Enzyme-assisted extraction of bioactive phytochemicals from Japanese peppermint (Mentha arvensis l. cv. ‘hokuto’)

Abstract

In this study, we provide a method for obtaining essential oil from Mentha arvensis L. in large quantities. Three types of polysaccharide-degrading enzymes were investigated, namely cellulase A “Amano” 3, cellulase T “Amano” 4, and hemicellulase “Amano” 90. The optimum extraction conditions were the combined use of 2 wt% cellulase T and 2 wt% hemicellulase 90, and 3 h of incubation. Enzyme-assisted extraction increased the amount of the essential oil from 2.2 mL to 3.0 mL, compared with the amount extracted without an enzyme.