Thyme Oil / Thymol
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Thyme Oil / Thymol (Thymus vulgaris (essential oil / thymol)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 919 participants, researched for Antimicrobial Activity, Respiratory Health, Gut Health & Antifungal.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Antimicrobial Activity
WeakRespiratory Health
StrongGut Health & Antifungal
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Antimicrobial Activity
To evaluate antimicrobial activity of thyme oil against drug-resistant bacteria.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate antimicrobial activity of thyme oil against drug-resistant bacteria.
Dose
Various concentrations of thyme essential oil and isolated thymol
Participants
In vitro (panel of 15 clinical isolates)
Duration
N/A
Results
Thyme oil showed potent antibacterial activity against all tested organisms including MRSA (MIC 0.25-0.5 μL/mL). Thymol was the primary active compound.
How They Measured It
MIC and MBC against MRSA, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Candida spp.
To evaluate thyme oil against Candida species and oral candidiasis.
Study Type
In vitro and clinical pilot
Purpose
To evaluate thyme oil against Candida species and oral candidiasis.
Dose
Thyme oil mouthwash (0.5%) or capsule (200 mg)
Participants
In vitro + 18 patients with oral candidiasis
Duration
In vitro + 14 days clinical
Results
Thyme oil showed potent anti-Candida activity in vitro (MIC 0.03-0.06%). Clinical pilot showed resolution of oral candidiasis in 78% of patients at 14 days.
How They Measured It
MIC against Candida spp. (in vitro), clinical oral candidiasis resolution
To evaluate synergistic antimicrobial activity of thymol combined with conventional antibiotics.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate synergistic antimicrobial activity of thymol combined with conventional antibiotics.
Dose
Thymol + various antibiotics (amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin)
Participants
In vitro (8 bacterial strains)
Duration
N/A
Results
Thymol showed synergistic activity with amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin against E. coli and S. aureus (FIC ≤0.5). Additive effects with gentamicin.
How They Measured It
Checkerboard assay, FIC index, time-kill curves
Respiratory Health
To evaluate thyme syrup for acute bronchitis symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate thyme syrup for acute bronchitis symptoms.
Dose
Thyme syrup (standardized thyme extract) three times daily
Participants
361 patients with acute bronchitis
Duration
11 days
Results
Thyme syrup significantly reduced BSS scores by day 7-9, with faster resolution of cough compared to placebo. Well tolerated with minimal side effects.
How They Measured It
Bronchitis Severity Score (BSS), cough frequency, sputum production
To evaluate thyme-ivy combination for acute upper respiratory infections with productive cough.
Study Type
Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled
Purpose
To evaluate thyme-ivy combination for acute upper respiratory infections with productive cough.
Dose
Thyme fluid extract + ivy leaf extract (Bronchipret)
Participants
361 patients with acute bronchitis and productive cough
Duration
10 days
Results
Thyme-ivy combination significantly reduced cough frequency by 68.7% vs 47.6% placebo. BSS improved significantly faster in treatment group.
How They Measured It
Cough frequency, BSS, patient self-assessment
Gut Health & Antifungal
To evaluate thyme oil effects on gut bacterial biofilms.
Study Type
In vitro study
Purpose
To evaluate thyme oil effects on gut bacterial biofilms.
Dose
Various thyme oil concentrations (0.01-1% v/v)
Participants
In vitro (E. coli, S. aureus, C. albicans biofilms)
Duration
N/A
Results
Thyme oil significantly inhibited biofilm formation at sub-MIC concentrations and disrupted preformed biofilms. Most effective against Candida biofilms (80% reduction).
How They Measured It
Biofilm formation inhibition, biofilm disruption, crystal violet assay
To evaluate thyme oil supplementation on intestinal candidiasis symptoms.
Study Type
Randomised controlled trial
Purpose
To evaluate thyme oil supplementation on intestinal candidiasis symptoms.
Dose
200 mg thyme oil capsules twice daily
Participants
36 patients with intestinal Candida overgrowth
Duration
6 weeks
Results
Thyme oil + dietary protocol significantly reduced stool Candida counts and improved GI symptoms compared to dietary protocol alone.
How They Measured It
Stool Candida counts, GI symptom diary, serum Candida antibodies
To evaluate thymol on gut microbiome and intestinal morphology.
Study Type
Animal study
Purpose
To evaluate thymol on gut microbiome and intestinal morphology.
Dose
100 mg/kg thymol in diet
Participants
120 broiler chickens
Duration
42 days
Results
Thymol improved intestinal morphology (increased villus height) and favorably shifted cecal microbiome (increased Lactobacillus, decreased Clostridium). SCFA production increased.
How They Measured It
Villus height/crypt depth ratio, cecal microbiome, SCFA production
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Thyme Oil / Thymol research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Thyme Oil / Thymol (Thymus vulgaris (essential oil / thymol)), involving 919 total participants. Research covers Antimicrobial, Respiratory health, Gut health and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Thyme Oil / Thymol has been researched for: Antimicrobial, Respiratory health, Gut health, Antifungal. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 8 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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