Botanical Profile
Note on monograph definition: Monographic drug contexts may include both Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis; species-specific statements should therefore be interpreted accordingly.
Thyme is an aromatic member of the mint family with a strong essential-oil profile. In monographs, the herb of Thymus vulgaris and Thymus zygis is described as Thymi herba.
Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L. are small aromatic subshrubs of Mediterranean origin and are treated together as Thymi herba in monographic literature.
Phytochemistry
Thyme is characterised by essential-oil constituents such as thymol and carvacrol. Flavonoids, phenolic compounds and other monoterpene contexts are also described.
Traditional Uses
The EMA monograph Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herba (EMA/HMPC/342332/2013) describes traditional-use contexts in the field of productive cough and the respiratory tract.
Current Research
Modern research investigates thymol, carvacrol, essential-oil profiles, and antimicrobial and aroma-related research fields.
Sources
- Community herbal monograph on Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus zygis L., herba.
- Salehi B et al. Thymus species: traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Biomolecules. 2019.
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.