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Planta Med 1991; 57: S10-S14
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-960223
Physiology and Chemistry of Natural Products

© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Metabolism of Monoterpenes in Mint (Mentha) Species

Rodney Croteau
  • Institute of Biological Chemistry, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99164-6340, U.S.A.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
05 January 2007 (online)

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Abstract

Commercial mint (Mentha) species produce either C3-oxygenated or C6-oxygenated p-menthane monoterpene as the major essential oil components. The biosynthetic origin of both of these monoterpene families from the common precursor (-)-limonene is described. The metabolic turnover of monoterpenes occurs during late stages of plant development, and the pathway for the transport and catabolism of (-)-menthone in peppermint is reviewed as a model for this general process. The developmental regulation of monoterpene metabolism is briefly outlined.

Key words

Mentha species - monoterpenes - biosynthesis - metabolism - catabolism - mint