Thyme

Thyme/Drug Interactions:

  • 5-fluorouracil5-fluorouracil: Topical thymol significantly enhanced percutaneous absorption of 5-fluorouracil through porcine epidermis compared to control (227).
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, thyme extracts had analgesic effects against both acute and chronic pain (118).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Antibacterial activities of thyme, thymol, and other constituents of thyme have been reported in vitro (alone or in combination with other herbs) and in animal study (244; 306; 307; 308; 309; 310; 311; 18; 19; 312; 313; 314; 315; 27; 316; 317; 29; 318; 319; 320; 321; 322; 323; 324; 325; 148; 31; 326; 327; 328; 33; 329; 330; 137; 331; 332; 333; 334; 335; 336; 337; 338; 339; 340; 341; 342; 343; 344; 345; 346; 347; 348; 349; 350; 351; 352; 353; 354; 355; 356; 114; 357; 50; 358; 359; 360; 361; 362; 363; 113; 55; 364; 365; 366; 367; 368; 369; 370; 371; 372; 373; 374; 375; 376; 377; 378). Thymol and chloroxylenol combined had antibacterial activity against uropathogens in catheters (379). This combination also resulted in delayed bacterial accumulation on hydroxyapatite discs; this delay was removed when the disc was immersed in saline (380). Thyme oil or thymol plus antimicrobial agents have shown synergistic activity in foods (381; 382; 10). Based on in vitro study, thyme extract or thymol reduced the amount of tetracycline and chlorhexidine required (383; 384) or had synergistic effects with other antimicrobial agents (12; 368). In vitro, there was cross-resistance between didecyldimethylammonium chloride, eugenol, and thymol (385). Based on laboratory study, when Thymus vulgaris was combined with ciprofloxacin, an antagonistic effect was noted (230).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: A mixture of thyme and other herbs (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica) was observed to reduce bleeding time in acetylsalicylic- or enoxaparin-treated animals (386). Thyme extract or thymol have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in animals and in vitro (6; 232; 233; 234; 235). Ankaford blood stopper, a mixture of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, is an herbal mixture used to control bleeding that has been examined in animal and laboratory study (387; 388; 389).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: In laboratory research, the methanolic extract of thyme, as well as constituent flavonoids, inhibited the nonenzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin; thus levels of advanced glycation end products were suppressed (390). Fructosamines were also suppressed.
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Thymol has exhibited activity against some fungi and yeast (including, but not limited to, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus flavus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans) and suppressed fungal growth and aflatoxin synthesis at doses of 250ppm in vitro (244; 391; 392; 393; 394; 395). Antifungal effects of thyme oil, thymol, and other constituents have been shown by others (17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 60; 61). Based on in vitro study, thymol reduced the amount of amphotericin B required for antifungal activity (396). Based on laboratory study, when Thymus vulgaris was combined with amphotericin B against Candida albicans, an antagonistic effect was noted (230). In in vitro study, thymol acted as a chemosensitizing agent for amphotericin B, fluconazole, and ketoconazole (59).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: Thymol has been shown to lower blood pressure in animal study (215).
  • Anti inflammatory agentsAnti inflammatory agents: Based on in vitro and animal study, thyme and its constituents, such as thymol and carvacrol, may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and levels of other inflammatory mediators, complement activation, and inflammatory cell activation (397; 398; 399; 400; 401; 402; 403; 404; 79). Thymol has been studied as a sublimation agent for etoricoxib (405).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In animal study, thymol and carvacrol decreased serum cholesterol levels; microsomal geranyl pyrophosphate pyrophosphatase activity was increased (406).
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Thymol has been shown to have anticancer effects in blood (407). Based on in vitro research, thymol and carvacrol may have antigenotoxic and antimutagenic properties (408; 261; 409; 266; 410; 411).
  • AntiprotozoalsAntiprotozoals: Thyme had antiamebic effects against Entamoeba histolyticain vitro (412). Thymus vulgaris was effective against leishmaniasis in animal study (119). Based on in vitro study, thymol and other thyme constituents may have antiprotozoal effects (413; 414; 359; 415; 416; 417).
  • Antispasmodic agentsAntispasmodic agents: Spasmolytic activity has historically been attributed to thymol and carvacrol (418; 419; 420; 421; 422; 423). In animal models, flavonoids in thyme appeared to relax tracheal and ileal smooth muscles via inhibition of acetylcholine and histamine receptors, or via calcium channel antagonism (424; 425; 426). Thyme had an antispasmodic action on guinea pig ileum, possibly by affecting the anticholinergic and serotoninergic pathways (71). In guinea pig tracheal chains, thyme had relaxant effects (427).
  • Antithyroid agentsAntithyroid agents: An extract of Thymus serpyllum, a related species to Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to exert antithyrotropic effects in rats, causing decline in thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin (229).
  • AntitussivesAntitussives: Antitussive activity has historically been attributed to thymol and carvacrol (418; 419; 420; 421; 422; 423).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: Thyme oil and thymol have been observed to exhibit antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro (428; 429; 430; 73).
  • BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines: In animal study, carvacrol displayed anxiolytic effects (74). Thymol has been found to activate the GABA receptor in various in vitro studies (431; 432; 433; 434; 435).
  • BethanecholBethanechol: Thymol has been found to inhibit bethanechol-stimulated amylase release in mice (436).
  • BosentanBosentan: Based on laboratory study, thyme extract may have additive effects with bosentan, with respect to inhibition of tracheal contraction (72).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Caffeine has been shown to inhibit thymol-induced calcium release from muscle in vitro (437).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: The L-type Ca current was decreased or inactivated, the time constant of recovery from inactivation was increased, and there were concentration-dependent suppressive effects on potassium currents by thyme (438; 439). In guinea pig hearts, thymol reduced intracellular calcium transients and decreased contractility; calcium release was induced and the calcium pump was inhibited in canine sarcoplasmic reticulum (440).
  • Cholinesterase inhibitorsCholinesterase inhibitors: In vitro, thymol inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (7; 8).
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: The central nervous system depressive effects of thymol basic ethers and related compounds have been discussed (236; 237).
  • Cytochrome P450 metabolized agentsCytochrome P450 metabolized agents: Based on laboratory study, thyme may inhibit various cytochrome P450 isoforms, such as 3A4 (216; 217).
  • Dental and periodontal agentsDental and periodontal agents: Thymol, has been found to have activity against cariogenic and periodontopathogenic bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, Selenomonas artemidis, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Streptococcus mutans (possibly related to membrane perforation and rapid efflux of intracellular components) in vitro (441; 188). Thymol is included as one of several ingredients in antiseptic mouthwashes such as Listerine?; this product has been demonstrated in several randomized, double-blind trials to be efficacious in the treatment of supragingival plaque and gingivitis when used twice daily for up to six months (442; 443; 444; 445). Cervitec? is a combination product of 1% chlorhexidine and 1% thymol varnish and has been the topic of various randomized controlled and comparative studies (188), as well as in vitro studies (158; 159; 160; 161; 162; 163; 164; 165; 166; 167; 168; 169; 170; 171; 172; 173; 174; 175; 176; 177; 178; 179; 180; 181; 182; 183; 184; 185; 186; 187; 188; 189; 190; 191; 192; 193; 194; 195; 196; 197; 198; 199; 200; 201; 202; 446).
  • Drugs that affect GABADrugs that affect GABA: In animal study, carvacrol displayed anxiolytic effects (74). Thymol has been found to activate the GABA receptor in various in vitro studies (431; 432; 433; 434; 435).
  • Drugs used for osteoporosisDrugs used for osteoporosis: Based on animal study, thyme oils and its constituents (e.g., thymol) may inhibit bone resorption (116).
  • ExpectorantsExpectorants: Thyme has been shown to inhibit the transport rate of isolated ciliated epithelium of frog esophagus in vitro (94).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: Thyme has demonstrated estradiol and progesterone receptor-binding activity in vivo (218). In vitro, 5% thymol in ethanol increased the flux of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (219). Based on laboratory research, thymol may inhibit testosterone-induced transcriptional activity (220).
  • HydrocortisoneHydrocortisone: Based on laboratory study, thymol may enhance the percutaneous permeation of hydrocortisone (447).
  • Hydrophilic drugsHydrophilic drugs: Thymol has been shown effective at enhancing the skin penetration of hydrophilic drugs, rather than lipophilic drugs (448).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: An acidic polysaccharide isolated from thyme leaves showed potent anticomplementary activity via classical and alternative pathways (449; 450). Inhibition of the complement cascade by thyme constituents has been shown elsewhere (451). Based on laboratory research, thymol may stimulate superoxide production by leukocytes (452; 453; 454). In animal research, thyme extracts were shown to modulate neutrophil immune functions (106). In human study, a dental varnish containing thymol inhibited levels of leukotriene B4 and interleukin-1 beta in gingival crevicular fluid (455).
  • KetoprofenKetoprofen: Based on laboratory study, thymol may increase ketoprofen permeation (225).
  • NaproxenNaproxen: In animal study, thymol increased naproxen absorption through the skin (224).
  • NitrendipineNitrendipine: Based on findings using skin models, thymol may increase penetration of nitrendipine (223).
  • PiroxicamPiroxicam: Based on experimentation with skin in vitro, thymol may increased the flux of piroxicam (222).
  • SalicylatesSalicylates: Thyme is a source of salicylates (231).
  • Skeletal muscle relaxantsSkeletal muscle relaxants: In animal study, the muscle relaxant dantrolene was found to inhibit thymol stimulated calcium efflux from the sarcoplasmic reticulum of rodent muscle (456).
  • TamoxifenTamoxifen: In laboratory study, thymol was observed to increase the permeability coefficient of tamoxifen (221).
  • Thyroid hormonesThyroid hormones: An extract of Thymus serpyllum, a related species to Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to exert antithyrotropic effects in rats, causing a decline in thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin (229).
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In laboratory study, wild thyme extracts increased nitric oxide release and prostacyclin from porcine aortic endothelial cells (457). In isolated rat aorta, carvacrol and thymol showed vasorelaxant effects (458).

    • Thyme/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AgarAgar: In laboratory study, agar increased the antibacterial effects of carvacrol in broth (459).
  • Alpha-tocopherolAlpha-tocopherol: Thymol and carvacrol may exhibit anti-vitamin E activity (460).
  • Alzheimer's herbsAlzheimer's herbs: In vitro, thymol inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) (7; 8).
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, thyme extracts had analgesic effects with both acute and chronic pain (118).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Antibacterial activities of thyme, thymol, and other constituents of thyme have been reported in vitro (alone or in combination with other herbs) and in animal study (244; 306; 307; 308; 309; 310; 311; 18; 19; 312; 313; 314; 315; 27; 316; 317; 29; 318; 319; 320; 321; 322; 323; 324; 325; 148; 31; 326; 327; 328; 33; 329; 330; 137; 331; 332; 333; 334; 335; 336; 337; 338; 339; 340; 341; 342; 343; 344; 345; 346; 347; 348; 349; 350; 351; 352; 353; 354; 355; 356; 114; 357; 50; 358; 359; 360; 361; 362; 363; 113; 55; 364; 365; 366; 367; 368; 369; 370; 371; 372; 373; 374; 375; 376; 377; 378). Thymol and chloroxylenol combined had antibacterial activity against uropathogens in catheters (379). This combination also resulted in delayed bacterial accumulation on hydroxyapatite discs; this delay was removed when the disc was immersed in saline (380). Thyme oil or thymol plus antimicrobial agents have shown synergistic activity in foods (381; 382; 10). Based on in vitro study, thyme extract or thymol reduced the amount of tetracycline and chlorhexidine required (383; 384) or had synergistic effects with other antimicrobial agents (12; 368). In vitro, there was cross-resistance between didecyldimethylammonium chloride, eugenol, and thymol (385). Based on laboratory study, when Thymus vulgaris was combined with ciprofloxacin, an antagonistic effect was noted (230). Various herbs (oregano, basil, rosemary, and sage) have been observed to have additive antibacterial effects with thyme in vitro (461). Furthermore, potato starch and sunflower oil both negatively impacted the antibacterial efficacy of the essential oil of thyme, while high concentrations of protein (beef extract) increased efficacy.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: A mixture of thyme and other herbs (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica) was observed to reduce bleeding time in acetylsalicylic- or enoxaparin-treated animals (386). Thyme extract or thymol have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in animal and in vitro (6; 232; 233; 234; 235). Ankaford blood stopper, a mixture of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, is an herbal mixture used to control bleeding that has been examined in animals and laboratory study (387; 388; 389).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Thymol has exhibited activity against some fungi and yeast (including, but not limited to, Aspergillus parasiticus, Aspergillus flavus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Candida albicans) and suppressed fungal growth and aflatoxin synthesis at doses of 250ppm in vitro (244; 391; 392; 393; 394; 395). Antifungal effects of thyme oil, thymol, and other constituents have been shown by others (17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 27; 28; 29; 30; 31; 32; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 40; 41; 42; 43; 44; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 50; 51; 52; 53; 54; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 60; 61). Based on in vitro study, thymol reduced the amount of amphotericin B required for antifungal activity (396). Based on laboratory study, when Thymus vulgaris was combined with amphotericin B against Candida albicans, an antagonistic effect was noted (230). In in vitro study, thymol acted as a chemosensitizing agent for amphotericin B, fluconazole, and ketoconazole (59).
  • Anti inflammatory herbsAnti inflammatory herbs: Based on in vitro and animal study, thyme and its constituents, such as thymol and carvacrol, may inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and levels of other inflammatory mediators, complement activation, and inflammatory cell activation (397; 398; 399; 400; 401; 402; 403; 404; 79). A combination of thyme and oregano essential oils exhibited anti-inflammatory properties in animal study (462).
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal study, thymol and carvacrol decreased serum cholesterol levels; microsomal geranyl pyrophosphate pyrophosphatase activity was increased (406).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Thymol has been shown to have anticancer effects in blood (407). Based on in vitro research, thymol and carvacrol may have antigenotoxic and antimutagenic properties (408; 261; 409; 266; 410; 411).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Thyme has been shown to exhibit a high antioxidant capacity in vitro based on oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (463). Animal and laboratory studies have attributed antioxidant properties to thyme oil, thymol, and other thyme constituents (464; 465; 64; 65; 466; 467; 468; 469; 470; 471; 472; 67; 473; 47; 474; 475; 476; 354; 477; 63; 153; 5; 478; 479; 480). Based on in vitro study, thymol may have additive effects with other plant antioxidants (481). A combination of rosemary, thyme, and marjoram was found to not be a suitable replacement for the antioxidant BHA in potato flakes (482).
  • AntiparasiticsAntiparasitics: Thymus vulgaris was observed to be effective against leishmaniasis in animal study (119) and demonstrated antiamebic effects against Entamoeba histolytica (412). Based on in vitro study, thymol and other thyme constituents may possess antiprotozoal properties (413; 414; 359; 415; 416; 417).
  • AntispasmodicsAntispasmodics: Spasmolytic activity has historically been attributed to thymol and carvacrol (418; 419; 420; 421; 422; 423). In animal models, flavonoids in thyme appeared to relax tracheal and ileal smooth muscles via inhibition of acetylcholine and histamine receptors, or via calcium channel antagonism (424; 425; 426). Thyme had an antispasmodic action on guinea pig ileum, possibly by affecting the anticholinergic and serotoninergic pathways (71). In guinea pig tracheal chains, thyme had relaxant effects (427).
  • AntitussivesAntitussives: Antitussive activity has historically been attributed to thymol and carvacrol (418; 419; 420; 421; 422; 423).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Thyme oil and thymol have been observed to exhibit antiviral effects against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in vitro (428; 429; 430; 73).
  • AnxiolyticsAnxiolytics: In animal study, carvacrol displayed anxiolytic effects (74). Thymol has been found to activate the GABA receptor in various in vitro studies (431; 432; 433; 434; 435).
  • BasilBasil: Basil has been observed to exhibit additive antibacterial effects with thyme in vitro (461).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Caffeine has been shown to inhibit thymol-induced calcium release from muscle in vitro (437).
  • Cardioactive herbsCardioactive herbs: The L-type Ca current was decreased or inactivated, the time constant of recovery from inactivation was increased, and there were concentration-dependent suppressive effects on potassium currents by thyme (438; 439). In guinea pig hearts, thymol reduced intracellular calcium transients and decreased contractility; calcium release was induced and the calcium pump was inhibited in canine sarcoplasmic reticulum (440).
  • CarrageenanCarrageenan: In laboratory study, carrageenan increased the antibacterial effects of carvacrol in broth (459).
  • Cytochrome P450 metabolized herbs and supplementsCytochrome P450 metabolized herbs and supplements: Based on laboratory study, thyme may inhibit various cytochrome P450 isoforms, such as 3A4 (216; 217).
  • Fatty acidsFatty acids: Various fatty acids, such as lauric acid and myristic acid, have been observed to have synergistic antibacterial effects in combination with thymol (483).
  • FenugreekFenugreek: In animal study, fenugreek and xanthum gum were unable to protect the antimicrobial activity of thyme oil in pig diets (484).
  • Hormonal herbs and supplementsHormonal herbs and supplements: Thyme has demonstrated estradiol and progesterone receptor-binding activity in vivo (218). In vitro, 5% thymol in ethanol increased the flux of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (219). Based on laboratory research, thymol may inhibit testosterone-induced transcriptional activity (220).
  • Hydrophilic herbs and supplementsHydrophilic herbs and supplements: Thymol has been shown effective at enhancing the skin penetration of hydrophilic drugs, rather than lipophilic drugs (448).
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: In laboratory research, the methanolic extract of thyme, as well as constituent flavonoids, inhibited the nonenzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin; thus levels of advanced glycation end products were suppressed (390). Fructosamines were also suppressed.
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: Thymol has been shown to lower blood pressure in animal study (215).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: An acidic polysaccharide isolated from thyme leaves showed potent anticomplementary activity via classical and alternative pathways (449; 450). Inhibition of the complement cascade by thyme constituents has been shown elsewhere (451). Based on laboratory research, thymol may stimulate superoxide production by leukocytes (452; 453; 454). In animal research, thyme extracts were shown to modulate neutrophil immune functions (106). In human study, a dental varnish containing thymol inhibited levels of leukotriene B4 and interleukin-1-beta in gingival crevicular fluid (455).
  • IronIron: In animal study, iron derived from thyme was poorly utilized (485).
  • IvyIvy: Bronchipret? for Kids is a herbal combination cough syrup that contains thyme extract and ivy; based on phytotherapeutic research, thyme and ivy may have synergistic effects (486).
  • OreganoOregano: Oregano has been observed to exhibit additive antibacterial effects with thyme in vitro (461).
  • Osteoporosis herbs/supplementsOsteoporosis herbs/supplements: Based on animal study, thyme oils and its constituents (e.g., thymol) may inhibit bone resorption (116).
  • PhytoestrogensPhytoestrogens: Thyme has demonstrated estradiol and progesterone receptor-binding activity in vivo (218).
  • ProbioticsProbiotics: In laboratory study, Bifidobacterium and thymol demonstrated synergistic antibiotic effects in fish fillets (487).
  • RosemaryRosemary: Rosemary has been observed to exhibit additive antibacterial effects with thyme in vitro (461).
  • SageSage: Sage has been observed to exhibit additive antibacterial effects with thyme in vitro (461).
  • Salicylate-containing herbsSalicylate-containing herbs: Thyme is a source of salicylates (231).
  • SedativesSedatives: The central nervous system despressive effects of thymol basic ethers and related compounds have been discussed (236; 237).
  • Sunflower oilSunflower oil: In vitro, sunflower oil negatively impacted the antibacterial efficacy of the essential oil of thyme (461).
  • Thyroid agentsThyroid agents: An extract of Thymus serpyllum, a related species to Thymus vulgaris, has been shown to exert antithyrotropic effects in rats, causing a decline in thyroid-stimulating hormone and prolactin (229).
  • Vasorelaxant herbs and supplementsVasorelaxant herbs and supplements: In laboratory study, wild thyme extracts increased nitric oxide release and prostacyclin from porcine aortic endothelial cells (457). In isolated rat aorta, carvacrol and thymol were observed to have vasorelaxant effects (458).

    • Thyme/Food Interactions:

  • AgarAgar: In laboratory study, agar increased the antibacterial effects of carvacrol in broth (459).
  • CaffeineCaffeine: Caffeine has been shown to inhibit thymol-induced calcium release from muscle in vitro (437).
  • CarrageenanCarrageenan: In laboratory study, carrageenan increased the antibacterial effects of carvacrol in broth (459).
  • Fatty acidsFatty acids: Various fatty acids, such as lauric acid and myristic acid, have been observed to have synergistic antibacterial effects in combination with thymol (483).
  • FenugreekFenugreek: In animal study, fenugreek and xanthum gum were unable to protect the antimicrobial activity of thyme oil in pig diets (484).
  • Food aromasFood aromas: The use of various food aromas, such as vanilla, banana, and strawberry, has been investigated for improvement in organoleptic profile of spices when used in food packaging for antimicrobial effects (488).
  • Grape juiceGrape juice: In laboratory study, the addition of thyme resulted in reduced phytochemical loss and color deterioration of grape juice (489).
  • PotatoPotato: In vitro, potato starch negatively impacted the antibacterial efficacy of the essential oil of thyme (461).
  • RiceRice: Carvacrol used on rice resulted in a decrease in the growth of Bacillus cereus; the addition of cymene or soy sauce improved the taste and the antibacterial activity (490).
  • ShrimpShrimp: Although incorporating thyme oil into a coating formulation reduced bacterial count in precooked shrimp, taste and odor acceptability were also reduced (491).
  • Smoke flavoringsSmoke flavorings: Thyme has been used to create liquid smoke flavorings (492).
  • Soy sauceSoy sauce: Carvacrol used on rice resulted in a decrease in the growth of Bacillus cereus; the addition of cymene or soy sauce improved the taste and the antibacterial activity (490).
  • Xanthum gumXanthum gum: In animal study, fenugreek and xanthum gum were unable to protect the antimicrobial activity of thyme oil in pig diets (484).

    • Thyme/Lab Interactions:

  • Advanced glycation end productsAdvanced glycation end products: In laboratory research, the methanolic extract of thyme, as well as constituent flavonoids, inhibited the nonenzymatic glycation of bovine serum albumin, thus suppressing levels of advanced glycation end products (390).
  • AmylaseAmylase: Based on laboratory study, thymol was found to inhibit bethanechol-stimulated amylase release and to induce release regardless of the presence of a secretagogue (436). In vitro, thymol did not alter release of amylase from dissociated mouse pancreatic acinar cells (493).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: Thymol has been shown to lower blood pressure in animal study (215).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: A mixture of thyme and other herbs (Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica) was observed to reduce bleeding time in acetylsalicylic- or enoxaparin-treated animals (386). Thyme extract or thymol have been shown to inhibit platelet aggregation in animals and in vitro (6; 232; 233; 234; 235). Ankaford blood stopper, a mixture of Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica, is an herbal mixture used to control bleeding. It has been examined in animals and laboratory study (387; 388; 389).
  • Glutathione peroxidase activityGlutathione peroxidase activity: In animal study, thyme extract increased the alcohol-induced reduction in glutathione peroxidase activity (5).
  • Immune panelImmune panel: An acidic polysaccharide isolated from thyme leaves showed potent anticomplementary activity via classical and alternative pathways (449; 450). Inhibition of the complement cascade by thyme constituents has been shown elsewhere (451). Based on laboratory research, thymol may stimulate superoxide production by leukocytes (452; 453; 454). In animal research, thyme extracts were shown to modulate neutrophil immune functions (106). In human study, a dental varnish containing thymol inhibited levels of leukotriene B4 and interleukin-1-beta in gingival crevicular fluid (455).
  • IronIron: In animal study, iron derived from thyme was poorly utilized (485).
  • Lipid profileLipid profile: In animal study, thymol and carvacrol decreased serum cholesterol levels (406). In yeast, thymol inhibited triglyceride accumulation although the clinical significance of this finding is unclear (494).
  • Liver function testsLiver function tests: In animal study, thyme extract reduced alcohol-induced increases in liver enzymes, such as L-gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and butyryl cholinesterase (5).
  • MalondialdehydeMalondialdehyde: In animal study, thyme extract reduced alcohol-induced increases in malondialdehyde levels in the liver and brain (5).
  • Nitric oxideNitric oxide: In animal study, thyme extract reduced alcohol-induced increases in nitric oxide levels in the liver and brain (5).
  • ProlactinProlactin: Based on preclinical data, prolactin levels may theoretically decrease at high doses of thyme (229).
  • Thyroid function testsThyroid function tests: Thyroid hormone levels have been reported to decrease after single intravenous injections of thyme extract in rats (229). TSH levels have been suppressed by administration of thyme extract in rats.
  • UreaUrea: In animal study, thyme extract decreased N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced urea levels (495).
  • Uric acidUric acid: Use of a thymol preservative may interfere with quantitation of serum uric acid by the direct acid ferric reduction method (496).
  • White blood cell countWhite blood cell count: In animal study, thyme extract stimulated leucopoiesis and elevated thrombocyte count in the blood (293).