PubMed-compiled information sheet
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Compiled from 26 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Thymus citriodorus, also known as lemon thyme, is an interspecific hybrid of T. pulegioides and T. vulgaris recognized for its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:34954264, PMID:32590268].
Background
Thymus citriodorus is an aromatic plant used in gardens, landscapes, and for culinary purposes [PMID:30812220]. It is an interspecific hybrid between Thymus pulegioides and Thymus vulgaris [PMID:34954264].
Traditional uses
It is known for pharmacological activities as a diaphoretic, deodorant, antiseptic, and disinfectant [PMID:34954264]. Folk use of hydrolates includes their application as regulators of oily skin with anti-acne effects [PMID:34954264].
Active compounds
The essential oil contains geraniol (up to 50%) [PMID:34338951], citral [PMID:29394873], and borneol (28.82%) [PMID:24218968]. Phenolic compounds include rosmarinic acid, which is a major antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound [PMID:21506887, PMID:29622234], as well as luteolin-hexuronide and salvianolic acids I and K [PMID:32590268].
Mechanism of action
The plant's total phenolic compounds are significantly associated with anti-proliferative activity in Caco-2 and HepG2 cell lines [PMID:32590268]. Essential oil components have demonstrated the ability to inhibit the expression of NF-kappabeta65 in HepG2 cells [PMID:24218968].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DAcne Vulgaris
Preparations including essential oil and hydrolate are being evaluated for anti-acne potential via antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:34954264].
Evidence DLiver Cancer (HepG2 cells)
Essential oil showed toxic effects on HepG2 cells with an IC50 of 0.34% [PMID:24218968].
Evidence DMicrobial Infections
Extracts displayed significant antimicrobial activities [PMID:36331746].
Safety & adverse effects
Essential oils were studied for genotoxic properties using Bacillus subtilis and Salmonella assays [PMID:1910178].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, phytochemical analysis, and animal/environmental models (Level D). There are no clinical trials or systematic reviews provided to support human therapeutic efficacy.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 29394873 (2019) — Composition of essential oil of lemon thyme (Thymus × citriodorus) at different hydrodistillation times. · Natural product research
- 2.PMID: 34338951 (2022) — Diversity in principal constituents of plants with a lemony scent and the predominance of citral. · Journal of natural medicines
- 3.PMID: 32590268 (2020) — Polyphenol composition and biological activity of Thymus citriodorus and Thymus vulgaris: Comparison with endemic Iberian Thymus species. · Food chemistry
- 4.PMID: 32041220 (2020) — Thymus Citriodorus (Schreb) Botanical Products as Ecofriendly Nematicides with Bio-Fertilizing Properties. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 5.PMID: 34954264 (2022) — Chemical characterization and bioactive potential of Thymus×citriodorus (Pers.) Schreb. preparations for anti-acne applications: Antimicrobial, anti-biofilm, anti-inflammatory and safety profiles.