An Overview on Two Valuable Natural and Bioactive Compounds, Thymol and Carvacrol, in Medicinal Plants

Journal of Medicinal Plants

M Ghorbanpour¹  A Mehrafarin²  HA Naghdibadi²  SM Tolyat²  A Qaderi³  M Ghiaci Yekta³  M Abdollahi⁴ 

[1] Department of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Arak University, Arak, Iran;Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, Karaj, Iran;Medicinal Plants Research Centre, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran;Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Department of Horticultural Tehran, Iran;

关键词: thymol;    carvacrol;    biological activity;    biosynthesis pathway;    terpenes;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol), and carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol) are the main components of the essential oils of some Laminaceae,Verbenaceae and Ranunculaceae members such as oregano, thyme, savory, etc. The formation of thymol and carvacrol is thought to involve hydroxylation of γ-terpinene and p-cymene precursors. They are produced by the plant species as a chemical defense mechanism upon exposure to pathogens, pests, herbivores, or environmental stresses. Accordingly, the potent antimicrobial and fungi toxic properties of these compounds against various plant pathogens have been demonstrated. They have antibacterial, antifungal, insecticidal, and anti-oxidative properties which are the basis for the wide use of these compounds in the cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

【 授权许可】

Unknown