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Common Name:
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Mentha Arvensis Oil
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Botanical Name:
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Mentha arvensis L.
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Geographic origin of the plant:
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Western Nepal
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Method of growing:
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Cultivated
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Introduction / Varity of plant / Method of
extraction / Distilled organ:
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This oil is obtained by steam distillation of the
aerial part of mentha arvensis L.
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1.
Organoleptic Properties
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Appearance
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Slightly
thick liquid.
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Color
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Pale
yellow.
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Aroma
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Strong,
fresh and somewhat bitter-sweet.
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2.
Physico-chemical Properties
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Specific gravity
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0.8940
to 0.9015 at 25º C
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Optical rotation
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[-]
15.5º to [-] 45.0º at 25º C
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Refractive index
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1.4590
to 1.4750 at 25º C
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Acid number
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0.3
to 5
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Ester number
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210
to 255
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Ester number after acetylation
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70-88%
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Solubility
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Soluble
in 1.2 to 2.5 vol. of 70% alcohol.
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3. Uses
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(a) In the isolation of menthol crystals, in flavoring
toothpastes, mouthwashes and pharmaceuticals
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(b) Medicinal & Aromatherapy use: Oil
is good for the nervous system, acting as a regulator and
sedative: Menthol is well known as a cardiac tonic in
pharmaceutical preparations. It is a good blood cleanser.
Because it is antiseptic and anti-bacterial, it can be used in
swollen gums, mouth wash or mouth ulcers, toothache.
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