Peppermint

Peppermint Oil BP
Ph Eur

DEFINITION
Essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the fresh aerial parts of the flowering plant of Mentha × piperita-L.

CHARACTERS
Appearance: A colourless, pale yellow or pale greenish-yellow liquid. It has a characteristic odour and taste followed by a sensation of cold.
Solubility: Miscible with alcohol and with methylene chloride.

IDENTIFICATION
First identificationıB.
Second identificationıA.
A. Examine the chromatograms obtained in the test for mint oil. It passes the test.
B. Examine the chromatograms obtained in the test for chromatographic profile. It passes the test.

TESTS
Relative density: 0.900 to 0.916.
Refractive index: 1.457 to 1.467.
Optical rotation: – 10degree to – 30 degree.
Acid value: Maximum 1.4, determined on 5.0 g diluted in 50 ml of the prescribed mixture of solvents.
Fatty oils and resinified essential oils: It complies with the test for fatty oils and resinified essential oils.

STORAGE
In a well-filled, airtight container , protected from light, at a temperature not exceeding 25C.

Peppermint Oil USP NF
Peppermint Oil is the volatile oil distilled with steam from the fresh overground parts of the flowering plant of Mentha piperita Linné (Fam. Labiatae), rectified by distillation and neither partially nor wholly dementholized. It yields not less than 5.0 percent of esters, calculated as menthyl acetate (C12H22O2), and not less than 50.0 percent of total menthol (C10H20O), free and as esters.

Solubility in 70 percent alcohol: One volume dissolves in 3 volumes of 70 percent alcohol, with not more than slight opalescence.
Identification: Mix in a dry test tube 6 drops of Oil with 5 mL of a 1 in 300 solution of nitric acid in glacial acetic acid, and place the tube in a beaker of boiling water: within 5 minutes the liquid develops a blue color which, on continued heating, deepens and shows a copper-colored fluorescence, and then fades, leaving a golden-yellow solution.
Specific gravity: between 0.896 and 0.908.
Angular rotation: between 18 and 32 .
Refractive index: between 1.459 and 1.465 at 20degrees.
Heavy metals: 20 micrograms per g.
Limit of dimethyl sulfide: Distill 1 mL from 25 mL of Oil, and carefully superimpose the distillate on 5 mL of mercuric chloride in a test tube: a white film does not form at the zone of contact within 1 minute.

Peppermint Oil FCC Food Grade
CAS: [8006-90-4]
FEMA: 2848

DESCRIPTION
Peppermint Oil occurs as a colorless or pale yellow liquid with a strong, penetrating odor of peppermint and a pungent taste that is followed by a sensation of coldness when air is drawn into the mouth. It is the essential oil obtained by steam distillation from the fresh overground parts of the flowering plant of Mentha piperita L. (Fam. Labiatae); it may be rectified by distillation, but is neither partially nor wholly dementholized. It is soluble in alcohol and in most vegetable oils, but it is insoluble in propylene glycol.
Function: Flavoring agent.

REQUIREMENTS
Labeling: Indicate whether it is natural or rectified.
Identification:
A. The infrared absorption spectrum of the sample exhibits relative maxima at the same wavelengths as those of a typical spectrum.
B. Mix 3 drops of sample with 5 mL of a 1:300 solution of nitric acid:glacial acetic acid in a dry test tube, and place the tube in a beaker of boiling water. A blue color appears within 5 min, which, on continued heating, deepens and shows a copper-colored fluorescence, and then fades, leaving a golden yellow solution.
Assay for Total Esters: Not less than 5.0% of esters, calculated as menthyl acetate (C12H22O2).
Assay for Total Menthol: Not less than 50.0% of menthol (C10H20O).
Angular Rotation: Between −18degree and −32 degree.
Dimethyl Sulfide: Rectified Oil: Passes test; Natural Oil: Fails test.
Refractive Index: Between 1.459 and 1.465 at 20°.
Solubility in Alcohol: Passes test.
Specific Gravity: Between 0.896 and 0.908.

For Original Monographs of IP Indian Pharmacopoeia BP British Pharmacopoeia USP US Pharmacopoeia FCC Food Grade product, please check with the respective web-pages or books.