Exploring the calming potential of peppermint: anxiolytic effects of mentha piperita essential oil on state and trait anxiety

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic effect of Mentha piperita essential oil on state and trait anxiety. Methods: The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 93 participants were divided into a control group (CG) and an experimental group (EG), with 47 participants in the EG receiving MPEO aromatherapy and 46 in the CG. Anxiety levels were measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) at pretest and posttest phases. Results: GC-MS analysis showed that menthol had the highest concentration (42.56%), followed by menthone (19.24%) and linalool (11.68%). Mixed model analysis revealed that group assignment (EG vs. CG) was a significant predictor of posttest state anxiety (F=16.508, p=0.001) and trait anxiety (F=9.091, p=0.003), independent of pretest scores, supporting the intervention’s effect on reducing anxiety. Posttest results showed a significant reduction in state anxiety in the EG compared to the CG (p=0.001) with a large effect size (r=0.508), while trait anxiety showed a moderate reduction (p=0.001, r=0.342). Conclusion: These findings suggest that Mentha piperita essential oil may effectively reduce state and trait anxiety, with a more pronounced impact on state anxiety.