Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings
Thymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, has attracted considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory effects, often in combination with other bioactive compounds. This work explores the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory activity of thymol and...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-06-01
|
| Series: | Molecules |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2450 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1850129744247390208 |
|---|---|
| author | Custódia Gago Ana Serralheiro Maria da Graça Miguel |
| author_facet | Custódia Gago Ana Serralheiro Maria da Graça Miguel |
| author_sort | Custódia Gago |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Thymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, has attracted considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory effects, often in combination with other bioactive compounds. This work explores the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory activity of thymol and thymol-rich essential oils, summarizing recent experimental findings. Inflammation, a key factor in numerous chronic diseases, can be modulated by targeting essential molecular pathways, such as MAPK, NF-<i>κ</i>B, JAK/STAT, and arachidonic acid signaling. Thymol has been shown to influence these pathways, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, thymol also exhibits a broad range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The applications of thymol and thymol-containing essential oils in therapeutic formulations, food additives, and veterinary medicine are also reviewed. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges such as low bioavailability and toxicity at high doses limit their clinical use. Recent developments in drug delivery systems, such as encapsulation in micro- and nanoparticles, are suggested as strategies to enhance efficacy. Additionally, the synergistic effects of thymol with other natural products are examined, offering the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-ff0dd03a1e43483683b527a3171e8ef8 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1420-3049 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Molecules |
| spelling | doaj-art-ff0dd03a1e43483683b527a3171e8ef82025-08-20T02:32:52ZengMDPI AGMolecules1420-30492025-06-013011245010.3390/molecules30112450Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent FindingsCustódia Gago0Ana Serralheiro1Maria da Graça Miguel2MED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, FCT, Universidade do Algarve, Edf. 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, PortugalCCMAR—Centre for Marine Sciences, FCT, Universidade do Algarve, Edf. 2, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, PortugalMED—Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development & CHANGE-Global Change and Sustainability Institute, FCT, Universidade do Algarve, Edf. 8, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, PortugalThymol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in the essential oils of several aromatic plants, has attracted considerable attention for its anti-inflammatory effects, often in combination with other bioactive compounds. This work explores the mechanisms behind the anti-inflammatory activity of thymol and thymol-rich essential oils, summarizing recent experimental findings. Inflammation, a key factor in numerous chronic diseases, can be modulated by targeting essential molecular pathways, such as MAPK, NF-<i>κ</i>B, JAK/STAT, and arachidonic acid signaling. Thymol has been shown to influence these pathways, reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Beyond its anti-inflammatory effects, thymol also exhibits a broad range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. The applications of thymol and thymol-containing essential oils in therapeutic formulations, food additives, and veterinary medicine are also reviewed. Despite promising preclinical results, challenges such as low bioavailability and toxicity at high doses limit their clinical use. Recent developments in drug delivery systems, such as encapsulation in micro- and nanoparticles, are suggested as strategies to enhance efficacy. Additionally, the synergistic effects of thymol with other natural products are examined, offering the potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2450in vitroin vivomechanismsynergismencapsulationchemotherapy |
| spellingShingle | Custódia Gago Ana Serralheiro Maria da Graça Miguel Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings Molecules in vitro in vivo mechanism synergism encapsulation chemotherapy |
| title | Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings |
| title_full | Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings |
| title_fullStr | Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings |
| title_full_unstemmed | Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings |
| title_short | Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Thymol and Thymol-Rich Essential Oils: Mechanisms, Applications, and Recent Findings |
| title_sort | anti inflammatory activity of thymol and thymol rich essential oils mechanisms applications and recent findings |
| topic | in vitro in vivo mechanism synergism encapsulation chemotherapy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/11/2450 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT custodiagago antiinflammatoryactivityofthymolandthymolrichessentialoilsmechanismsapplicationsandrecentfindings AT anaserralheiro antiinflammatoryactivityofthymolandthymolrichessentialoilsmechanismsapplicationsandrecentfindings AT mariadagracamiguel antiinflammatoryactivityofthymolandthymolrichessentialoilsmechanismsapplicationsandrecentfindings |