Thyme Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Thymus serpyllum, Thymus cariensis, Wild thyme, Creeping thyme, Thyme aerial parts extract, Thymus serpyllum L. extract
Overview
Thyme aerial parts extract is a botanical supplement derived from the above-ground parts (leaves, stems, flowers) of *Thymus* species, primarily *Thymus serpyllum* and *Thymus cariensis*. These plants are native to Europe and parts of Asia and have a long history of traditional use in culinary and medicinal contexts. The extract is rich in phenolic compounds such as rosmarinic acid, p-coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, and flavonoids like rutin and naringenin. These bioactive compounds are responsible for its observed antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is primarily used for supporting gastrointestinal health, leveraging its antimicrobial effects, and providing antioxidant support. While traditional uses also include managing digestive disorders and potentially modulating hormonal activity, the current research maturity level is moderate, with several in vitro and animal studies, some human pilot randomized controlled trials, and systematic reviews focusing mainly on its antibacterial activity.
Benefits
Thyme aerial parts extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in gastrointestinal health and as an antimicrobial agent. A randomized controlled trial involving 40 overweight subjects with functional gastrointestinal disorders demonstrated that 600 mg daily of aqueous *T. serpyllum* extract for 8 weeks significantly improved gastrointestinal symptoms and stool frequency, leading to an enhanced quality of life (p < 0.05). This suggests a strong benefit for individuals with such conditions. Furthermore, methanol extracts of thyme aerial parts have shown potent inhibitory effects against various bacteria, including *Staphylococcus aureus*, *Micrococcus luteus*, and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, with low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), indicating significant antibacterial activity. The extract also exhibits strong antioxidant activity due to its high phenolic content, including rosmarinic acid and caffeic acid, which helps in scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress. Animal models have suggested potential antihormonal effects, such as antithyrotropic and antithyroidal activities, though the mechanisms and active compounds are not yet fully understood, and clinical relevance is unconfirmed. The benefits for gastrointestinal health were observed after 8 weeks of consistent daily supplementation.
How it works
The primary mechanisms of action for thyme aerial parts extract are attributed to its rich phenolic compound content. Its antibacterial effects are likely due to these compounds disrupting bacterial cell walls or interfering with microbial enzymes, leading to microbial inhibition. The extract's antioxidant properties stem from phenolic acids and flavonoids, which scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress within the body. In the gastrointestinal tract, it is believed to improve symptoms and stool frequency by potentially modulating gut microbiota balance and exerting anti-inflammatory effects. While animal studies suggest a possible modulation of thyroid hormone pathways, the specific molecular targets and precise mechanisms for this effect remain undefined. The active compounds, such as rosmarinic acid, are known antioxidants, but the full spectrum of molecular targets, especially for its antibacterial actions, varies depending on the specific bacterial species.
Side effects
Thyme aerial parts extract is generally regarded as safe based on traditional use and available clinical studies at recommended doses. No significant adverse events were reported in an 8-week randomized controlled trial. Common, uncommon, or rare side effects have not been reported in human studies to date. However, potential drug interactions are suggested by animal studies indicating antihormonal activity, particularly concerning thyroid medications. Therefore, caution is advised for individuals taking thyroid medications, as clinical data on this interaction are currently unavailable. Contraindications include individuals with known thyroid disorders, where its use should be approached with caution until more comprehensive clinical data are available to confirm safety. Data on its safety in special populations such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with chronic illnesses are limited, and therefore, use in these groups should be approached with prudence.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose identified from clinical research is 600 mg of aqueous *Thymus serpyllum* extract daily, which showed efficacy in improving gastrointestinal symptoms. Optimal dosage ranges are not yet well-established, as clinical data are primarily limited to this 600 mg/day dose from a single randomized controlled trial. The maximum safe dose has not been definitively defined; while traditional culinary use suggests safety at lower doses, robust safety data for higher supplemental doses are lacking. In the cited clinical trial, the extract was taken before breakfast. It's important to note that the extraction method influences the active compound profile; aqueous extracts were used in the clinical trial, while methanol and ethanol extracts have been used in antibacterial studies. No specific cofactors are reported as necessary for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is thyme aerial parts extract safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data are limited. Short-term use (8 weeks) at 600 mg/day appears safe in adults without significant adverse effects, but more research is needed for extended periods.
Can thyme extract interact with thyroid medications?
Animal studies suggest potential thyroid hormone modulation. Caution is advised for individuals on thyroid medications until clinical data confirm safety and rule out interactions.
What benefits can I expect and when?
Improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms and stool frequency may be observed within 8 weeks of daily supplementation with 600 mg of aqueous extract.
Is the antibacterial effect clinically relevant?
In vitro studies show promising antibacterial activity, but clinical efficacy for treating infections in humans has not yet been established.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9218417/ – This study conducted a phytochemical analysis of *Thymus cariensis* aerial parts, identifying high levels of phenolic acids and flavonoids. The findings support the plant's potential for antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, providing a chemical basis for its traditional uses.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1380962/full – This randomized controlled trial investigated the effects of 600 mg/day aqueous *T. serpyllum* extract in 40 overweight adults with functional gastrointestinal disorders over 8 weeks. Results showed significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms, stool frequency, and quality of life, indicating a beneficial role for gut health.
- https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2020.586548/full – This systematic review compiled data on the antibacterial activity of various plant extracts, including thyme aerial parts. It highlighted that methanol extracts of thyme demonstrated significant inhibitory effects against several bacterial strains, supporting its traditional use as an antimicrobial agent and its potential for therapeutic applications.
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