvesting. Mentha Aquatica leaves are picked, preferably in the morning, to ensure the highest concentration of essential oils.
• Drying. The leaves are dried away from direct sunlight to preserve their compounds.
• Extraction. Once dried, the leaves are macerated in a solvent to extract the active compounds.
• Filtration. After a period of maceration, the liquid is filtered to remove the solid leaf parts.
• Evaporation. The solvent is then evaporated, leaving behind a concentrated extract of Mentha Aquatica.
• Purification and dilution. The extract can further be purified and diluted with other solvents or carriers to achieve the desired concentration.

What it is for and where

Medical

This study examined the content of mentha aquatica and confirmed the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of methanol and chloroform extracted from the plant's aerial parts as well as other polyphenol compounds, sterols and triterpenoids (1).

The neuroprotective activity of mentha aquatica was detected in research aimed at studying the potential activities of traditional medicinal plants on the central nervous system. Among four species of mint (Mentha aquatica, Mentha longifolia, Mentha pulegium, Mentha suaveolens and M. x piperita), mentha aquatica has shown better neuroprotective results (2).

Sixteen edible plants in southern Italy have been evaluated for their anti-proliferation properties in vitro. Aquatic mint showed selective anti-proliferation activity in breast cancer (3).

Cosmetics

Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

CAS   90063-96-0

EC number   290-056-4

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Personal Care. Mentha Aquatica Leaf Extract has cooling properties and is used in products such as creams, lotions, and hair care products.

Cleaning Products. Due to its antibacterial properties, it might be found in cleansers and cleaning agents.

Food and Beverage. Employed as a flavoring in some beverages and foods for its fresh, minty taste.

Traditional Medicine 

Historically, Mentha Aquatica extract has been tapped for its soothing properties and as a remedy for digestive and respiratory ailments.

References_________________________________________________________________________

(1) Ferhat M, Erol E, Beladjila KA, Çetintaş Y, Duru ME, Öztürk M, Kabouche A, Kabouche Z. Antioxidant, anticholinesterase and antibacterial activities of Stachys guyoniana and Mentha aquatica.    Pharm Biol. 2017 Dec;55(1):324-329.

(2) López V, Martín S, Gómez-Serranillos MP, Carretero ME, Jäger AK, Calvo MI. Neuroprotective and neurochemical properties of mint extracts.    Phytother Res. 2010 Jun;24(6):869-74. doi: 10.1002/ptr.3037.

(3) Conforti F, Ioele G, Statti GA, Marrelli M, Ragno G, Menichini F.  Antiproliferative activity against human tumor cell lines and toxicity test on Mediterranean dietary plants.   Food Chem Toxicol. 2008 Oct;46(10):3325-32. doi: 10.1016/j.fct.2008.08.004.