CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

Thymol is a natural volatile monoterpenoid phenol that is the main active ingredient of oilextracted from species Thymus vulgaris L., commonly known as thyme, and other plantssuch as Ocimum gratissimum L., Origanum L., Carum copticum L., different species of thegenus Satureja L., Oliveria decumbens Vent, and many others. It is a versatile molecule witha wide variety of practical applications such as medical, dentistry, veterinary, food, andagrochemicals, among others. Its pharmacological applications have been the mostinvestigated and reported, focusing on its prominent antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory,cicatrizing activities. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that the research on itsagricultural applications has increased, highlighting its uses as a natural agrochemical andpreservative to safeguard foods from pathogenic microorganisms both in sowing andstorage, which could have a beneficial effect on human health and the environment.Research has also been reported on its activity as an insecticide, acaricide, and animalrepellent. This review summarizes important aspects of thymol such as its bioavailability,synthesis, and biological activities, with special interest in practical applications.

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