Summary of Studies on Thyme in Iran: an Integrated Analysis Study

Introduction: Thymus Vulgaris is one of the Breed of mint herbs of lime trees that grows in the form of bushy trees on dry slopes and between the boulders of various Mediterranean regions, including in France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and Greece and the Middle East. Thyme is an herb that is used in the food industry, pharmaceutical, health and beauty industries. This plant is used in the treatment of cough, intestinal parasites, bacterial and fungal diseases, spasms, shortness of breath, bloating and indigestion, whooping cough, bronchitis, lung infections, colds, flu and muscle cramps. The goal of this study was to summarize published studies on the thyme. Methods: After validation studies published in the thyme were selected by a team of experts. To find these studies, the various search engines and keywords of thyme and medication were used. The Period of time to search for the studies was from the beginning to the end of 2016. Data from the study in the form of recorded data was compiled. Information was collected and reported in the form of descriptive analysis. Results: From 25 Verified study, 3 studies (12%) was conducted in clinical trial. In all cases the therapeutic efficacy of thyme was equal or better than synthetic drugs. 4 studies (16%), were related to animal studies. The majority of studies, 18 (72%) were laboratory studies. 17 studies of this type check the effects of antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal properties where in most cases, thyme or its combinations had acceptable effectiveness. Only one study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer effects of thyme. Conclusions: The use of thyme in many cases had equal or better efficacy with fewer side effects than chemical drugs. It is necessary to conducted trials and studies in review of this plant.