Thyme’s Time to Shine

Originating from the Mediterranean region, thyme (T. vulgaris), has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. It is rich in minerals, vitamins, flavonoids, and antioxidants. 

The antimicrobial properties of thymol (a phenolic compound extracted from thyme) and dried thyme leaves have been utilized in the seasoning and preservation of meat. Most notably, thyme is one of the top three herbs with the highest antioxidant capacity; along with oregano and cloves. Oxidation happens when an electron or hydrogen atom is transferred from one substance to an oxidizing one. This occurs in lipid (fat) oxidization, which results in the formation of free radicals. Think of free radicals as angry atoms that attack your cells and your DNA. When this occurs it causes aging, inflammation, increased risk of cancer, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Antioxidants swoop in and donate electrons to free radicals to calm them down and return the atoms to their happy state. Thyme’s antioxidant power can be attributed to its flavonoid and phenolic components, such as thymol and carvacrol.

Thyme contains some anti-inflammatory properties as well. Inflammation can be best described as the body’s reaction to harmful stimuli. It may be a defense mechanism but too much inflammation can lead to other health complications. It was observed that thyme extracts displayed a reduction in the production of tumor necrosis factor, which is an inflammatory inducing agent in the body. This means that thyme extracts can inhibit the inflammatory response to a certain degree.

The growth of a tumor needs to be fed with the constant unregulated growth of new cells. The spread of those cells to new organ systems results in the tumor becoming malignant. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world. Methods of treatment and the eventual eradication of this disease is being studied and watched with hopeful eyes from patients and professionals around the globe. When applied medicinally, thymol performs antineoplastic (anticancer) activities. Thymol exerts anti-tumor properties in cancerous cells through; stopping cell growth and inducing cell death.

Thyme is a beautifully complicated herb that cannot be broken down into a short blurb. Packed with beneficial properties, thyme is an absolute powerhouse of an herb. Go ahead and throw that extra thyme on your chicken breast for family dinners, or treat yourself to that thyme extract essential oil. Have comfort in the fact that the benefits are real, backed by science, and Plateau proven.

Sources:

Hammoudi Halat D, Krayem M, Khaled S, Younes S. A Focused Insight into Thyme: Biological, Chemical, and Therapeutic Properties of an Indigenous Mediterranean Herb. Nutrients. 2022 May 18;14(10):2104. doi: 10.3390/nu14102104. PMID: 35631245; PMCID: PMC9147557.

Kowalczyk A, Przychodna M, Sopata S, Bodalska A, Fecka I. Thymol and Thyme Essential Oil-New Insights into Selected Therapeutic Applications. Molecules. 2020 Sep 9;25(18):4125. doi: 10.3390/molecules25184125. PMID: 32917001; PMCID: PMC7571078.