Chromatographic Mass Spectrometry Study of Spearmint Essential Oil (Mentha spicata L.) Voronezh region
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17308/sorpchrom.2026.26/13707Keywords:
spearmint, Mentha spicata L., essential oils, chromatograph mass spectrometry, menthol, menthone, car-vone.Abstract
Spearmint (Mentha spicata L.) is a valuable essential oil crop, whose bioactive properties are largely determined by the composition of the essential oil. Traditionally, its profile is characterized by the dominance of carvone. However, the component composition of essential oils is highly dependent on the ecological and geographical conditions of growth, which necessitates regional studies to assess the quality and potential of raw materials. The aim of the study was to conduct a complete component analysis of the essential oil of spearmint, harvested in the Voronezh region, using the method of chromatograph mass spectrometry. The leaves were harvested during the mass flowering phenophase in the Novousmansky district of the Voronezh region. Drying was carried out under natural conditions. The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using an Agilent Technologies 7890B GC/5977A MSD system with an HP-5ms UI capillary column and the NIST11 mass spectral library. Based on the conducted study of the component composition of the essential oil of spearmint leaves harvested in the Voronezh region, 29 compounds were identified, which constitutes 98.74% of the total mass of the oil. It has been established that spearmint, cultivated in the Voronezh region, produces essential oil with a hybrid chemical profile, combining the characteristics of spearmint and peppermint. Carvone was confirmed as the dominant component (43.34%), but an abnormally high combined content of menthol (18.43%) and menthone (14.78%) was found. A significant amount of pulegone (9.26%), which has hepatotoxic potential, was detected. Among the minor components, terpinen-4-ol, menthyl acetate, eucalyptol, and a number of mono- and sesquiterpenoids were identified. The obtained data indicate a pronounced antispasmodic, antimicrobial, and potentially tonic effect of the studied oil. However, the identified high content of pulegone is a critical factor limiting its safe internal and long-term use, especially for vulnerable populations. The results highlight the importance of mandatory standardization and labeling of such raw materials, indicating their specific composition and precautions. The obtained essential oil is of interest for external use in aromatherapy, cosmetology, and as a source of biologically active substances after additional toxicological studies.
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