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Common Name: |
Japanese Mint |
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Botanical Name: |
Mentha arvensis L. |
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Source: |
Cultivated |
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Introduction / Varity of plant / Method of extraction /
Distilled organ: |
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 |
Slightly thick liquid. |
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Color |
Pale
yellow. |
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Aroma |
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 |
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 |
70-88%
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Solubility |
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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