Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential and Comparison of HPLC Composition, Secondary Metabolites Count, and Antioxidant Activity of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha pulegium Extracts

In the present study, the relationship between the phenolic counts, chemical composition, and biological activities of two Mentha species (Mentha rotundifolia (MR) and Mentha pulegium (MP)) was analyzed. The characterization of the action mode against pathogenic bacteria and the inhibition of spore germination of two fungal species using prepared methanolic extracts were studied here for the first time. The obtained data highlighted the presence of positive correlation between the secondary metabolites contents and the biological activities of the investigated extracts. In fact, HPLC analysis showed that the major components in both the extracts were eriocitrin and rosmarinic acid (25 and 20 mg/ml and 12 and 8 mg/ml in methanolic extracts of MR and MP, respectively). Moreover, the MR extract was rich in polyphenols and presents the highest antioxidant activity than MP ones. In addition, both extracts possess an antimicrobial activity against four Gram-positive and five Gram-negative bacteria and one yeast species (Candida albicans) and were able to inhibit the spore germination of two fungi species (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus). But, the significant activity was observed in the presence of MR methanolic extract. The effect of time on cell integrity of E. coli and L. monocytogenes determined by time-kill and bacteriolysis assays showed that the MR extract had a rapid bacteriolytic effect compared to the MP extract, and their capacities were significant against Gram-negative bacteria than positive ones. Based on the obtained data, it can be concluded that Saudi Mentha species have high pharmacological and industrial importance and they can be used in preparation of food or drugs.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the relationship between phenolic counts, chemical composition, and biological activities of two Mentha species. The results showed a positive correlation between secondary metabolites contents and biological activities. The MR extract exhibited higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to the MP extract, making Saudi Mentha species of high pharmacological and industrial importance.