Optimization of RNA extraction protocol for Mentha piperita

With regard to the high amount of secondary metabolite in Mentha piperita, we evaluated two different methods for total RNA isolation on peppermint leaves. These methods were used to detect the best of all, which provides high-quality RNA. RNX-plus and modified RNX-plus (1-5) methods are used. The visualization of clear 28S RNA and 18S RNA bands on 1% agarose gels was used to check RNA quality. In the changed RNX-plus method (number 2), the purity of 28S and 18S rRNA was highly acceptable when assessed in an agarose denaturing gel. This method was the best one for RNA isolation with good quality. Therefore, this method is helpful for high-quality and quantity RNA isolation from Mentha piperita. The final analysis to get the best RNA isolation methods is gene expression analysis using tubulin primer as an internal gene. The obtained results demonstrated that it is possible to extract total RNA of reasonable quality and quality from Mentha piperita rich in polysaccharides and polyphenols by using modified RNX protocol number 2.