Pharmacological and Chemical Investigation of Thyme Liquid Extracts

Abstract

Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus serpyllum L. are used as antitussive remedies. Liquid thyme extracts have been studied in vitro for spasmolytic activity on the smooth muscles of the guinea-pig trachea and ileum. Treatment of the carbachol induced tracheal strip with thyme extracts resulted in relaxation of this preparation. Ileum contractions due to acetylcholine, were reduced in the same proportion. Thymol and carvacrol content was determined with HPLC. Phenol concentration of examined extracts was very low (≤: 0.001%) and could not be responsible for antispasmodic activity. However, thymol and carvacrol in sufficient dose were found to have tracheal relaxant properties. pD₂, intrinsic activity and relative potency to DL-isoprenaline of both of isomers were determined.

Key Word Index

Thymus vulgaris - Thymus serpyllum - Labiatae - Thymol - Carvacrol - Tracheal Relaxation and Ileal Spasmolyse