PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF MENTHA PULEGIUM L. ESSENTIAL OILS FROM THE TIARET REGION

Objectives. The objective of our study aimed to extract and determine some physicochemical characteristics of Mentha pulegium L. essential oil. Materials and methods. The samples of Mentha pulegium L. were collected in May 2021 in the region of Tiaret and identified by a botanist at the Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences, University of Tiaret. The leaves of Mentha pulegium L. were washed, sorted and dried in the open air at room temperature (about 23-27 °C) for two weeks, then they were crushed in a mortar. After that, the leaves obtained were stored in sealed glass containers protected from light and moisture. The extraction of Mentha pulegium L. essential was realized by hydrodistillation technique. Results. Our results showed that the extraction yield is equal to 0.18%. The study of the physicochemical parameters indicated that the pH is equal to 5.22. Regarding the acid number, we noted a value equal to 0.28. Whereas, the refractive index was equal to 1.332. Conclusion. These parameters are used to determine the quality of Mentha pulegium L. essential oil. According to our results, we can say that the essential oil in our study is of intermediate physicochemical quality.