Determination of Phytochemicals, Nutrition Elements and Essantial Oil Components of Mentha spicata var. crispa and Mentha spicata L. subsp. tomentosa species Growing in the Van Region

In Türkiye, the production areas and product diversity in the medicinal and aromatic plant sector are increasing daily. This can be attributed to the growing demand for products derived from these plants worldwide. Spearmint, a group of mints, is important not only for its spice properties but also due to its use in various industries, particularly for its volatile oil and its abundance of carvones. In this study, the biochemical, quality, and nutrient content of two Mentha species (Mentha spicata subsp. tomentosa (MST) and Mentha spicata var. crispa (MSC)) grown under the ecological conditions of Van province were investigated comparatively. All analyses carried out in the study were performed in three repetitions and standard deviations were determined. The data obtained as a result of the research were subjected to variance analysis according to the Randomized Parcel Trial Design.Considering the parameters examined, only the nitrogen balance index (NBI) from Dualex values; the total antioxidant activity, the total flavonoid and phenolic content values from biochemical analyses; all macronutrient elements; and the micronutrients Zn and Cu were greater in Mentha spicata var. crispa than in MST. With regard to heavy metal content, except for Pb, the contents of the other elements were greater in MST. The essential oil percentages were 1.62% for M. spicata var. crispa and 1.10% for MST. Carvone, which has significant usage in many industrial sectors, is the dominant compound in both species, with values of 33.32% and 64.0% for M. spicata var. crispa and MST, respectively. Considering the results obtained, it is foreseen that both species could be important in terms of increasing the regional product pattern and economic input. In particular, MST, which has a high carvone content, is seen as having high potential as a raw material for the food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.