THYME

Thymus vulgaris

leaf powder.

Traditionally the thyme leaf and flowering tops have been used therapeutically. In folk medicine thyme is used to stimulate the appetite, suppress coughing, and relieve digestive disorders such as chronic gastritis, diarrhea in children and flatulence. It is also used to expel parasitic worms, 1 2 3 particularly in children. 4 The overall antiseptic and tonic properties of thyme suit it well as a general boost for the immune system during times of chronic infection, and is still commonly used to remedy respiratory ailments. 4

Key constituents of thyme include thymol, carvacrol and flavonoids, often attributed with the antibacterial, anti-flatulent and antiworming properties of the herb. Thyme is also used to suppress coughing, ease chest congestion and stimulate production of saliva. 1 Thymol is considered to be anti-helminthic (anti-worm) particularly against hookworm, and together with carvacrol is both antibacterial and antifungal. 1 2 5 The German Commission E Monographs list thyme as being broncho antispasmodic, expectorant and antibacterial. 6 T vulgaris has antispasmodic, expectorant, anti-tussive, anti-broncholytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, diuretic and sedative properties. 7

Ethanolic extract of T. vulgaris has demonstrated action against Toxoplasma gondii in murine studies, showing a potent prophylactic effect when started 5 days prior to infection, and also a potent therapeutic effect against chronic toxoplasmosis when administered orally 6 weeks after infection, comparable to the standard drug treatment. 8 This extract has also demonstrated strong activity against Blastocystis hominis cysts growth equivalent to metronidazole, with a longer period of exposure to the extract increasing the action. 9

T. vulgaris extracts have direct antimicrobial actions, and the extracts and essential oil inhibit growth of E. histolytica and G. lamblia. 10 11 T. vulgaris essential oil has proven toxic to Leishmania major and bloodstream forms of T. brucei, 12 13 and T. cruzi. 14

Studies demonstrate that thymol has antifungal activity against a number of species, including Cryptococcus neoformans, Aspergillus, Saprolegnia, and Zygorhynchus species. Further studies confirm the antibacterial actions of this constituent, with demonstrated activity against Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureas, Escherichia coli and other bacterial species. 15 As an antibiotic, thymol is 25 times as effective as phenol, but less toxic.15 16 17 It seems that phenol components interfere with fungal cell wall enzymes, and the high content of phenol components in the essential oils of Thymus species and carvacrol and thymol consequently have very high antifungal activities, even higher than the commercial fungicidal bifonazole. 18

Research in Scotland during the 1990’s suggests that thyme and its volatile oil may counter effects of aging. Subsequent studies have confirmed thyme’s antioxidant properties, and how it helps the body maintain higher levels of essential fatty acids within the brain. 4

Thyme is regarded as safe when used in normal amounts, and has a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status in the US. Typical dosages of thyme include up to 4 grams of dried herb equivalent three times per day. 1 19 Due to the lack of reliable information regarding large amounts of Thyme it should be limited to a moderate intake, particularly during pregnancy and breastfeeding. 1

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References:

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