Mentha rotundifolia is an hybrid between Mentha longifolia and Mentha suaveolens Ehrh., whose essential oil has been the object of several studies (Raya et al., 1990; Nagell and Hefendehel., 1974; Hendriks et al., 1976; Umemoto., 1998 and Daniel et al., 2002), and different chemotypes have been characterised.
Some authors have considered Mentha rotundifolia as a synonym of Mentha suaveolens (Hendriks and Van Os., 1976).
In this work, we studied and compared the Chemical composition of essential oils of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha pulegium collected in Atlas mean a mountainous region from Morocco where people frequently use this plant in traditional medicine.
The leaves of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha pulegium were collected in Mai 2009 at Skoura near Boulmane (90 km in the south east of Fez.
The leaves of Mentha rotundifolia and Mentha pulegium were shade dried (25 days) and immediately hydro-distilled (100g) for 2.5 h using a modified Clevenger-type apparatus.
* APPLE MINT,
Mentha rotundifolia or suaveolens, which has pale, roundish, soft leaves, grey-green as they age, and a fine, distinct flavour with hints of apple.