• Spearmint
  • Spearmint

Spearmint

  • Scientific Name
    Mentha spicata（Mentha virdis）
  • Family
    Lamiaceae
  • Origin
    US, Indiaetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Spearmint is a perennial herb of the Lamiaceae family that grows to a height of 30-60 cm. . It produces white to light purple flowers at the ends of its stems, a display that occurs from summer through fall. The herb is known for its short, opposite, serrated leaves with a slightly rounded shape, resembling the tips of spears. This unique leaf shape contributes to its name “spear.” Additionally, its scientific name, “spicata,” is derived from the ear-shaped flower spikelets found at the tip of its stems. Spearmint is believed to be a hybrid of Peppermint and Water Mint and is sometimes referred to as Dutch Mint or Curly Mint. Among  more than 1,000 varieties of mint, it is characterized by a less intense aroma. Spearmint is widely utilized in daily life as a flavor enhancer in cooking, teas, and various everyday products.

Essential oil composition

Spearmint

  • Spearmint

  • INCI
    MENTHA VIRIDIS (SPEARMINT) LEAF OIL
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Whole Plant
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.30%
  • Notes
    Top
  • Aroma Family
    Herbal

Spearmint Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Approximately 0.3% of Spearmint essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the whole plant and is colorless to light greenish-brown in color. The primary constituent of this oil is l-carvone, which imparts its characteristic fragrance. The aroma is minty, bearing a distinct sense of cleanliness, refreshment, and a sweet undertone. It strikes a balance between sweetness and coolness, reminiscent of the refreshing sensation associated with gum or candy. Spearmint harmonizes excellently with deeper essential oils, particularly woody varieties like Sandalwood and Eucalyptus, as well as other floral scents such as sweet Geranium and Neroli. Its fragrance is notably potent, so it is advisable to begin with a small amount when blending and gradually add more to achieve the desired balance.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Carvone　81.9%
  • Limonene　3.9%
  • Dihydrocarvone　2.8%
  • Menthol　2.2%
  • Dihydrocarvyl acetate　1.7%
  • Menthone　1.4%
  • Dihydrocarveol　1.0%
  • Other components　5.2%

Functions and Efficacies

Limonene

Limonene
  • IUPAC Name
    1-methyl-4-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    138-86-3
  • Structure
    Monocyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of Limonene

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Memory Improvement ○ ○
Anti-cancer Effects ○ ○ ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that mice subjected to cold stress at 4°C (41°F) exhibited reduced elevations in blood corticosterone levels when treated with limonene. Furthermore, the same report demonstrated that limonene effectively lowered corticosterone levels in the blood of mice exposed to both physical and mental stress.1)

Memory Improvement

A study reported that when acetylcholinesterase reacts with acetylthiocholine in phosphate-buffered saline, the introduction of limonene inhibits the degradation by acetylcholinesterase. Acetylcholinesterase plays a role in the breakdown of acetylcholine, a hormone associated with memory and learning. In the same report, it was also noted that limonene suppressed memory impairment induced by scopolamine administration in rats.2)

Anti-cancer Effects

A report indicated that the consumption of limonene by breast cancer patients resulted in reduced expression of Cyclin D1, a protein crucial for cell division, within tumors.3)Furthermore, numerous other studies have also documented the anticancer properties of limonene.4)5)

  • 1)Fukumoto et al., Stress and Health, 2008
  • 2)Zhou et al., Nutritional Neuroscience,, 2013
  • 3)Miller et al., Cancer Prevntion Research, 2013
  • 4)Ajikumaran Nair S et al., Phytomedicine, 2018
  • 5)Chaudhary et al., Human & Experimental Toxicology, 2012

IFRA

Carvone：
There are restrictions on its use in the final product due to its potential of having systemic toxicity and dermal sensitization.

Carvone

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

Limonene：
Oxidized limonene can cause dermal sensitization. For essential oils with a high limonene content, it is advisable to use only when the level of peroxides is maintained at a minimum (20 mol/l) through the incorporation of antioxidants.

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
International Fragrance Association, Carvone, 2020.
International Fragrance Association, Limonene, 1995.
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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