Botanical Overview
Nude Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum nudum) is a species in the Lamiaceae family. The mint family (Lamiaceae) includes aromatic herbs and shrubs with square stems, opposite leaves, and two-lipped flowers. Many species produce essential oils in glandular trichomes on their leaves and stems. This family is one of the most important sources of culinary and medicinal herbs worldwide. Phytochemical data for this species are limited at present.
General Description
It is endemic to the Southeastern United States and has a limited range across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Along with P. californicum, P. nudum presents no transitional morphology when compared to the rest of Pycnanthemum. This lack of transitional forms is noteworthy in a genus with such widespread reticulation.
Family Context
The Lamiaceae family is large and widely distributed. Notable medicinal members include:
- Basil — 86 documented uses
- Rosemary — 60 documented uses
- Agbo — 54 documented uses
- Sage — 49 documented uses
Geographic Distribution
Nude Mountain Mint has been recorded in , and United States.
Active Compounds
Phytochemical research has identified 2 compounds in this species: carvacrol, thymol.
Research Status
Although this species has documented phytochemical constituents, its ethnobotanical and clinical documentation remains incomplete. Additional phytochemical investigation could identify novel bioactive compounds in this plant.