Menthol mint (Mentha arvensis): An annual aromatic crop for small and marginal farmers and MSMEs: A review

Abstract

Menthol mint, corn mint or Japanese mint (Mentha arvensis) belongs to the family Lamiaceae, which is well-known for its aromatic and medicinal properties in the world, is asserted to have certain capabilities and to use modern technology. Studies on the phytochemistry of Mentha spp. found that it contains glycosides, which are flavonoids. The main chemical constituent i.e. menthol is used in cosmetics, as well as an alternative or complementary treatment for conditions like nausea, vomiting, asthma, and gastrointestinal diseases. Mentha arvensis has polyphenols and antioxidants which are less harmful due to which it develops a keen interest in the food industry. Recently CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP) developed Early Mint Technology (EMT) which reduced inputs and increased yield in comparison to conventional cultivation practices. Presently, mint crop is cultivated during the summer season and it requires huge water for irrigation hence, it was felt to develop better agro-technologies and short duration high yielding varieties which require less irrigation and input cost. However, the features, traits and yield of mentha have received the majority of attention in past research studies. Therefore, the literature on the use of micro irrigation in mentha and on crops with lower water requirements is covered in this study. This review also describes the approaches that will be used to improve growth of mentha in the agricultural sector.