Isomenthone

Isomenthone is a ketone derived from menthone, as found in geranium, cistus, pennyroyal, cornmint, calamint, and peppermint.
Many ketones can be toxic internally and topically. Some can be convulsent, toxic to the liver, or neurotoxic in high doses. Do not overuse or use for prolonged periods of time.

Links to Plants Containing Isomenthone

Anise

Chamomile Roman

Cypress

Lavender

Peppermint

Yarrow

RESEARCH

The listings of research below represents a compilation of scientific articles found on the topic, with a very brief overview description of each article/study.  This compilation of research articles does not necessarily imply that there are adequate results to demonstrate safe and/or effective human use of any herb listed.

ANTOXIDANT

• The most powerful scavenging compounds were neral/geranial, citronellal, isomenthone, menthone and E-caryophyllene. They had very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The most effective antibacterial activity was against a multiresistant strain of Shigella sonei. A significant rate of antifungal activity was against a Trichophyton species.  From:  Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Mint species demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity with the most powerful scavenging compounds being menthone and isomenthone in the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. piperita and 1,8-cineole in the oil of M. aquatica.  From:  Mimica-Dukić, N., Božin, B., Soković, M., Mihajlović, B., & Matavulj, M. (2003). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils. Planta medica, 69(05), 413-419.
• The most powerful scavenging compounds were neral/geranial, citronellal, isomenthone, menthone and E-caryophyllene. They had very strong inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The most effective antibacterial activity was against a multi-resistant strain of Shigella sonei. A significant rate of antifungal activity was against a Trichophyton species. From: Mimica-Dukic, N., Bozin, B., Sokovic, M., & Simin, N. (2004). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Melissa officinalis L.(Lamiaceae) essential oil. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry, 52(9), 2485-2489.
• Mint species demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant capacity with the most powerful scavenging compounds being menthone and isomenthone in the essential oils of M. longifolia and M. piperita and 1,8-cineole in the oil of M. aquatica. From: Mimica-Dukić, N., Božin, B., Soković, M., Mihajlović, B., & Matavulj, M. (2003). Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of three Mentha species essential oils. Planta medica, 69(05), 413-419.

By: Kathy Sadowski

Updated: 1/7/19