Abstract
Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) belongs to the phenolic monoterpenes and mostly occurs in thyme species. It is one of the main compounds of thyme essential oil. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have long been used in traditional medicine as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents, mainly in the treatment of the upper respiratory system. The current search for new directions of biological or therapeutic activities of natural plant substances with known structures includes thyme essential oil and thymol. Novel studies have demonstrated their antibiofilm, antifungal, antileishmanial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Also, their new therapeutic formulations, such as nanocapsules containing these constituents, can be beneficial in medicinal practice and create opportunities for their extensive use. Extensive application of thymol and thyme essential oil in the healthcare sector is very promising but requires further research and analysis.
Highlights
The genus Thymus from the Lamiaceae family contains many representatives
As the main active ingredient responsible for the activity of thyme essential oil (EO), has been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antioxidant, Thyme herb andantiseptic, its volatile oil have long been used for the treatment ofantiviral, upper respiratory tract expectorant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, anti-rheumatic, and even anti-cancer, infections, symptoms of bronchitis, parasitic infections, pruritus associated with dermatitis, bruises, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic action
Thymol has shown the ability to inhibit biofilm formation and eliminate the mature MRSA biofilm by inhibiting the synthesis of important biofilm components of these bacteria, such as polysaccharide intercellular adhesin (PIA) and extracellular DNA, which is an important mechanism for S. aureus biofilm formation
Summary
The genus Thymus from the Lamiaceae family contains many representatives. These plants, originating from the Mediterranean area, are commonly used for food, cosmetic, and medicinal purposes [1]. Thyme herb and its volatile oil have long been used for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, symptoms of bronchitis, parasitic infections, pruritus associated with dermatitis, bruises, and sprains Nowadays, it is generally used as an expectorant in cough associated with cold and in dentistry as a disinfectant [12]. As the main active ingredient responsible for the activity of thyme EO, has been shown to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antioxidant, Thyme herb andantiseptic, its volatile oil have long been used for the treatment ofantiviral, upper respiratory tract expectorant, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, sedative, anti-rheumatic, and even anti-cancer, infections, symptoms of bronchitis, parasitic infections, pruritus associated with dermatitis, bruises, anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-hyperglycemic action [6,15,16,17,18,19].
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