Thymol of thyme

Thymol (10-64%) is one of the major constituents of essential oils of Thymus vulgaris L., Lamiaceae. Thymus vulgaris is a gramineous plant that grows widely in southern Europe. This plant is generally known as thyme.

This plant, native to Mediterranean regions, is commonly used as a culinary herb and also with a long history of use for different medicinal purposes.

Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) belongs to the phenolic monoterpenes. The chemical formula of thyme thymol is C10H14O. The molar mass of this compound is 150.22 g/mol. It has the odor of thyme and can be described as a spicy-herbal, slightly medicinal odor that is reminiscent of thyme.

Thymol is also found in several botanical oils, including bee balms, some wildflowers. When thymol is extracted from a plant, it occurs as a white crystalline substance that gives this substance a strong flavor, pleasant aromatic odor, and strong antiseptic property.

Both thymol and thyme essential oil have long been used in traditional medicine as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents, mainly in the treatment of the upper respiratory system.
Thymol of thyme