The development of microbial resistance to antibiotics is a global concern. Natural products are a great scientific deal for finding alternative methods for food preservation. Essential oils from the plants show more antibacterial activity from oxygenated terpenoids, phenols, alcoholic compounds, and other chemical constitutes that contribute to the antimicrobial effects.
As per the literature, previous researchers from all over the world have investigated the traditional medicinal plant extracts of the essential oils as antibiofilm formation, antiviral, antifungal, antimicrobial, radio protective, angioedema, analgesic, food packing, biodegradable films and antioxidant activities, clinical constituents in foods, drinks, toiletries, and cosmetics is a gaining momentum, in addition to the growing attraction of consuming constituents from natural sources and the increase in concern regarding harmful synthetic additives. The essential oils are extracted from naturally available medicinal plants by steam distillation or hydrodistillation thereby resulting in different chemical constituents used for various biological activities, food borne pathogens, and the artificial, biologically active compounds.
Crops and food products contaminate fungi, damaging both the quantitative yield and economic losses. In order to protect fungi, synthetic chemicals have been used, resulting in an increase in crop production with deterioration in the environment, food quality, and human health. Furthermore, synthetic chemicals, pathogens, and pesticides can kill essential microorganisms, thus, more resistance among human pathogens regarding synthetic chemicals also causes serious damage.
The Mentha species is the most widely used in terms of health and medicinal uses, mostly because of Menthol and Menthone. Normally, the Mentha × piperita L., essential oils are mainly used to relieve coughs, colds, mouth sinuses (reduced inflammation), digestive issues, menstrual symptoms (muscle relaxant), pain relief, headaches, and skin problems.
According to the recent research Mentha × piperita L. essential oils show significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, as well as yeast and fungi, mostly because menthol and menthone are main chemical constituents.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S101836471730544X