Oil, Thyme

C. Crancy has examined three samples of thyme oil distilled id British East Atr-ica. 

Lsbhe has eaamiued an antheutic sample of thyme oil and found it to contain 30 [>er oeut. of thymol, 17 per ceut. of a terpeue which he could not I deuiify, 15 per cent, of menthene, 21 per cent, nf cymeue, 5 [>er ceut, of liualol, ft per oent. of borueol, and traces of caiwaerol. 

It is a colourless crystalline substance, having the characteristic odour of thyme oil, and possessing very powerful antiseptic properties. Its characters are as follows —... 

Thyme oil Spanish red thyme oil) is obtained by steam distillation of flowering plants of T. zygis L. var. gracilis Boissier (Lamiaceae). Thyme oil is a red or reddish liquid with a strong, characteristic, spicy-phenolic odor and a sharp, lasting taste. 

The main constituent of thyme oil is thymol (37-55%) which also determines predominantly the sensory properties of the oil [794-799a]. 

Thyme shrubs grow in France, Spain, Algeria, and Morocco. Spain is the main producer of the oil. Thyme oil is used mainly for flavoring foods and oral hygiene products, but is also used in perfumery to create spicy, leathery notes. Because of its high phenol content, thyme oil has germicidal and antiseptic properties. FCT 1976 (12) p.1003 [8007-46-3], [85085-75-2]. 

Figure 3 Illustration of the thermal stability of complexed and adsorbed thyme oil by TEA and TAS--assaye...

Alteration of essential-oil components during distillation can be recognized by comparing the oils obtained by steam distillation and by SFE. The hydrolysis of esters (like linalyl acetate) to the corresponding alcohols was observed in clary sage oils. The hydrolysis of thymol bound in glycosides resulted in different thymol concentrations in distilled thyme oils, which was proved by appropriate treatments (acidic and enzymatic) of the previously CO2-extracted plant material. 

Oil of t rpeiitine, mineral oils, oil of leiiiim, thyme oil,. spirit... 

Fractions from essential oils of eucalyptus, rosemary and oreganum can be used to compound a commercial white thyme oil. 

Thyme oil contains thymol and carvacrol (phenols p. 59), which are also dermal irritants, but with linalool and other noncyclic alcohols the risks are significantly reduced. 

There are many published therapeutic uses of the thyme oils. Linalool CT, with very low phenol content, is attributed properties such as reviving, strengthening nerves and aiding concentration by stimulation of the cerebral regions of the brain. It is considered to be an immuno-stimulant and safe for use with children. The high ester content also contributes to its application as an antispasmodic for dry coughs. 

Origanum Oil, Spanish Type, occurs as a yellow-red to a dark, brown-red liquid with a pungent, spicy odor suggestive of thyme oil. It is the volatile oil obtained by steam distillation from the flowering herb Thymus capitatus Hoffm. et Link and various species of Origanum (Fam. Labiatae). It is soluble... 

Thymyl acetate Thymus vulgaris (thyme oil) (Lamiaceae) OD-R [antiseptic,... 

PROP Main constituents are thymol, carvacrol. Found in plants Thymus vulgaris L. and Thymus sygisL. (FCTXAV 12,807,74). SYN SPANISH THYME OIL SAFETY PROFILE MHdly toxic by ingestion. A severe skin irritant. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes. 

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