European pennyroyal
Mentha pulegium
Mentha pulegium, commonly known as pennyroyal, is an aromatic herb traditionally used in folk medicine and culinary practices. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, it has been employed for various purposes such as insect repellence and flavoring. Scientific evidence suggests that selected Mentha pulegium essential oils exhibit varying degrees of antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria, with Zataria multiflora showing the strongest effect. Mentha pulegium also demonstrated weak antioxidant potential but was among essential oils with strong antimicrobial activity. Additionally, it showed significant larvicidal and fumigant activity against Drosophila melanogaster, with its main component pulegone inhibiting acetylcholinesterase. Notably, weekly or daily consumption of Mentha pulegium was associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle, though further research is needed to confirm this finding. No major safety issues have been recorded, and there are no reported drug interactions at present.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Weekly or daily consumption of Mentha pulegium was associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle, but this finding needs confirmation.
- Mentha pulegium showed weak antioxidant potential but was effective in antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
- Mentha pulegium essential oil and its main component pulegone showed significant larvicidal and fumigant activity against Drosophila melanogaster, with pulegone inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.
- Selected plant essential oils showed varying degrees of antibacterial activity against carbapenemase-producing multidrug-resistant bacteria, with Z. multiflora exhibiting the strongest effect.
Frequently asked questions
What is European pennyroyal?
European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about European pennyroyal?
4 sourced findings are recorded for European pennyroyal; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Weekly or daily consumption of Mentha pulegium was associated with a higher percentage of skeletal muscle, but this finding needs confirmation.
How strong is the evidence for European pennyroyal?
The strongest finding for European pennyroyal carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is European pennyroyal safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for European pennyroyal in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does European pennyroyal interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for European pennyroyal in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of European pennyroyal?
European pennyroyal is also known as: мята болотная, Menthe pouliot.
Is European pennyroyal a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 The association between medicinal herbs consumption and body weight and composition: a hospital based cross-sectional study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Insecticidal Potential of Mentha pulegium Essential Oil and Its Main Monoterpenes in Drosophila melanogaster. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Essential Oils as Natural Defenders: Exploring Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Potential Against Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) Bacteria. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Antibacterial activity of selected plant essential oils against carbapenemase-producing multidrug-resistant bacteria. literature abstract metadata