Page 12 - Pharmacognosy 02-06203

1- Thyme contains not less than 1- 2.5 % volatile oil which contains mainly Thymol (30-70%) and
Carvacrol (3-15%). Other volatile oil constituents include limonene and linalool.

2- Flavones, condensed tannins and other constituents.

Action and Uses:

- Carminative and aromatic stimulant.
- Orally to treat dyspepsia and other gastrointestinal disturbances, coughs due to colds,

bronchitis and pertussis.
- Gargle: laryngitis and tonsillitis.
- Topical: treatment of minor wounds, disorders of the oral cavity, and as an antibacterial agent

in oral hygiene.
- Thymol B.P. and European Pharmacopoeia is antimicrobial preservative and antiseptic.
- Thymol E. P. 1984 is antiseptic, anthelmintic and preservative.
- Expectorant and broncho-spasmolytic (due to V. O. and flavonoids).
- Anthelminthic, expectorant, antiseptic.

Contra-indication, Side effects and Interaction with other drugs

Likely safe.

Tests for purity:

Not more than 10% of stem having a diameter up to 1mm.
The leaves and flowering tops of Origanum creticum or O. dictamnus are considered adulterants.

10