Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx) contains menthol and menthone as primary bioactive compounds that relax smooth muscle tissue and provide antimicrobial effects. These compounds activate TRPM8 cold receptors and inhibit calcium channels to produce therapeutic benefits for digestive and respiratory conditions.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Bo He, also known as Mentha haplocalyx, is a species of mint native to East Asia. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine for their cooling properties.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies on Bo He have demonstrated its potential in treating digestive issues and its antimicrobial properties, supported by some clinical research.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx) is a medicinal herb used primarily in small quantities, so macronutrient contribution is minimal in typical therapeutic doses (3-10g dried herb). Key bioactive compounds include: Menthol (primary volatile oil constituent, approximately 40-70% of essential oil content, typically 0.5-1.5% of dry herb weight), Menthone (10-20% of essential oil), Menthyl acetate (3-5% of essential oil), and Pulegone (trace to 2%). Non-volatile bioactives include Rosmarinic acid (approximately 15-30mg/g dry weight), Luteolin (flavonoid, ~1-3mg/g dry weight), Hesperidin (~2-5mg/g dry weight), Apigenin (trace amounts ~0.5-1mg/g dry weight), and Eriocitrin (~1-2mg/g dry weight). Micronutrients per 100g dried herb include Vitamin C (approximately 31mg), Vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene ~1200 mcg RAE equivalent), Iron (~5mg), Calcium (~200mg), Magnesium (~60mg), and Potassium (~450mg). Dietary fiber content is approximately 6-8g per 100g dried herb. Protein content is approximately 3-4g per 100g dried herb. Bioavailability notes: Menthol is highly bioavailable via inhalation and oral mucosa absorption; rosmarinic acid has moderate oral bioavailability (~30-40%) enhanced by lipid co-ingestion; flavonoids undergo hepatic first-pass metabolism reducing systemic availability. Decoction preparation reduces volatile oil content significantly compared to fresh or tincture preparations.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Bo He's primary compounds menthol and menthone activate TRPM8 cold-sensitive receptors, creating cooling sensations and bronchodilatory effects. Menthol blocks voltage-gated calcium channels in smooth muscle, causing relaxation of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract muscles. The volatile oils also exhibit antimicrobial activity by disrupting bacterial cell membranes.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Limited clinical research exists specifically on Mentha haplocalyx, with most studies focusing on other mint species. Small trials (n=20-50) suggest menthol-containing preparations may reduce IBS symptoms by 20-30% compared to placebo. Topical menthol studies show modest decongestant effects, though evidence quality remains moderate. More rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic benefits.
Also Known As
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