GC-MS-MS analysis and biological properties determination of Mentha piperita L., essential oils

This research explores the therapeutic properties and medicinal potential of Mentha piperita L. (M. piperita) essential oil (EO) (MPEO) harvested in the province of Ouezzane, northwestern Morocco. We conducted a comprehensive chemical composition analysis of MPEO using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to identify its major components. The predominant constituents were pulegone (17.56%), mintlactone (10.62%), _D-carvone (9.24%), eucalyptol (7.53%), and thymol (6.06%). The antidiabetic effects were assessed by measuring the inhibition of two digestive enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase). The dermatoprotective effect was evaluated based on the inhibition of elastase and tyrosinase, and neuroprotective activity was studied by examining the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Additionally, molecular docking analysis was used to determine the interactions between the main MPEO compounds and the enzymes targeted. Antioxidant activity was estimated using in vitro FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Furthermore, the antibacterial potential was evaluated against pathogenic strains using the micro-broth dilution method. Our results indicate significant antioxidant and neuroprotective activities of MPEO, along with promising antidiabetic and dermatoprotective potential, surpassing references. Additionally, all bacterial strains tested were susceptible to MPEO, with MIC values lower than those of MBC for all bacteria except L. monocytogenes. These in vitro findings were supported by in silico analysis, showing that menthelactone and pulegone presented strong binding affinities with key enzymes involved in glucose regulation and pigmentation. MPEO, rich in bioactive compounds, has shown promising potential. The main components of this oil offer innovative prospects for the development of drugs and natural therapeutic applications.