Mentha alaica is a mint species within the genus Mentha, native to the Pamir-Alay mountain range within Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.[1][2] The species was recorded by Russian botanist Antonina Borissova in 1954.[3]
| Mentha alaica | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Lamiales |
| Family: | Lamiaceae |
| Genus: | Mentha |
| Species: | M. alaica |
| Binomial name | |
| Mentha alaica | |
Taxonomy
While it is accepted as a distinct species by authorities such as Plants of the World Online,[4] some authors have treated Mentha alaica as simply a synonym of Mentha longifolia.[5][6]
Description
A perennial species, Mentha alaica grows to a height of 1 meter, and propagates via creeping rhizomes.[1] It produces large oblong-lanceate leaves up to 10 centimeters long.[7]
Use
Mentha alaica has been used in various formulations in Traditional Chinese Medicine.[8] As an ingredient within this tradition, it is believed to "dispel pathogenic heat and wind."[9] Under the common name Hortelã, M. alaica was reported used as an herbal medicine in Brazil to treat nausea, as well as digestive and kidney problems.[10]
Notes
References
- Chang Chen, J. B. (2017-06-28). A hexa-herbal Chinese formula for treatment of atopic dermatitis: phytochemical analysis and selected anti-inflammatory activities (Doctoral). UCL (University College London). Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- Borissova, A. G. (1977). "Genus 1301. Mentha L.". Flora of the U.S.S.R. Vol. 21. B.K. Shishkin (ed.), N Landau (trans.). Jerusalem: Keterpress Enterprises. pp. 427–450. ISBN 0-7065-1573-0.
- Lima, Carolina Miranda de Sousa; Fujishima, Mayara Amoras Teles; Santos, Bráulio Érison França dos; de Paula Lima, Bruno; Mastroianni, Patrícia Carvalho; Sousa, Francisco Fábio Oliveira de; Silva, Jocivânia Oliveira da (2019). "Phytopharmacovigilance in the Elderly: Highlights from the Brazilian Amazon". Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2019. Mohammed S. Ali-Shtayeh (ed.): 1–12. doi:10.1155/2019/9391802. ISSN 1741-427X. PMC 6378030. PMID 30854018. ProQuest 2182503095. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- Lin, Yi-Chun; Chang, Tung-Ti; Chen, Husan-Ju; Wang, Chung-Hsing; Sun, Mao-Feng; Yen, Hung-Rong (2017-06-09). "Characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine usage in children with precocious puberty: A nationwide population-based study". Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 205: 231–239. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.05.006. ISSN 0378-8741. PMID 28499829. Retrieved 2021-03-17.
- Quattrocchi, Umberto (2016-04-19). CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants: Common Names, Scientific Names, Eponyms, Synonyms, and Etymology (5 Volume Set). CRC Press. ISBN 978-1-4822-5064-0.
- Wiart, Christophe (2020-10-20). Medicinal Plants in Asia and Pacific for Parasitic Infections: Botany, Ethnopharmacology, Molecular Basis, and Future Prospect. Academic Press. ISBN 978-0-12-816812-7.