Peppermint is a commonly grown herb, and its invasive growth is considered to be characteristic of a weed by many. However, peppermint is a medicinal plant that has many health benefits. The essential oil of peppermint is responsible for its distinctive taste and aroma, and many compounds of medicinal importance have been isolated from the essential oil. For example, cineol and menthyl acetate from the essential oil may bind to the N-acetyltransferase enzyme, which is responsible for some detoxification reactions. Mint and its essential oil is also well characterised as a relaxant for the gastrointestinal tract, and this may relate to the presence of the compound menthol in the essential oil. Peppermint may also have antimicrobial effects and be useful in the treatment of conditions that are characterised by inflammation or oxidation due to the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory terpenoids in the plant tissues.
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