Existence of antimicrobial activities in Mentha arvensis against some pathogenic bacteria

Mentha plant is erect, perennial branched herb which is used to treat various types of human disorders. Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of M. arvensis (L.) were tested to their actions against two selected bacteria namely Citrobacter freundii (gram-) and Micrococcus luteus (gram+). The antibacterial effects was assessed by using method of disc diffusion at various concentrations. The findings showed that ethanol was finest solvent used to extraction as compared to aqueous for testing the antibacterial properties of leaf and stem extracts. Mentha arvensis (L.) extract showed maximum zone of inhibition against both bacterial strains. Highest zone of inhibition 19.0mm was found in Citrobacter freundii at highest concentration, while maximum inhibition by 12.5mg/ml ethanolic stem extract was 11mm against Citrobacter freundii and maximum inhibition of Micrococcus luteus was 9 mm due to an ethanolic leaf extract of Mentha arvensis (L.), and 7.3mm by 12.5 mg/ml ethanolic stem extract. The results also revealed that ethanolic leaf extract of Mentha arvensis (L.) inhibited the population of tested pathogens considerably as compared to other ethanolic extract. The findings suggested that more research should be done on these plants and support their application in traditional medicine.