Thymus Species Research Articles

Callusogenesis and Organogenesis of Thymus Cultivars In Vitro

The article is devoted to the in vitro cultivation of three Russian cultivars of two Thymus species (Th. vulgaris and Th. serpyllum) in order to study the possibility of induction of callusogenesis and organogenesis. The developed technology opens up prospects for the induction of somaclonal variability, obtaining the source material for breeding, as well as regeneration of thyme plants after genetic transformation. For the study, we used nutrient media based on the mineral composition of the Murashige and Skoog medium with the addition of auxin (indole-3-butyric acid, indole-3-acetic acid) and cytokinin (6-benzyladenine, kinetin) substances. For the induction of callusogenesis, the use of stem explants on nutrient media supplemented with 2,4-dichlorphenoxyacetic acid (1 or 2 mg/L) can be recommended. The efficiency of shoot organogenesis also depends on the type of explant, and its rather low values in most experimental variants are apparently due to the accumulation of endogenous auxins and phenolic compounds. Thus, a cultivar-specific morphogenetic response to the use of various phytohormones and growth regulators was established, as well as the influence of the explant type on the efficiency of morphogenic processes.

Chromosome-level genome of Thymus mandschuricus reveals molecular mechanism of aroma compounds biosynthesis.

Thymus mandschuricus is an aromatic and medicinal plant with notable antibacterial and antioxidant properties. However, traditional breeding methods rely on phenotypic selection due to a lack of molecular resources. A high-quality reference genome is crucial for marker-assisted breeding, genome editing, and molecular genetics. We utilized PacBio and Hi-C technologies to generate a high-quality chromosome-level reference genome for T. mandschuricus, with a size of 587.05 Mb and an N50 contig size of 8.41 Mb. The assembled genome contained 29,343 predicted protein-coding genes, and evidence of two distinct whole-genome duplications in T. mandschuricus was discovered. Comparative genomic analysis revealed rapid evolution of genes involved in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and the CYP450 gene family in T. mandschuricus. Additionally, we reconstructed the gene families of terpenoid biosynthesis structural genes, such as TPS, BAHD, and CYP, and identified regulatory networks controlling the expression of aroma-synthesis genes by integrating transcriptome data from various organs and developmental stages. We discovered that hormones and transcription factors may collaborate in controlling aroma-synthesis gene expression. This study provides the first high-quality genome sequence and gene annotation for T. mandschuricus, an indigenous thyme species unique to China. The genome assembly and the comprehension of the genetic basis of fragrance synthesis acquired from this research could potentially serve as targets for future breeding programs and functional studies.

Evaluation of the Essential Oil Composition of Five Thymus Species Native to Greece

The genus Thymus encompasses a wide array of taxa, many of which remain underexplored in terms of their phytochemical profile. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition of volatile compounds of five Thymus species native to Greece using gas chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. Two samples of T. parnassicus collected from Mts Parnitha and Parnassos were studied. The predominant compounds in the Parnitha sample were α-cadinol (13.53%), E-caryophyllene (11.83%) and selin-11-en-4α-ol (7.29%). The sample from Mt. Parnassos exhibited a high concentration of E-caryophyllene (35.20%) followed by β-bisabolene (10.41%). Additionally, two species, namely T. leucotrichus subsp. leucotrichus and T. atticus, were collected on Mt. Chelmos (Peloponnese). The essential oil of T. leucotrichus was rich in elemol (35.56%), α-eudesmol (11.15%) and β-eudesmol (6.11%). Thymus atticus exhibited a high concentration in linalool (63.04%) and p-cymene (25.63%). In addition, two samples of T. holosericeus collected from Kefalonia Ιsland were both rich in geraniol (89.9% and 87.7%, respectively). We also examined the volatile profile of T. laconicus, a local endemic species of SE Peloponnese (Lakonia area), which remains unexplored. Carvacrol (32.7%) and p-cymene (29.7%) were identified as the dominant compounds. Our study contributes valuable insights into the chemical profile of Thymus spp. and sheds further light on the well-known chemical polymorphism within this genus.

A Study on the Germination of Origanum acutidens L. Seeds Subjected to Pre-Treatment of Gibberellic Acid and Colchicine

In Türkiye, the general name for aromatic plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family is “thyme”. However, species containing thymol/carvacrol type essential oil are considered “thyme”. Origanum acutidens is one of the thyme species that grows endemic in the Northeastern Anatolia Region of Türkiye. The low germination rate of its seeds is one of the factors limiting the studies conducted on this plant. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different doses of colchicine and gibberellic acid on germination in O. acutident seeds. Seeds collected from the plant’s natural habitat at the end of the flowering period were used as plant material. The experiment was planned as control (only distilled water) and treatments consisting of three different gibberellic acid (GA3) [100 ppm (GA1), 200 ppm (GA2) and 300 ppm (GA3)] and four different colchicine doses [0.01 mM (C1), 0.02 mM (C2), 0.04 mM (C3) and 0.08 mM (C4)]. The applications were kept at 25±1 ⁰C for 12 hours. After the waiting period, all seeds were filtered and placed, 50 seeds each, in 9 cm diameter petri dishes between two layers of sterile filter paper sheets. The experiment was carried out in 4 replications. Some parameters of the germination (Germination rate (GR), Germination time (GT), Average germination time (AGT)) and early seedling period (Embryonal root length (ERL), Number of embryonal roots (NER), Root fresh weight (RFW), Root dry weight (RDW), Grass sheath length (GSH)) were measured and the results were statistically evaluated. In general, the highest values obtained from all evaluated germination (92.0% GR and 1.7 day AGT) and early seedling parameters (10.4 cm ERL, 4.6 NER, 0.095 g RFW, 0.028 g RDW and 3.6 cm GSL) were found to belong to the GA3 application. The lowest values obtained from the relevant parameters were obtained with the C4 application. In our study, it was observed that gibberellic acid applications significantly increased germination in this plant and positively increased the parameters related to germination. Based on the study results, we think that colchicine stimulates germination at certain rates, but causes death by having a toxic effect in increasing doses.

A Comprehensive Study on Chemical and Biological Investigation of Thymus Brachychilus Jalas: A Rich Source of Ursolic and Oleanolic Acids

The significance of Thymus species in the scientific community is growing steadily due to their extensive utilization in traditional medicine, food industry, and pharmaceutical sector, owing to their abundance in essential oil and phytochemical content, rendering them commercially significant species. The current work focuses on conducting a comprehensive analysis of the ethanol extract and essential oil derived from the root and aerial portions of Thymus brachychilus Jalas, an endemic species that has not been previously investigated. Additionally, a novel GC-MS (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) technique was developed to quantify the levels of triterpenoids, which are frequently found in many plants, particularly those belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The approach was then used to assess the triterpenoid content of the species. While the phenolic content of the species was determined by LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry), the chemical composition of triterpenoid, essential oil and flavor (aroma) of the plant was determined by GC-MS. Eucalyptol was the primary ingredient in both the essential oil and the flavor, accounting for 11.05% and 12.35%, respectively. In the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging techniques, the root ethanol extract exhibited the greatest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 26.70 ± 0.23 and 19.16 ± 0.11 µg/mL, respectively. There was a high level of urease (59.54 ± 1.67% at 100 µg/mL) inhibitory activity observed in the root ethanol extract in enzyme inhibition assays, as well as angiotensin (94.80 ± 0.56%), elastase (40.19 ± 0.39%), and collagenase (48.26 ± 0.12%) inhibition in the aerial ethanol extract. Moreover, the MCF-7 cell line for breast cancer had a strong cytotoxic impact when exposed to the essential oil of the species (vitality%: 1.45 ± 0.01 at 200 µg/mL. The LC-MS/MS and GC-MS studies revealed that the roots had a significant concentration of rosmarinic acid (15,801 µg analyte/g extract), but the aerial portions had a substantial quantity of ursolic acid (152,374 µg analyte/g extract). The plant exhibits potential in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical sectors on account of its elevated levels of rosmarinic and ursolic acid, superior antioxidant capacity, and angiotensin and urease inhibitory effect.

Study of carotenoids and chlorophylls content in Thymus L. essential oils genus species at the reproductive period

The genus Thymus (Thymus L., Lamiaceae L.) is polymorphic, containing various races and forms with minor morphological differences. Up to 200 species have been identified in the world, of which up to 50 are found in Ukraine.
 Widespread wild essential oil species of the genus Thymus L. in Ukraine are: creeping thyme, Crimean thyme, Dnieper thyme, Marshall's thyme, flea thyme, Pallas's thyme. Successfully cultivated: common thyme, Spanish white thin thyme, Spanish white flowering thyme, creeping thyme, lemon thyme.
 Thyme is known for its rich chemical composition. Carotenoids and chlorophylls contribute to the accumulation of essential oil, polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant, detoxification and radioprotective effects.
 For the standardization of raw materials of Thymus L. species, it is advisable to determine the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls during the reproductive period.
 The purpose of the work is to identify and determine the quantitative content of carotenoids and chlorophylls during the reproductive period in the herb species of the genus Thymus L. of the flora of Ukraine.
 Raw materials were collected in steppe biocenoses and specialized farms of southeastern Ukraine during the reproductive period (May–September 2018–2023) according to generally accepted methods. They were dried at 35 ºС to a moisture content of no more than 10%. n-Hexane extracts (1:100) were used to identify substances and establish their quantitative content. The determination was made by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) followed by densitometry and spectrophotometry.
 By the methods of thin-layer chromatography and spectrophotometry in n-hexane extracts from grass species of the genus Thymus L. of flora of Ukraine 4 carotenoids and 2 chlorophylls were identified. Cultivated species had the highest content: Th. vulgaris L. and Th. x citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. var. «Silver Queen».
 The accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls in the raw materials of the genus Thymus L. during the reproductive period was studied. The results indicate the expediency of standardization of the studied raw materials according to the accumulation of carotenoids and chlorophylls.

Investigation of the Effect of Main Components of Wild Thyme on Covid-19 by Computational Methods

Aromatic plant species of the genus thymus have an important role as they have therapeutic properties such as antirheumatic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antimicrobial, cardiac, carminative, diuretic and expectorant. It is also known that such plants strengthen the immune system and help cope with infectious diseases such as colds and flu. In this study, the effects of thymol, p-cymene, -terpinene, bornyl acetate, borneol, carvacrol, thymol methyl ether, thymol acetate, which are the main components of wild thyme (thymus serpyllum L.), on Covid-19 were investigated at the molecular level. Optimizations and molecular docking were done in Docking Server with the MMFF94 method. Major components of wild thyme were docked separately against 6LU7 protein representing the first gene form of Covid-19 and 7KDL protein representing the mutated form. Docking poses and binding energies between target proteins and wild thyme components were calculated. The results were compared with favipiravir, an antiviral drug developed against influenza virus and also used in the treatment of Covid-19. It was found that the thymol molecule, one of the main components of wild thyme, has the highest biological activity against both 6LU7 and 7KDL protein chains of Covid-19.

Chemical Compositions of Essential Oil Extracted from Eight Thyme Species and Potential Biological Functions.

Thymus is an herbaceous perennial or subshrub of the Lamiaceae family and is widely distributed worldwide. Essential oils extracted from thymus have attracted much attention, owing to their potential biological functions. Here, we evaluated the chemical compositions of eight thyme essential oils (TEOs) using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and assessed their antioxidant activity. The results showed that (1) the main components in eight TEOs were monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes (84.26-92.84%), and the chemical compositions of the TEOs were affected by the specie factor; (2) eight TEOs could be divided into three groups (thymol-, geraniol-, and nerol acetate-types), and thymol was the main type; (3) eight TEOs had some common compounds, such as thymol and p-cymene, which were the main components in seven TEOs; (4) eight TEOs had antioxidant activity, and Thymus pulegioides, Thymus thracicus, and Thymus serpyllum EOs had stronger antioxidant activity than vitamin E (0.07-0.27 fold) at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, while Thymus quinquecostatus and Thymus longicaulis EOs had relatively weak antioxidant activity. In addition, three chemical type standards were used to evaluate potential roles in antibacterial and tumor therapy. The results showed that thymol had strong antibacterial activity against the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and antimigratory activity for A549 cell. Overall, our results can provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the function of natural products from thyme essential oils.

Analysis of exudate compounds of Thymus species

Acetone exudates of 13 Thymus species were analyzed for their composition by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The studied species are members of the section Hyphodromi (Thymus atticus, T. perinicus, T. striatus, T. zygioides and T. comptus) and section Serpyllum (T. longedentatus, T. longicaulis, T. pulegioides, T. moesiacus, T. albanus, T. jankae, T. stojanovii and T. sibthorpii). Some of the studied species are endemic. Triterpene acids (oleanolic and ursolic) were found as dominant compounds in the exudates. Isomers thymol and carvacrol were determined as the most common monoterpenes. All exudates were established to be rich in straight-chain alkane (hexacosane). TLC analysis was performed for the identification of flavonoid aglycones. Apigenin, luteolin, naringenin, taxifolin and eriodictyol were identified as the most common flavonoids in the profiles of the studied species. Methyl derivatives of apigenin were determined only in the exudates of the separate species. Exudate compounds of Bulgarian Thymus species are reported for the first time in the present study. Moreover, some endemic thyme species’ phytochemical compositions are presented here for the first time. This is the first time that micromeric acid is reported in the Thymus genus.

Determination of antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticholinesterase, antityrosinase, antidiabetic and antiglaucoma activities of essential oils from three different Thymus species and their chemical characterization by GC-MS analysis

The present study aims to perform a comprehensive chemical characterization of the essential oils of Thymus pubescens var. pubescens (TPEO), Thymus leucotrichus var. leucotrichus (TLEO), and the endemic Thymus canoviridis (TCEO) using GC-MS, besides evaluating the potential antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiglocouma, and antityrosinase activities of these essential oils. The antioxidant activity was assessed using various bioassays including DPPH, ABTS, DMPD, FRAP, CUPRAC, and Fe3+ reducing assays. The IC50 values of TPEO, TLEO, and TCEO for α-glycosidase were 28.32, 28.79, and 57.57 μg/mL, respectively. For tyrosinase, the IC50 values were 359.9, 270.87, and 597.43 μg/mL, respectively. The IC50 values for acetylcholinesterase were calculated as 44.15, 36.75, and 34.99 μg/mL, respectively, while for carbonic anhydrase, the IC50 values were 21.70, 24.75, and 24.45 μg/mL, respectively. The quantitiy of total phenolics present in TPEO, TLEO, and TCEO were determined to be 10.50, 34.50, and 32.50 μg GAE/mg essential oil, respectively. The TPEO, TLEO, and TCEO exhibited distinct antioxidant activities on DPPH, ABTS, and DMPD. TPEO showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Acinetobacter baumannii bacterias. TLEO exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus; The last of these TCEO demonstrated notable antimicrobial activity towards S. aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, P. mirabilis, A. baumannii. Additionaly, GC-MS revealed that the major components are TPEO (pulegone 29.01%, piperitenone 17.17%), TLEO (germacrene D 9.59%), and TCEO (carvacrol 52.87%). The essential oils possessed a range of biological activities, including antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinesterase, antityrosinase, antiglocouma and antimicrobial activities.

Clonal micropropagation of some species of the genus Thymus L.

The aim of the work was to study the influence of cultivation factors on the explants development to optimize the protocol of in vitro clonal micropropagation of four species of the genus Thymus L., valuable essential oil and medicinal plants. Conditions that ensure the production of up to 94.2 % of sterile explants were selected. It has been established that, when introduced into in vitro culture, it is advisable to use shoot tips and stem segments with a node (isolated from donor plants) and cultivate them in foil-covered test tubes. The optimal culture media for the first stage of micropropagation were determined: Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1.0 mg/l benzylaminopurine (BAP) for Thymus serpyllum L. or MS with 1.0 mg/l kinetin and 1.0 mg/l gibberellic acids (GA3) for T. vulgaris L. ‘Gornyy Balzam’, T. × citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. ‘Doone Valley’, T. caucasicus Willd. ex Ronniger. At the second stage of clonal micropropagation, it is advisable to cultivate T. caucasicus and T. serpyllum explants during 40 days, but T. vulgaris and T. × citriodorus – during 60 days. The maximum multiplication index at the recommended cultivation duration was obtained for T. × citriodorus (9.9) on MS medium without hormones, T. caucasicus (16.1) and T. vulgaris (10.0) – on MS medium with 1.0 mg/l kinetin., and T. serpyllum (6.8) on MS medium with 1.0 mg/l BAP. When comparing different culture vessels (tubes, jars and flasks), the effectiveness of jars was revealed. This type of culture vessels made it possible to increase the multiplication index up to 2.1–5.7 times. It was revealed that when microshoots of four thyme species were cultivated on MS medium with 1.0 mg/l IBA, the rooting rate reached 84.6–98.9 %. The frequency of adaptation ex vitro when using a mixture of peat and perlite (1:1) ranged from 62.8 to 89.5 %.

Elevating Thyme Species Identification: Exploiting Key Chloroplast Genes (matK, rbcL, and psbA-trnH) through DNA Barcoding and Phylogenetic Analysis

Understanding genetic relationships and diversity among species is crucial for unraveling evolutionary processes, ecological interactions, and conservation strategies. DNA sequence analysis serves as a powerful tool in this endeavor. This study focuses on the Thymus genus, a collection of notable species, to investigate its genetic framework. Leveraging DNA sequences from key regions (matK, rbcL, and psbA-trnH), we aim to elucidate genetic connections within the Thymus genus and uncover mechanisms driving its diversity. The Thymus genus, with its diverse species and ecological characteristics, provides a captivating platform for genetic exploration. Through DNA sequence analysis, we aim to unveil genetic interconnections, biodiversity patterns, and the factors shaping the genus's evolution. Our findings are aligned with previous studies, and this consistency highlights the presence of polymorphism within potential sequences. Employing coding loci and spacer regions, our study contributes to Lamiaceae family barcoding research. Despite variations across gene regions, the concatenation of sequences enhances result reliability. We analyzed the suitability of matK, rbcL, and psbA sequences for Thymus identification, observing rbcL and psbA outperforming matK. Our novel approach, rooted in chloroplast DNA, presents a promising method for species discernment. By analyzing multiple chloroplast gene regions, this technique offers a fresh perspective on genetic affinity assessment using DNA barcodes. In conclusion, this study not only contributes to Thymus germplasm resource preservation but also exemplifies a novel approach to discerning Thymus species through DNA analysis. This methodology carries the potential for broader application, enriching our understanding of genetic relationships and diversity in the plant kingdom.

Characterization of essential oil components of commercially valuable thyme species grown in Turkey by GC-MS method

Kekik dünyanın ılıman iklim bölgelerinde yetişen çok yıllık bir bitkidir. Antik çağlardan günümüze tıbbi amaçlarla kullanılmış olan bitkinin uçucu yağları onun hem antimikrobiyal hem de antioksidan özelliklerinden sorumludur. Uçucu bileşenlerin kompozisyonu türden türe farklılık göstermekte ve bu farklılıklar her tür için de spesifik tat ve koku oluşturmaktadır. Uçucu yağların karakterizasyonunda GC-MS yöntemi sıklıkla kullanılmakta olup kullanılan kolon tipine ve uzunluğuna, fırın sıcaklık programına, taşıyıcı gazın özelliklerine göre metodun modifikasyonu gerekmektedir. Uçucu yağ bileşenlerinin farklı buharlaşma noktalarına sahip olması beraberinde farklı fırın sıcaklık programları kullanımını gerekli hale getirmiştir. Yapılan bazı çalışmalarda polariteleri farklı kolonlarda aynı numunenin uçucu yağ bileşenleri incelenmiş ve tespit edilen bileşenlerin sayılarında değişiklik olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Uçucu yağ bileşenlerinin konsantrasyonu kekiğin hasat mevsimine, yetiştiği yörenin coğrafi ve iklimsel özelliklerine göre değişim göstermesine rağmen türler arasındaki dominant uçucu yağ bileşenlerinin benzer olduğu birçok çalışmada ortaya konmuştur.

Silylation of thymol extracted from Thymus migricus essential oil, improvement of lipophilicity properties, and investigation of its pharmacological properties

Thymus species are well known as medicinal plants because of their biological and pharmacological properties. Thymus migricus Klokov & Desj. -Shos belongs to Lamiaceae. Young branches of this plant produce an essential oil that is abundant in potent and volatile compounds that have a variety of therapeutic uses. In this study, the natural composition of thymol in this plant’s essential oil was first detected with HPLC and Mass, and then the essential oil was extracted. The increase in the lipophilicity of the synthesized silylated derivatives was then examined by HPLC after numerous silylated derivatives of this phenolic compound were synthesized using various silylation reagents. These derivatives were then analyzed by FT-IR and 1HNMR analysis. The antibacterial activity of thymol with its silylated derivatives against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria was next tested by diffusion method, after which the antioxidant activity of thymol with its silylated derivatives was assessed by two DPPH and FRAP methods.

Anticandidal effects and chemical compositions of volatile oils extracted from Origanum syriacum, Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. fruticosum and Thymbra capitata from Palestine

BackgroundOver the past decade, researchers have been exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of volatile oils (VOs) in addressing various disorders, particularly those associated with an increase in fungal infections. This study aimed to analyze the chemical compositions of three different thyme species growing in Palestine using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) and explore their antifungal characteristics. The thyme species investigated in this research encompass Origanum syriacum L., Clinopodium serpyllifolium subsp. fruticosum (L.) Bräuchler, and Thymbra capitata (L.) Cav.MethodsThe VOs of the investigated plants were extracted by hydrodistillation technique equipped with Cleavenger apparatus and characterized by utilizing GC–MS equipment. Moreover, the extracted VOs were evaluated for their antifungal activity using the broth microdilution assay against several clinically isolated Candida species and one ATCC strain.ResultsThe GC–MS characterization results of O. syriacum VO revealed the presence of 22 components and the abundant molecules were thymol (37.36%), carvacrol (27.71%), γ-terpinene (17.47%), and p-cymene (7.80%), while 19 compounds were characterized in the C. serpyllifolium VO and the major components were p-cymene (37.58%), carvacrol (22.93%), and γ-terpinene (21.91%). In addition, 23 compounds were identified in T. capitata VO and the main components were carvone (59.45%), pulegone (21.59%), menthone (4.24%), and isomenthone (3.71%). According to the antifungal assay results, VO extracted from O. syriacum has the highest activity among all the screened VOs.ConclusionAll the VOs screened in this study exhibit promising antifungal activities for various potential medical applications. Consequently, we strongly advocate for further biological investigations of these oils in the near future.Graphical

Phenolic Acids and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Endemic Thymus Species

Phenolic Acids and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Endemic Thymus Species

ANATOMICAL, PALYNOLOGICAL AND MICROMOPHOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ON ENDEMIC THYMUS BRACHYCHILUS JALAS (LAMIACEAE)

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the anatomical and palynological features of endemic Thymus brachychilus Jalas. Material and Method: The plant material was fixed in 70% alcohol for anatomical investigation. Cross sections of the stem, leaves, and leaf surface sections were stained with sartur solution, and the anatomical aspects were examined. The trichome architectures, mesophyll cells, stomatal index, and glandular and non-glandular trichomes features of leaves and stem have been investigated and compared with the other Thymus species anatomical findings. In addition, measurements of anatomical structures were made. Pollen, flower parts, epidermis and trichome structure of the leaves, were examined in SEM. Result and Discussion: This is the first anatomical, palynological and micromorphological study on Thymus brachychilus. The epidermis of leaf consists of a single row of elongated shaped cells and is covered with a thin cuticle. There are nonglandular and glandular trichomes in the upper and lower epidermis. Two different types of nonglandular trichomes were found. Stomata are diacytic, and the epidermis is amphistomatic. The mesophyll layer is dorsiventral. The stem cross-section is square. The outermost single-row, elongated, square or rectangular epidermis is covered with a thin cuticle. The pollen symmetry is isopolar, shape is suboblate. It has hexacolpate and bireticulate properties.

Protective effect of thymol on glycerol-induced acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a syndrome characterized by an accelerating decrease in renal function in a short time. Thymol is one of the main components of thyme species and has a variety of pharmacological effects. Here, we investigated whether thymol could ameliorate rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced AKI and its related mechanism. Glycerol was used to induce RM-associated AKI in rats. Rats received thymol (20 mg/kg/day or 40 mg/kg/day) gavage 24 h before glycerol injection until 72 h after injection daily. Kidney injury was identified by measuring serum creatinine (Scr) and urea levels and by H&E and PAS staining and immunohistochemistry (the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)). Renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress-related Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways were measured. The expression of the inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and NF-κB was assessed by ELISA and western blotting. Finally, the expression of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was detected by western blotting. Glycerol administration induced obvious renal histologic damage and increased Scr, urea, and PCNA expression. Notably, thymol treatment attenuated these structural and functional changes and prevented renal oxidative stress, inflammatory damage and PI3K/Akt pathway downregulation associated with glycerol-induced AKI. In conclusion, thymol might have potential applications in the amelioration of AKI via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and upregulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Relaxant effect of thymol on smooth muscle

Thymol is a phenolic monoterpene with colorless crystalline shapes or white crystalline powder with a spicy, caucasian and sweet taste. Its chemical structure is characterized by a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring. It provides for the hydroxylation of P-cymine along with its carvacrol’s isomer. In this molecule different therapeutic properties have been registered in this molecule, such as spasmolytic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, fungicidal, antibacterial, antioxidant and hepatoprotective. This monoterpene is found in different species of the genus Thymus, especially T. Vulgaris and T. zigis with a percentage that fluctuates between 10% and 60% found in the aerial part of both plants, likewise, it is also found in Lagoecia cuminoides between a 73% and 95% and in Trachyspermum copticum between 37.2 and 72.3% in the seed and fruits of this plant. Studies on its beneficial effects on health have been carried out in different species, highlighting rats, mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, human cell lines; distinguishing human studies have been conducted 3 studies to decrease the effects of asthma, antitussive and anti-inflammatory effect on the lungs. The aim of this narrative article is to describe the processes of contraction and relaxation of smooth muscle and the spasmolytic effect of thymol in different smooth muscle tissues in rats, mice, guinea pigs and rabbits. Through this research, it is suggested to the scientific community to study the possible mechanisms of action of this molecule in the different types of smooth muscle tissue for subsequent clinical studies

Lignin Nanoparticles with Entrapped Thymus spp. Essential Oils for the Control of Wood-Rot Fungi.

After decades of utilization of fossil-based and environmentally hazardous compounds for wood preservation against fungal attack, there is a strong need to substitute those compounds with bio-based bioactive solutions, such as essential oils. In this work, lignin nanoparticles containing four essential oils from thyme species (Thymus capitatus, Coridothymus capitatus, T. vulgaris, and T. vulgaris Demeter) were applied as biocides in in vitro experiments to test their anti-fungal effect against two white-rot fungi (Trametes versicolor and Pleurotus ostreatus) and two brown-rot fungi (Poria monticola and Gloeophyllum trabeum). Entrapment of essential oils provided a delayed release over a time frame of 7 days from the lignin carrier matrix and resulted in lower minimum inhibitory concentrations of the essential oils against the brown-rot fungi (0.30-0.60 mg/mL), while for the white-rot fungi, identical concentrations were determined compared with free essential oils (0.05-0.30 mg/mL). Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to assess the fungal cell wall changes in the presence of essential oils in the growth medium. The results regarding brown-rot fungi present a promising approach for a more effective and sustainable utilization of essential oils against this class of wood-rot fungi. In the case of white-rot fungi, lignin nanoparticles, as essential oils delivery vehicles, still need optimization in their efficacy.