Thymus vulgaris and Thymus extract.
Article Content:
- .Botanical Info of Thymus vulgaris.
- .Plant Description and Origin.
- .Etymology:Thymus vulgaris.
- .Constituents and Phytochemicals.
- .Culinary Uses and Taking thyme.
- .Medicinal Uses and Functions.
- .Thyme Dosage Information.
- .Identified Applications.
- .Research Update:Thymus vulgaris.
Identified Applications.
The thymol content of thyme works as an expectorant and cough suppressant and is frequently used in cough syrups prescribed for lung ailments like bronchitis. When combined with fenugreek, thyme works to relive the pain of migraine headaches. The carminative properties of thyme make it an effective treatment for stomach upsets.
Human platelet aggregation inhibitors from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.).:
Scientist from China find Two antiaggregant compounds, thymol (compound 1) and 3,4,3',4'-tetrahydroxy-5,5'-diisopropyl-2,2'-dimethylbiphenyl (compound 2) were isolated from the leaves of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). The structures were determined by (1)H-, (13)C-NMR and mass spectra (MS) studies. These compounds inhibited platelet aggregation induced by collagen, ADP, arachidonic acid (AA) and thrombin except that compound 2 did not inhibit platelet aggregation induced by thrombin.
Relaxant effect of Thymus vulgaris on guinea-pig tracheal chains and its possible mechanism(s).:
Thymus vulgaris for the treatment of respiratory diseases is indicated widely, and relaxant effects on smooth muscle have been shown previously. In the present study, the relaxant effects of macerated and aqueous extracts of Thymus vulgaris on tracheal chains of guinea-pigs were examined using cumulative concentrations of macerated and aqueous extracts in comparison with saline (as the negative control) and theophylline (as the positive control). The relaxant effects of four cumulative concentrations of macerated and aqueous extracts (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 g %) in comparison with saline (as the negative control) and four cumulative concentrations of theophylline (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 mm; as the positive control) were examined for their relaxant effects on precontracted tracheal chains of guinea-pig by 60 mm KCl and 10 microm methacholine in two different conditions: non-incubated tissues and incubated tissues with 1 microm propranolol and 1 microm chlorphenamine. There were significant correlations between the relaxant effects and the concentrations for both extracts and theophylline in all experimental groups (p less than 0.01 to p less than 0.001). These results demonstrated a potent relaxant effect of Thymus vulgaris on guinea-pig tracheal chains that was comparable to theophylline at the concentrations used.
GC/MS evaluation of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) oil composition and variations during the vegetative cycle:
Capillary GC/MS analysis based on polar and non-polar columns has been applied to evaluation of the volatile oils hydrodistilled from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) plants. The adopted methodology has been used to monitor seasonal variations in the composition of the oil obtained from thyme herbs harvested at different periods during the plant vegetative and life cycles. Oils from thyme plants of young (2 years) and old (5 years) cultivations have been evaluated from four and two collections, respectively, effected throughout May/December growth period. Generally, the oil was found to be rich in the active monoterpene phenols (thymol and carvacrol) and their corresponding monoterpene hydrocarbon (HC) precursors (p-cymene and c-terpinene), which collectively showed synchronized patterns of variation during the different collection periods and in different seasons. The oil from old plant collected in May/June period (0.15% v/w) was characterized by significantly lower levels of monoterpene HCs (mainly c-terpinene) and the highest levels of the oxygenated monoterpenes (linalool and borneol), monoterpene phenols (mainly thymol) and their derivatives (mainly carvacrol methyl ether), sesquiterpenes (mainly b-caryophyllene) and their oxygenated derivatives (e.g. caryophyllene oxide) in comparison with all other samples. A characteristic presence of camphor and thymodihydroquinone was also observed in the old plant oils. On the other hand, the young plant, collected in June/July just before the end of the vegetative cycle, provided the best oil yield (1.2%) with also the highest % content of the monoterpene phenols (thymol: 51.2% and carvacrol: 4%). This latter growth period can represent the best harvest time of young thyme plants in order to obtain an essential oil with better quality and quantity.
Dietary supplementation of thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) essential oil during the lifetime of the rat: its effects on the antioxidant status in liver, kidney and heart tissues.:
This study aimed not only to identify age-related changes in certain antioxidant systems, but to assess whether dietary supplementation of thyme oil could address the unfavourable antioxidant-pro-oxidant balance that occurs with age. The present study has shown that there were significant declines in the superoxide dismutase activities in the liver and heart of old rats, although kidney showed no decline. Liver glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity was found to have increased significantly in old rats, while a significant decrease was observed in kidney. Heart GSHPX activity was not found to differ significantly between young and old rats. There were also significant declines in the total antioxidant status in each tissue examined. A general feature of these various antioxidant parameters measured was that their activities remained higher in rats whose diets were supplemented with thyme oil, suggesting that they retained a more favourable antioxidant capacity during their life span.
Antifungal effect of various essential oils against Candida albicans. Potentiation of antifungal action of amphotericin B by essential oil from Thymus vulgaris.:
The antifungal effect of the essential oil from Satureja montana L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Lavandula hybrida Reverchon, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merril and Perry, Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. and six chemotypes of Thymus vulgaris L. on Candida albicans growth were studied. The most efficiency was obtained with the essential oil from Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype (MIC 80% = 0.016 microL/mL and Kaff = 296 microL/mL). The presence in the culture medium of essential oil from Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype (0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 microg/mL) and amphotericin B involved a decrease of the MIC 80% of amphotericin B. In contrast, the combination of amphotericin B and low concentrations (0.00031-0.0025 microg/mL) of essential oil was antagonistic. The strongest decrease (48%) of the MIC 80% was obtained with medium containing 0.2 microL/mL of essential oil. These results signify that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype potentiates the antifungal action of amphotericin B suggesting a possible utilization of this essential oil in addition to antifungal drugs for the treatment of mycoses.
Excellent pulmonary disinfectant:
Thyme is an excellent pulmonary disinfectant, useful for all respiratory, nose, mouth, throat and chest infections, infections of the bladder or urinary tract. It stimulates the production of white corpuscles, strengthening the body's immunity. Thyme stimulates circulation and raises low blood pressure. It is good for people who are fatigued, depressed or lethargic. It stimulates the appetite, making it useful in convalescence.
Thyme has an antioxidant effect:
Thus regular use of this herb improves the health and longevity of individual body cells and therefore prolongs the life of the body. The essential oil is strongly antiseptic. The whole herb is used in the treatment of digestive disorders, sore throats, fevers etc.
Strengthen the nerves and stimulate brain cells:
Thyme can strengthen the nerves and stimulate brain cells in order to help memory and concentration. It may help to release mental blocks at the same time. The thymol content of thyme works as an expectorant and cough suppressant and is frequently used in cough syrups prescribed for lung ailments like bronchitis. When combined with fenugreek, thyme works to relieve the pain of migraine headaches. The carminative properties of thyme make it an effective treatment for stomach upsets. Thyme has a pronounced effect upon the respiratory system, helping with conditions such as colds, coughs, sore throats, tonsilitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, whooping cough, and asthma. It has a warming ability which helps to eliminate mucous and phlegm. It can also increase the propensity of white corpuscles, increasing the power of the immune system. By helping to eliminate excess uric acid from the body, conditions like gout, sciatica, arthritis, and rheumatism can be more easily combatted.
Cooling impact:
It is used in the treatment of a wide range of conditions including, warts, neuralgia, fatigue and acne. It may be beneficial in helping to overcome exhaustion after illness or disease. It is used in France as a liver disease treatment and almost everywhere as a digestive assistant. It has a "cooling" impact on the skin and invigorates the lungs and the spirits. It is also useful in hair and skin care remedies.
The cold infusion is useful with a weak and irritable stomach, and as a stimulating tonic. The warm infusion is beneficial in hysteria, dysmenorrhoea, flatulence, colic, headache, and to promote perspiration. The oil is valuable as a local application to neuralgic and rheumatic aches and pains.
Stimulant for the digestive system:
Thyme can be a stimulant for the digestive system, helping to eliminate worms, reduce gastric infections, and ease dyspepsia. Thyme is also good for headaches caused from gastric complaints. For childbirth, thyme may speed delivery and removal of the placenta. For the skin, thyme is good for the scalp, helping to treat dandruff and hair loss. Dermatitis, wounds, boils and carbuncles may also be diminished with this oil.
Other uses include; abscess, arthritis, bruises, burns, cuts, cystitis, diarrhea, eczema, edema, infectious diseases, insect bites, insomnia, lice, nosebleeds, obesity, poor circulation, scabies, sinusitis, sores, sprains, stress-related complaints, and urinary tract infections.
Thymol is a powerful antiseptic and considered to be quite toxic.:
It is common knowledge among aromatherapists that the essential oil of thyme is one of the most potently antiseptic essential oils known. It's chief constituent, thymol, is a phenol that has been extensively documented for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal action. According to Jean Valnet, M.D., thyme oil kills the anthrax bacillus, the typhoid bacillus, meningococ-cus, and the agent responsible for tuberculosis and is active against salmonella and staphylococcus bacteria. In addition, thymol has been studied for its effects on gingivitis and plaque-caused organisms in the mouth (it is used in Listerine for its antiseptic actions). The oil is a stronger antiseptic than phenol, which was widely regarded for years as the ultimate germ killer.
It has a middle note and blends well with bergamot, black pepper, cedarwood, eucalyptus, grapefruit, juniper, lemon, lavender, lavandin, marjoram, oregano, peppermint, pine, rosemary and tea tree.
The essential oil of thyme is mainly used in flavouring applications in the processed food industry. In the kitchen, thyme is used to season fish, poultry, soups and vegetables. In addition, thyme is used for flavouring cheeses, stews, stuffings, meats, dressings, sauces, and honey. Thyme, along with parsley and bay leaf, is a standard ingredient in the French chef's bouquet garni. Thyme is one of the flavourings in the liqueur, Benedictine.
It is also used to fragrance soaps and detergents where it's characteristic fresh, antiseptic aroma is desired. A natural insect repellent, it is disliked by most flying insects and it is said to ward off rodents and get rid of fleas.
Counteracting adrenaline spasms:
Thyme has the rare property of counteracting adrenaline spasms. This helps balance the adrenal cortex system, where there is an over production of adrenaline hormones, which can cause the kidneys and the digestive system to malfunction. It also calms spasms caused by too much acetylcholine.
Reference:
1.Thymus vulgaris and Thymus extract.
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