Pharmacological properties of the methanol extract from Mentha suaveolens Ehrh.

The present study analyses the pharmacological activity in in vivo and in vitro models of the methanol extract obtained from the leaves and steams of Menta suaveolens Ehrh. This extract lacked toxicity, but exhibited a central nervous system depressant action; an analgesic effect in models of chemical and mechanical stimulation suggesting the induction of a peripheral analgesic response. The extract also exhibited an antiinflammatory action inhibiting the rat paw oedema induced by carrageenin. Moreover, the in vitro studies showed a significant diminution in the contractile effects induced by histamine, serotonin and acetylcholine. Copyright 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.