Lead author of the study, Hiroyasu Inoue of Nara Women's University in Nara, Japan, stated that some essential oils have potent properties that inhibit Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the rate-limiting enzyme that plays a key role in inflammation and pain.
With the aim to examine the anti-inflammatory properties of thyme oil, the researchers compared it with other commercially available oils like clove, rose, eucalyptus, fennel and bergamot which are said to reduce the COX-2 expression in cells by at least 25 percent.
However, the researchers noted that of all the oils screened, thyme oil proved to be the most effective as it was found to suppress the COX-2 levels by almost 75 percent.
Anti-inflammatory chemical Carvacrol
The researchers pinpointed Carvacrol, a component of thyme that brings about its healing effects. They then isolated carvacrol and used the extract in its pure form. The results of the tests indicated that the COX-2 levels decreased by over 80 percent.According to the researchers, the results exhibited that thyme oil subdues the COX2 enzyme in a manner similar to the medications like ibuprofen known as NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) which are effective in treating pain and swelling.
Implications of the study
The findings are interesting and may prove an important step towards finding safer methods for treating illnesses.They also provide insight into the health benefits of botanical oils, opening new avenues for the development of anti-inflammatory drugs based on the natural compounds to heal pain and inflammation. The study will appear in the January 2010 issue of the Journal of Lipid Research.
Therapeutic use of thyme
Thyme is a common herb and is generally used as a condiment or spice. Besides that, thyme is also used in herbal and domestic medicines.It contains an essential oil that is rich in thymol, a powerful antiseptic, antibacterial, and a strong antioxidant.
The oil of thyme is used in mouthwashes to treat inflammations of the mouth, and throat infections. It is a common component of cough drops.
It is also beneficial in treating topical fungal infections and is also said to relieve a variety of stomach upsets. Thyme is also used to alleviate chronic gastritis, lack of appetite, indigestion, irritable bowel and colic.
In addition, it is also used to ease convulsions, epilepsy, menstrual cramps and diarrhea.
In Health
Gabriel
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