• Thyme
  • Thyme

Thyme

  • Scientific Name
    Thymus vulgaris
  • Family
    Lamiaceae
  • Origin
    UK, US, France, Hungary, Spainetc.

CONTENTS

Plant description

Thyme is a perennial plant belonging to the  Lamiaceae family and grows up to 30 cm featuring white to light and reddish-purple flowers. Its slender branches are densely covered with leaves that emit a strong and aromatic scent. The name “thyme” has its origins in the Greek word “thumos/thymos,” which means “perfume”, a testament to the plant’s fragrant nature. Additionally, thyme is recognized as a “symbol of courage,” leading to an alternative theory that the name might be linked to the Greek word “thumus,” meaning “courage.”Thyme exhibits a robust antimicrobial effect, adding to its historical significance. It is known for its adaptability to various environmental conditions, making it capable of thriving in a wide range of regions. Originated in Europe, it is said to have brought by the Romans and is now grown world-wide, such as the UK, the US and France.

Essential oil composition

Thyme

  • Thyme

  • INCI
    THYMUS VULGARIS (THYME) FLOWER/LEAF OIL
  • Parts of Plant Used
    Flower / Leaf
  • Extraction Method
    Steam Distillation
  • Extraction Rate
    0.4 - 0.6%
  • Notes
    Top - Middle notes
  • Aroma Family
    Herbal

Thyme Essential Oil Properties & Uses

Approximately 0.4% to 0.6% Thyme essential oil is extracted through steam distillation from both its flowers and leaves. There are two primary types of thyme essential oil: a colorless to slightly yellowish variety (often referred to as white oil) and a red variety (known as red oil). Thymol is the predominant constituent in this essential oil, and its aroma finds versatile applications, not only in enhancing the flavor of foods but also in soaps and lotions due to its sweet and mildly spicy scent. Particularly the thymol-type fragrance, carries a distinctive medicinal and herbaceous note. However, the perception of this fragrance can vary between different chemotypes. The mildest among them, the linalool type, is highly favored in the field of perfumery for its pleasing and well-balanced characteristics.

Essential oil composition

Essential oil composition

※An example of one batch production is shown here.

  • Thymol　50.98%
  • p-Cymene　29.51%
  • γ-Terpinene　9.99%
  • Carvacrol　3.58%
  • α-Pinene　1.58%
  • Myrcene　1.10%
  • Other components　3.26％

Functions and Efficacies

α-Pinene

α-Pinene
  • IUPAC Name
    (+)-α-Pinene: (1R,5R)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
    (-)-α-Pinene: (1S,5S)-2,6,6-trimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-2-ene
  • Molecular Formula
    C10H16
  • Molecular Weight
    136.23 g/mol
  • CAS No.
    (+)-α-Pinene: 7785-70-8
    (-)-α-Pinene: 7785-26-4
  • Structure
    Bicyclic monoterpene

Functions and Efficacies of α-Pinene

in slico in vitro ex vivo in vivo
Non-clinical Clinical
Mice Rats Guinea Pigs Insects Rabbits Human
Stress Reduction ○
Anti-bacterial Effects ○
Anti-inflammatory Effects ○

Stress Reduction

A study reported that brain tumors in mice that inhaled the fragrance of α-pinene became smaller. However, no melanoma cell growth was observed with the addition of α-pinene, indicating a potential psychological effect .1)

Anti-bacterial Effects

A study reported that α-pinene had an inhibitory effect on the growth of blue staining fungi, both when exposed to gas and when added to the culture medium2)

Anti-inflammatory Effects

It is known that the addition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells induces the production of nitric oxide (NO), a substance that causes inflammation. A study reported that the production of NO was suppressed by the addition of α-pinene.3)

  • 1)Kusuhara et al., Biomedical Research, 2012
  • 2)岡村、木材保存、
  • 3)Kwak et al., Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 2019

IFRA

Thyme：
No restrictions applied

※Only information for selected components are shown here.

References
Jennie Harding [Handbook of Essential Oil and Plant Oil] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2010.
Shinichiro Otsuki/Yukiko Ozaki [Scientific Name Etymology Dictionary of Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2009.
Jennie Harding [Illustrated Reference Book of Herbs] Sancho Publishing, 2012.
Freddy Ghozland/Xavier Fernandez [L’Herbier Parfume] Hara Publishing, 2013.
Kyohei Mikami [Comprehensive Guide to Essential Oils] Fragrance Journal, 2010.
Yuzuru Ogura [Dictionary of Plants] Tokyo-do Publishing, 1957.
Nobuo Ohashi [Dictionary of Medical Herbs] Tokyo-do Publishing, 2016.
Wanda Sellar [The directory of essential oils] Fragrance Journal, 1992.
Aroma Environment Association of Japan [AEAJ Aromatherapy Certification Official Textbook grade1&2] Sekaibunka, 1999.
Robert Tissearand [Essential Oil Safety] Fragrance Journal, 2018.
Ayako Berg [Aromatherapy Essential Oil Dictionary] Seibido Shuppan, 2022.
Azusa Annells [Enjoying Fragrance: An Illustrated Book of Aromas with Characteristics]Natsumesha CO.,LTD., 2023
(All written in or translated to Japanese.)
Supervisor
Yamamoto Perfumery co., ltd.

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