Thyme Plants Research Articles

The Chemical Analysis of Wild Thyme Variability for the Enhanced Production of Bioactive Compounds and Agro-Ecosystem Sustainability in the Mountains of Pistoia (Italy)

The Pistoia Mountains exhibit a great variety of flora, particularly rich in aromatic plants, such as juniper, mint, savory, helichrysum, and thyme. Thyme is especially notable for its essential oil, typically displaying high thymol and carvacrol content. While the chemotype of thyme determined by its specific terpene composition is genetically controlled, environmental factors, plant age, and seasonality can influence terpene production. This article investigates the morpho-chemical variability of wild thyme plants collected from two different regions of the Pistoia Mountains, identifying five distinct chemotypes. The gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique was used to characterize the chemical profiles and determine the seasonal variation in terpene production, identifying spring and summer as the balsamic period, the optimal time for essential oil collection. Furthermore, high-value thyme clones were preserved through in vitro micropropagation, ensuring chemotype stability. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of wild thyme biodiversity and provide a foundation for practical applications, including the development of value-added products like herb-infused cheeses, plant and animal disease treatments, and integrated pest management strategies in agricultural systems.

Time course of physiological and biochemical responses of Thymus vulgaris to short-term salinity stress in hydroponics

The present study aimed to investigate the physiochemical responses of Thymus vulgaris L. to salinity stress and was arranged in a two-factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications under floating hydroponic conditions. The effect of salinity stress at three levels of 0, 100, and 200 mM NaCl for seven different time courses of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h on 3 months garden thyme plant (4 months after seed cultivation and 3 months after transplanting in hydroponic system) was investigated. The results showed that different concentrations of NaCl and different times of salinity stress had no significant effect on the fresh mass, while photosynthetic pigment content and DPPH (2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging activity were significantly decreased under high concentrations of sodium chloride and 72–120 h after salt stresses. In addition, the increase of salinity stress (100 and 200 mM) in 72–120 h treatment significantly increased compatible osmolytes, such as proline content. On the other hand, the activity of non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as phenolics and flavonoids under salt stress treatment with concentrations of 100 and 200 mM sodium chloride in the floating hydroponic system during 72–120 h showed significant increases. In general, it can be concluded that high concentrations of sodium chloride in floating hydroponic systems can cause significant adverse effects on the physical and biochemical properties of the garden thyme plant.

Thyme Plant Powder (Thymus vulgaris) Improves the Production Performance of Laying Hens by Affecting Ovarian Follicles

Thyme Plant Powder (Thymus vulgaris) Improves the Production Performance of Laying Hens by Affecting Ovarian Follicles

PRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF BACTERIAL CELLULOSE BIOCOMPOSITES BASED ON THYMUS SIPYLEUS BOISS. EXTRACT

The aim of this study was to improve the antibacterial properties of bacterial cellulose (BC) produced by ex situ modification in Kombucha culture medium. Bioactive methanol extract from the plant Thymus sipyleus Boiss. was added to BC by ex situ modification to obtain a bioactive and cost-effective biocomposite. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the nanofibers, porous structure and chemical bonding of the extract with the BC nanofibers and revealed that the biocomposites were successfully produced. A significant decrease in water retention and swelling behavior was observed in the biocomposites. The antibacterial activity of the biocomposites was determined according to the AATC100-2004 method. The bactericidal activities of the biocomposites produced were compared with those of the gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Biocomposite T010 (0.10% extract) showed strong antibacterial activity, reducing E. coli by 84.6% and S. aureus by 97.54%. The results of this study show that the T. sipyleus extract can be used as an effective antibacterial agent at appropriate concentrations and that the BC biocomposite produced by ex situ modification has excellent antibacterial properties.

Trends in plant tissue culture, production, and secondary metabolites enhancement of medicinal plants: a case study of thyme.

Thymus plants are greatly threatened by overharvesting and climate change. Plant cell and tissue culture techniques provide effective alternatives for the production and the enhancement of both biomass and bioactive compounds. Medicinal and aromatic plants are rich sources of various bioactive compounds known as secondary metabolites, which are used across a range of fields, including medicinal, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, perfumes, agrochemicals and agrofood industries. Thyme is considered one of the most popular herbs globally, valued for its significant medicinal, pharmaceutical, and nutritional benefits. However, its natural habitats are rapidly diminishing due to excessive harvesting and climate change. Consequently, several approaches have been developed to find alternatives to harvesting wild thyme. Plant cell and tissue culture techniques offer a superior alternative to traditional propagation methods, such as seeds, cuttings, or tuft division. These techniques enable the production of large quantities of uniform, disease-free plantlets for commercial cultivation and facilitate the development of new genotypes. Additionally, they support the production and enhancement of bioactive compounds from thyme plants. This review explores the application of plant cell, tissue, and organ culture biotechnology in thyme plants, focusing on enhancing production and improving secondary metabolite yields and biomass production.

EFFECTS OF CALCIAN CARBIDE ON LIVER, KINDLY AND NERVOUS SYSTEM IN ALBINO RATS

Thymol is obtained from the plant Thymus vulgaris or Trachyspermum ammi seeds belongs to the family Apiaceae. A simple, sensitive spectrophotometric method and titrimetric method was used for the estimation of thymol content in different brands of Ajwain water. The spectrophotometric method was done by using Acetonitrile and water as solvent. The maximum absorbance was found to be at (λ max) 275 nm. The different brands of Ajwain water from market was collected and it was determined for the concentration of thymol.

DETERMINATION OF THYMOL CONTENT IN DIFFERENT BRANDS OF AJWAIN WATER BY USING SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD AND TITRIMETRIC METHOD

Thymol is obtained from the plant Thymus vulgaris or Trachyspermum ammi seeds belongs to the family Apiaceae. A simple, sensitive spectrophotometric method and titrimetric method was used for the estimation of thymol content in different brands of Ajwain water. The spectrophotometric method was done by using Acetonitrile and water as solvent. The maximum absorbance was found to be at (λ max) 275 nm. The different brands of Ajwain water from market was collected and it was determined for the concentration of thymol.

Biocides Based on Essential Oils for Sustainable Conservation and Restoration of Mural Paintings in Built Cultural Heritage

Microbial deterioration poses a significant threat to built heritage, particularly mural paintings, where traditional synthetic biocides can have adverse environmental and material impacts. This study evaluates the effectiveness of essential oils derived from four aromatic plants—thyme (Thymus mastichina L.), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill.), pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), and green lavender (Lavandula viridis L’Hér.)—as natural biocides against microorganisms isolated from mural paintings in the House of Moscadim, an 18th-century manor house in Portugal. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was assessed using both direct contact and micro-atmosphere methods. Four microorganisms were isolated, including two bacteria, Bacillus wiedmannii and Bacillus mobilis, and two fungi, Penicillium brevicompactum and Cladosporium cladosporioides. Fennel essential oil exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against both fungal species, surpassing the efficacy of the commercial biocide Biotin T® in some cases. Pennyroyal and lavender essential oils also showed significant inhibitory effects. The micro-atmosphere method demonstrated the potential for noninvasive application of essential oils while preserving the integrity of delicate mural surfaces. These findings suggest that essential oils, particularly fennel oil, constitute a promising natural alternative to synthetic biocides for the sustainable conservation of cultural heritage. Further research is recommended to explore their long-term effects and to optimize application techniques.

Impact of phytoceuticals: Thymol-loaded zein-based nano-antimicrobials to combat resistant zoonotic pathogen

Impact of phytoceuticals: Thymol-loaded zein-based nano-antimicrobials to combat resistant zoonotic pathogen

The combination of nanoparticles and endophytes boosts Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) resistance to drought stress by elevating levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and essential oils

BackgroundAs climate change and water scarcity increasingly threaten agricultural productivity, enhancing plant resilience to drought has attracted great attention. This study explored the potential of combining Fe2O3 nanoparticles (FeNPs), endophytic bacteria (EB), and endophytic fungi (EF) to boost drought tolerance in Thymus vulgaris. The research aimed to assess how these combined treatments affect the plant’s physiological responses and chemical composition under drought stress.ResultsA factorial experiment was designed using completely randomized design (CRD) method, incorporating four irrigation levels [100%, 75%, 50%, and 25% field capacity (FC)], four FeNPs concentrations (0, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 mg L−1), and three endophyte types (control, bacteria, and fungi). After extracting, purifying, identifying, and screening EB and EF from nine Lamiaceae species, the endophytes Azospirillum lipoferum and Aspergillus oryzae isolated from Salvia mirzayanii exhibited the highest drought resistance. The highest amounts of TFM (45.45 g) and TDM (21.56 g) were obtained using the combination of EB and FeNPs at 1 mg L−1 under irrigation with 100% FC. At 25% FC, EB treatment increased the activities of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) by 62.12% and 18.23% compared to the control, respectively. In addition, under optimal humidity conditions, FeNP concentrations were higher than 0.5 mg L−1 leading to a decrease in PPO activity. At 25% FC, the highest content of total phenols was observed with a 37.5% increase under EB treatment using 1 mg L−1 of FeNPs, while the highest content of total flavonoids showed a 62.72% increase under EF treatment with 0.5 mg/L of FeNPs. The highest level of p-coumaric acid was obtained under EF (34.27% compared to control). At 25% FC, EB and FeNPs (1 mg L−1) increased the level of caffeic acid in thyme plants by 24.70% and 10.08%, respectively. In addition, inoculation with EB increased (11.9%) the content of ferulic acid in plants and the application of FeNPs as a foliar spray decreased the level of ferulic acid in thyme plants. The highest essential oil percentage at 25% FC was observed after inoculation with EF and FeNPs (0.5 mg L−1), resulting in significant increases of 14.7% and 82.12%, respectively, compared to the control. A decrease in irrigation level led to an increase in the percentage of essential oil in thyme plants while decreasing dominant essential oil compounds, thymol, and carvacrol. The levels of thymol and carvacrol in the essential oil were not affected by the interaction effects of drought stress, endophytes, and FeNPs. EF and FeNPs (1.5 mg L−1), respectively, caused significant increases of 17.44% and 29.87% compared to the control in the amount of thymol and significant increases of 13.75% and 31.01% in the amount of carvacrol. All FeNPs concentrations decreased the concentrations of ferulic acid, FeNPs (1.5 mg L−1) and PPO; these particles act as abiotic stressors at sub-toxic levels and become phytotoxic at higher concentrations.ConclusionsIt seems that combining endophytes with FeNPs showed promise in enhancing drought tolerance in T. vulgaris. These treatments have significantly contributed to the production of enzymatic antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds, leading to a reduction in the amounts of oxidants. At the same time, they have improved both the quality and quantity of essential oils. This highlights the importance of establishing an effective antioxidant system in response to environmental stresses.Graphical

Phytochemical Profiling and Therapeutic Potential of Thyme (Thymus spp.): A Medicinal Herb.

Thymol is a phenol monoterpene that is naturally derived from cymene and is an isomer of carvacrol. It constitutes a significant portion (10%-64%) of the essential oils found in thyme (Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae), a medicinal plant renowned for its therapeutic properties. Wild thyme is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used in cooking and medicine for a long time. In contemporary contexts, both thymol and thyme offer diverse functional applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Thymol has attracted scientific interest for its potential therapeutic applications in pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals. Studies have explored its efficacy in treating respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular disorders, highlighting its promising role in diverse therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this compound demonstrates antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. It also shows potential as a growth enhancer and has immunomodulatory properties as well. Other discussed aspects include thymol toxicity, bioavailability, metabolism, and distribution in animals and humans. This review summarizes the most significant data regarding the beneficial effects of thyme bioactive compounds and their applications as a food preservative while taking into account the thyme plant extract and its essential oil.

Investigating The Synergistic and Antimicrobial Effect of Glycolipid Biosurfactants Produced by <i>Shewanella alga</i> 12B and <i>Bacillus pumilus SG</i> Bacteria with Thyme Plant Extract on Some Pathogenic Bacteria

Background: Thyme is widely recognized for its antimicrobial properties, attributed to the effective compounds present in its extract that inhibit and destroy pathogenic bacteria. Objectives: This study explores the impact of combining thyme extract with biosurfactants on pathogenic bacteria and biofilm. The biosurfactants 12B and SG have inherent antimicrobial effects, and their combination with thyme extract demonstrated synergistic effects. Methods: The experiments involved preparing methanolic thyme extract in combination with biosurfactants 12B and SG. Disk diffusion and well diffusion tests were conducted to assess the antimicrobial activity of this combination. The inhibition zones for Acinetobacterbaumannii, Bacilluscereus, Escherichiacoli, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcusaureus (MRSA) were measured. Further tests determined the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for these bacteria. To evaluate synergistic effects, the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) and fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) were calculated. Results: The anti-biofilm effects of the biosurfactants combined with thyme extract were analyzed by testing biofilm formation inhibition, biofilm destruction, and inhibition of dehydrogenase enzyme activity within the biofilm. Biofilm assays were conducted using microplates, with readings taken at 490 nm using an ELISA reader. Conclusions: The biofilm tests demonstrated the effectiveness of thyme extract combined with biosurfactants. The results indicated that this combination exhibits antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and synergistic effects, making it effective against both antibiotic-resistant and non-resistant pathogenic bacteria.

Application of Thymus Species as Natural Coagulant for Elimination of Turbidity of Water and Its Comparison with the Conventional Coagulant

Introduction: The most important pollutant in surface water sources is turbidity. The aim of the study is to determine the most effective thyme plant extract as a natural coagulant to remove water turbidity and compare it with alum as a chemical coagulant.. Materials and Methods: In this study, plant extracts obtained from Thymus vulgaris (Tv), Thymus kotschyanus (Tk), and Thymus eriocalyx (Te) were used as natural coagulants for elimination of water turbidity. Then, the best of plant extract was confirmed by ninhydrin and FTIR analyses and the effect of simultaneous use of plant extract with chemical coagulant of aluminum sulfate (alum) was investigated in the hybrid ratio of 1:1, 2:1, and 1:2. Then, the effect of parameters include of pH, coagulant dose, turbidity removal efficiency, and the most suitable solvent for coagulant extraction were studied. Results: The results of this study showed that among the natural coagulants, Tv had a higher efficiency in elimination of water turbidity, and the highest amounts of turbidity elimination for Tv, alum, and Tv/alum hybrid coagulants was 94, 90, and 96, respectively. According to the results of this study, the most effective solvent for preparing plant extracts was 1M KCl solvent. Conclusion: The natural coagulant removes more turbidity from water than the chemical coagulant, and the simultaneous use of natural and chemical coagulants with a 1:1 ratio was more effective.

Isolation, characterization and antimicrobial activity study of Thymus vulgaris

Herbal medicines are important for ensuring sustainable development goals (SDGs) in healthcare, particularly in developing countries with high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and little access to medical facilities. Thymus vulgaris is a widely used herbal medicinal plant known for its secondary metabolites and antimicrobial properties. The present study involved a comprehensive examination of the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris obtained from Ethiopia. The aerial part of the plant Thymus vulgaris was successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol based on differences in polarity. Phytochemical screening tests conducted against hexane, chloroform and MeOH crude extracts indicated the presence of some secondary metabolites. Based on the thin-layer chromatography tests, the chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography, yielding Tv-2 compounds, namely 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol. The structures of the compounds were elucidated via spectroscopic methods (UV–Vis, FT-IR and NMR). We investigated the antibacterial properties of hexane crude extract, chloroform crude extract, MeOH crude extract, and isolated fractions derived from T. vulgaris against various bacterial strains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the bioactive components present in Thymus vulgaris crude extracts and their potential role in tackling microbial infections.

In silico Investigation of the Interactions of Thymol and Carvacrol on the Spike Protein of Omicron Variant and MPro Enzyme of Coronavirus

Many drug studies have been conducted against the coronavirus disease, which has affected the whole world since December 2019, and some studies have been carried out on natural treatment methods. Many ideas for curing coronavirus disease of T. vulgaris known as thyme plant have been presented, although there are gaps in the literature on the subject. In this work, the anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 potential of the major compounds of the T. vulgaris plant’s essential oil was investigated in silico. The major components of the T. vulgaris plant's essential oil are thymol and carvacrol. Using molecular docking experiments, we evaluated the effects of thymol and carvacrol in thyme essential oil on Omicron variant spike protein and main protease enzyme (Mpro) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We also used online databases to investigate the adsorption, distribution, metabolism, absorption, and toxic (ADMET) aspects of these two compounds. It was determined that thymol and carvacrol have strong binding affinity to the spike protein of the Omicron variant and the main protease enzyme. The compounds interact with target proteins through electrostatic, hydrogen bonds, and hydrophobic interactions. More promising findings are obtained when the contacts of carvacrol with target proteins are assessed in terms of the structure-activity relationship.

Micropropagation, phytochemical, in vitro anticancer and molecular docking studies on the rare endangered plant Thymus decussatus

The axenic culture of Thymus decussatus, a rare wild species found only above 1500 m altitude in the St. Katherine Protectorate, Egypt, was established. Full MS (Murashige and Skoog medium) medium supplemented with 0.35 mg/l benzyladenine (BA) and 0.2 mg/l kinetin (Kin) was found to be optimal for micropropagation and acclimatization. Hexane extract showed the most significant cytotoxic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells with an IC50 of 12 ± 0.69 μg/ml and selectivity over normal hepatocytes (THLE2 IC50=38.57 ± 1.65 μg/ml). High-performance liquid chromatography identified the main components as flavonoids and phenolic acids, with rosmarinic acid being the most abundant (23.7 μg/g dry weight). The combination of hexane extract with sorafenib had a synergistic effect, decreasing the IC50 from 9.289 ± 0.51 to 2.274 ± 0.13 μg/ml. In contrast, an antagonistic effect was seen with doxorubicin, increasing its IC50 from 0.716 ± 0.04 μg/ml to 6.499 ± 0.36 μg/ml. The hexane extract exhibited S-phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Analysis of gene expression profiles showed upregulation of p53 and MDR1 genes. Molecular docking analysis revealed that the flavonoids quercetin, chlorogenic acid, apigenin, and rosmarinic acid have high-affinity binding to pro-and anti-apoptotic proteins, suggesting possible mechanisms of action. In conclusion, this work supports conserving this rare species and investigating its phytochemicals as potential adjuvants to improve hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

Aromatic Herbs of the Lamiaceae Family as Functional Ingredients in Wheat Tortilla

The rationale for this research is the investigation of the potential health benefits as well as the antibacterial and antifungal properties of selected aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family, which may lead to the development of improved functional foods. The present study investigated the effects of incorporating dried aromatic plants Thymus vulgaris, Thymus serpyllum, Thymus × citriodorus, Origanum vulgare and Rosmarinus officinalis at a concentration of 1% in refined wheat flour and wholemeal flour on the production of functional tortillas. Sensory analysis was employed to identify the optimal 1% addition, with the objective of achieving a favorable flavor and aroma profile. It was hypothesized that this addition would affect water activity, moisture, texture, color, antioxidant content and phenolic content, thereby enhancing the tortillas as a source of bioactive compounds. The results indicated that the type of flour used had a significant impact on the water activity of the tortillas, with wholemeal flour resulting in higher water activity than refined flour. The water activity ranged between 0.735 and 0.821, while the water content remained relatively stable. The water activity in whole-grain tortillas was significantly higher than that of refined flour tortillas, with a value exceeding 0.8, which makes them susceptible to mold growth and the production of mycotoxins. The sensory evaluations indicated that the enriched refined flour tortillas with common thyme (Thymus vulgaris), lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) and rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) were rated highly; a similar result was observed for the whole-grain tortillas enriched with wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and lemon thyme. The whole-grain tortillas with rosemary were rated the highest of all the tortillas. The addition of aromatic plants increased the phenolic content and the antioxidant potential, depending on the flour type and the plant used. The addition of wild thyme and rosemary resulted in a significant increase in the phenolic content of wheat tortillas, while all enriched whole-grain tortillas exhibited a higher phenolic content than the control samples. The highest phenolic content in whole-grain tortillas was found in those fortified with rosemary, oregano and wild thyme. The highest antioxidant content was recorded in tortillas prepared with rosemary, irrespective of whether the flour used was refined or wholemeal. Fourteen phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in aromatic plants tested. The main phenolic compounds in Origanum vulgare were flavonoids. Rosmarinic acid was the dominant phenolic compound in rosemary and all thyme species, reaching the highest level in rosemary. Such high levels of rosmarinic acid may be responsible for the high antioxidant and total phenolic contents observed in rosemary extracts and also in tortillas when this plant is included in the recipe. The results of this study indicate that selected aromatic plants, particularly rosemary, have the potential to be utilized as functional ingredients in bakery products. By incorporating dried aromatic plants from the Lamiaceae family into wheat flour tortillas, food manufacturers can create products that not only taste better but also provide added health benefits. The use of selected herbs can improve the nutritional profile of tortillas by increasing antioxidant properties and, due to the properties of herbs, extend the shelf life of the product.

The effect of Spearmint, Oregano, and Thyme extracts on biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Salmonella typhimurium.

The production of bacterial biofilms on surfaces related to food processing is of particular importance. Given the health concerns associated with biofilm production on food-related surfaces and the increasing antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria, the present study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm effects of oregano, spearmint, and thyme extracts on the biofilms of Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Listeria monocytogenes. Spearmint, Oregano, and Thyme plants were freshly prepared, dried, and ground. The hydro and ethanolic extracts of the plants were extracted by soaking. The amount of phenolic compound in the obtained hydro and ethanolic extracts was evaluated using the spectrophotometric method. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the extracts were determined. The biofilm inhibition and destruction by the extracts were investigated using the microdilution method. The results showed that the highest amount of phenolic compounds among ethanolic and aqueous extracts belongs to oregano and thyme extracts, respectively. Also, the results showed that the lowest effective concentration of the extracts on L. monocytogenes was by thyme aqueous extract with MIC and MBC of 1.8 and 2%, respectively, and for oregano ethanolic extract was 1.2 and 1.4%. The most significant biofilm-inhibiting effect on L. monocytogenes, S. typhimurium, and E. coli O157: H7 was observed by the thyme aqueous extract and oregano ethanol extract. Moreover, the highest amount of biofilm destruction was achieved by the thyme aqueous extract and oregano ethanol extract. The results of the present study indicate that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of spearmint, oregano, and thyme plants have inhibitory and destructive effects on biofilm formation by pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these antimicrobial compounds can be used to control and prevent biofilm formation in food industries.

Cough: A protective reflex and herbal therapies

Abstract OBJECTIVES. In this paper, we reviewed cough and herbal therapies. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Research methods included searching online databases such as Google, Google Scholar, ProQuest Central, and PubMed at Kirikkale University. We used terms like “cough”, “herbal”, “reflex”, “Primula veris”, “Primula elatior”, “Thymus vulgaris”, “Althea Officinalis”, and “Mentha piperita” to find related articles. RESULTS. Coughing is a reflex that serves a legitimate physiological purpose by expelling fluids and debris from the lungs. Herbal teas and preparations with antioxidant and expectorant properties are made from medicinal herbs like Primula veris and Primula elatior. The phenolic monoterpene thymol, one of the primary components of thyme oil, is found primarily in thyme plants. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have lengthy histories of usage in conventional medicine, particularly for their upper respiratory system-targeted expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic properties. Historically, people have turned to the plant Althaea officinalis for help with treating respiratory issues, like cough. Officinalis extracts alone for dry cough therapy, while A. officinalis was more effective when combined with Zataria multiflora, Zingiber officinale, or Helix hedera. Furthermore, all types of coughs benefited from officinalis. One of the most popular types of herbal tea, known as a tisane, is peppermint, or Mentha piperita. Peppermint essential oil and tea made from the plant’s leaves have long histories of usage in alternative medicine. Some studies have found that peppermint may have antiallergenic properties in addition to its antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. CONCLUSION. Cough is a persistent symptom of many acute and chronic illnesses. Primula veris, Thymus vulgaris, Althaea Officinalis, and Mentha piperita are some herbs used to treat cough. Cough patients can supplement their standard medical care with herbal remedies that contain these compounds.

Exploring the Biochemical and Nutra-Pharmaceutical Prospects of Some Thymus Species - A Review.

The Thymus genus includes various medicinal and aromatic species, cultivated worldwide for their unique medicinal and economic value. Besides, their conventional use as a culinary flavoring agent, Thymus species are well-known for their diverse biological effects, such as antioxidant, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-hypertensive properties. Hence, they are used in the treatment of fever, colds, and digestive and cardiovascular diseases. The pharmaceutical significance of Thymus plants is due to their high levels of bioactive components such as natural terpenoid phenol derivatives (p-cymene, carvacrol, thymol, geraniol), flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids. This review examines the phytochemicals, biological properties, functional food, and nutraceutical attributes of some important Thymus species, with a specific focus on their potential uses in the nutra-pharmaceutical industries. Furthermore, the review provides an insight into the mechanisms of biological activities of key phytochemicals of Thymus species exploring their potential for the development of novel natural drugs.