Abstract
The genus Mentha L. (Lamiaceae) is distributed all over the world and can be found in many environments. Mentha species, one of the world’s oldest and most popular herbs, are widely used in cooking, in cosmetics, and as alternative or complementary therapy, mainly for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders like flatulence, indigestion and vomiting. Furthermore, it is well documented that the essential oil and extracts of Mentha species possess antimicrobial, fungicidal, antiviral, insecticidal, and antioxidant properties. The economic importance of mints is also evident; mint oil and its constituents and derivatives are used as flavoring agents throughout the world in food, pharmaceutical, herbal, perfumery, and flavoring industry. To provide a scientific basis for their traditional uses, several studies have been conducted to determine the biochemical composition of mints and assess their biological activities. The present study was conducted to carryout differential analysis of heavy metal and biochemical compounds of three Mentha species (Mentha spectate, Mentha longfilia and Mentha peprita) and Milissa officinalis. Herein, Mentha species grown in natural conditions in the garden of Mansoura university. Results showed that, in comparison between different species , M. longfolia , M. officinalis and M. peprita recorded the highest values in folic acid in both shoot and root, respectively, where high content of chlorophyll a, b is recorded in M. officinalis. In nutritional study, chlorophyll, protein, folic acid and heavy metals content were quantified. This research indicates that mentha species are enriched with folic acid, protein and iron contents and can be a good source of other minerals.

Key words: Mentha peprita; Milissa officinalis; folic acid, biological activities, Mentha sp.