Main Article Content
Abstract
Mentha arvensis Linn. (field mint), a perennial aromatic herb of the family Lamiaceae, is widely valued for its medicinal, pharmaceutical, and industrial significance. The present review provides a comprehensive overview of Mentha arvensis, encompassing its botanical description, taxonomical classification, geographical distribution, cultivation practices, and phytochemical composition. Special emphasis is placed on its essential oil, which is rich in menthol and other bioactive constituents such as terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. The review also summarizes physicochemical properties essential for quality control and standardization. Traditional uses in Ayurveda, Unani, and folk medicine are critically correlated with modern pharmacological studies. Experimental evidence supports a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective, analgesic, hepatoprotective, and radioprotective effects. Overall, Mentha arvensis emerges as an important medicinal plant bridging traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research.