Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties

Wild edible plants (WEPs), as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), are “plants that grow spontaneously in populations that are self-sustaining in natural or semi-natural ecosystems and could become extinct without direct human impact.One of the most common WEPs native to the Mediterranean region, including Lebanon, is thyme (Thymus vulgaris); It is one of the most important edible plants and has many benefits.

Thyme is rich in phytonutrients, minerals, vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants.

In addition, the therapeutic effects of thyme and its essential oils, especially thymol and carvacrol, against various diseases have been demonstrated in several studies.

Thymus vulgaris commonly known as "thyme" has been used for centuries for its aromatic, culinary, and medicinal properties.The name thyme comes from the Greek word "thymos" which means courage or strength.In the first century AD, thyme was mainly used as a medicinal plant, mentioned in the work of Dioscorides. However, in the Mediterranean region, it was mainly used as a spice and then spread around the world.

Thyme is rich in flavonoids and phenolic antioxidants such as zeaxanthin, lutein, pigenin, naringenin, luteolin and thymonin. Fresh thyme has the highest antioxidant content and is rich in minerals and vitamins essential for optimal health. Potassium, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium and selenium are concentrated in the leaves and the main component of the extracted oil is thymol.

Thymol is an important phenolic component, mainly responsible for the antioxidant activity of thyme. The flower stalks of thyme contain flavonoid derivatives such as apigenol and luteolol, phenolic acids such as caffeic and rosmarinic acids, and tannins. Thyme contains many phytonutrients, minerals and vitamins essential for good health. These nutrients are known for their disease-preventing and health-promoting properties and contribute to the health benefits of this plant. Thyme is particularly rich in vitamin A and vitamin C. Vitamin A is an antioxidant known to be needed to maintain healthy mucous membranes and skin as well as good vision. Vitamin C is essential for fighting infectious diseases and protecting against harmful inflammatory free radicals.Thyme also contains B-complex vitamins, mainly vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which helps maintain γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain and acts as a pain reliever. Vitamin K, vitamin E and folic acid are also present in thyme. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Nutrient Database, the oxygen radical scavenging capacity (ORAC) value of thyme is 27,426 mol Trolox equivalents per 100 g (molTE /100g). This value indicates the strength and ability of an antioxidant product to neutralize free radicals.Thyme also contains many minerals essential for good health. Its leaves are an excellent source of potassium, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium and selenium. Potassium is an important component of cells and body fluids, and controls heart rate and blood pressure. Iron is important in the formation of red blood cells, and manganese is a cofactor of the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

Anti-inflammatory activity; Inflammation is a complex, natural, and protective response of body tissues as a defense mechanism against harmful stimuli, including pathogens and cellular damage.

The use of thyme and its extracts is traditionally practiced worldwide to treat inflammatory diseases and various studies have shown its anti-inflammatory properties.

Anti-cancer activity; Cancer is considered a serious threat globally.

It ranks among the leading causes of death worldwide, causing nearly 10 million deaths by 2020 and is a growing threat with incidence expected to increase by 47 % by 2040.

Thyme has many compounds, especially the phenol monoterpenoid carvacrol and thymol, which have great property effects.Potential use in therapeutic and management interventions against cancer due to their pharmacological properties. Carvacrol and thymol have antitumor effects on various cell types, mimicking human cancer and demonstrating their potential as anticancer or anticancer agents in different types of cancer.

Antibacterial activity; Like other plants, due to the biodiversity and structure of the components, thyme can be considered as a renewable source of various antibacterial compounds, of which T. vulgaris is the species studied save the most. Antiseptic qualities of thyme as an aromatic and medicinal agent. This plant has been recognized since ancient times and has been used to treat malaria since the 16th century.