Thyme extract is produced from the aerial parts of Thymus vulgaris (common thyme) through steam distillation (essential oil) or hydroethanolic extraction (dry extract). The extract contains thymol, carvacrol, rosmarinic acid, and flavonoids including luteolin and apigenin.
Thyme has been traditionally used for centuries as a respiratory remedy, and modern research confirms its expectorant, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and antioxidant properties. Thymol demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Commercially, thyme extract is used in cough and cold supplements, natural antimicrobial products, food preservation, and oral care formulations.
