Abstract:

The chemical composition of grapefruit mint (Mentha suaveolens × piperita) essential oil (GEO) was analyzed
by GC-MS. Identifications were based on a comparison of retention indexes with authentic standards. Linalool (41.50%)
and linalyl anthranilate (33.75%) were the two main components of the essential oil. The antioxidant activity of GEO
was evaluated based on total antioxidant activity and superoxide anion free radical, hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical
scavenging activities in comparison with the synthetic antioxidant propyl gallate (PG). The total antioxidant activity and
scavenging activity against superoxide anion and DPPH free radicals of GEO was far weaker than that of PG, while only
a slight reduction in hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was found compared with PG. These results illustrate that the
essential oil of grapefruit mint has the potential to be applied in the food industry as a naturally occurring antioxidant.

Key words: grapefruit mint essential oil (GEO), GC-MS, essential oil composition, antioxidant activity