Influence of extraction techniques on chemical composition, antioxidant and antifungal activities of Mentha spicata L. essential oil: A comparative study of microwave-assisted hydrodistillation and steam distillation

The growing demand for natural bioactive compounds has renewed the interest in optimizing essential oil extraction methods from aromatic plants. In this study, two extraction techniques for the recovery of essential oils from Mentha spicata L. leaves, Microwave-Assisted Hydrodistillation (MAHD) and Steam Distillation (SD), were compared, focusing on yield, chemical profile, antioxidant, and antifungal activity. Both methods achieved comparable yields (MAHD: 0.24 %, SD: 0.28 %), but MAHD significantly reduced extraction time and energy consumption. GC-MS and ATR-FTIR analyses revealed a higher content of oxygenated monoterpenoids in MAHD oils (e.g., carvone, 32.60 %), while SD oils were richer in hydrocarbons (e.g., limonene, 52.09 %). MAHD extracts showed superior antioxidant and antifungal properties, especially against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus, probably due to the preservation of thermolabile and bioactive compounds. These results highlight MAHD as a sustainable and efficient technique for obtaining bioactive-rich essential oils with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic sectors. The choice of extraction method should be aligned with specific application goals, balancing yield, composition, and environmental impact.