Healthful characteristics of pennyroyal essential oil

ABSTRACT

Pennyroyal, an aromatic herb, is considered by food and medicine industries. It grows in different countries and provides various technological and functional properties. Essential oils [especially 'Pulegune'] are the effective materials of pennyroyal that causes anti-microbial, anti-oxidant and aromatic properties. These essential oils have significant effects on preventing growth of several species of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. Furthermore, these oils maintain food quality by preventing the oxidation of fatty acids and increasing product shelf life. Therefore, it seems that pennyroyal is an appropriate alternative for synthetic antioxidants. On the other hand, it can be used in treatment from medicinal point of view. Overall, pennyroyal essential oils are a good, natural and economical alternative for food and medicine industries. The present article focuses on the healthful and technological characteristics of pennyroyal essential oils