The Protective Effect of Carvacrol and Thymol as Main Polyphenolic Compounds of Thyme on Some Biologic Systems in Disease Condition: A Narrative Review

Thyme plant is a member of the mint family that is considered as an aromatic perennial evergreen medical herb. Carvacrol and thymol are known as two important phenolic compounds of thyme plant. Carvacrol and thymol have been identified as antioxidant, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory substances. Also, the neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects of these polyphenolic compounds have been identified in various diseases. In addition, carvacrol inhibits platelet aggregation and is capable to modulate the signaling pathways involved in inflammation and cellular proliferation. The protective effects of carvacrol and thymol have also been reported in some body systems including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and endocrine systems. In the present review study, the protective role of carvacrol and thymol as the main compounds of thymus plant has been studied on different biologic systems in disease models.