A Review on Applications and Uses of Thymus in the Food Industry

Abstract

Thyme is one of the most important medicinal plants because of its ethnopharmacological relevance and high content of bioactive compounds. This review focuses particularly on thyme as an alternative natural antioxidant and antimicrobial with potential use in the food industry. This is in line with the preferences of the current consumer, who demands healthier and more natural products. Different studies have concluded that the use of thyme increases stability and reduces lipid oxidation during the shelf-life period of foods (meat, meat products, milk, fish or fish products), which makes thyme a promising source of natural additives. Despite these findings, the use of Thymus extracts or essential oils as natural additives in foods is reduced in comparison with other natural preservative extracts. This review provides an overview of the most important information on the positive effect of the bioactive compounds of thyme and its uses as a preservative in foods, taking into account its origin (from plants, plant extracts or essential oils).

Effects of Cornus and Its Mixture with Oregano and Thyme Essential Oils on Dairy Sheep Performance and Milk, Yoghurt and Cheese Quality under Heat Stress

“…Furthermore, it is suggested that positive effects of galactagogues on milk production may be due to the decrease in circulating biogenic amines such as histamine, tryptamine and tyramine in the blood, which are known to cause the excessive release of catecholamines, leading to a reduction in milk production as well as causing indigestion by inhibiting ruminal mobility and absorption [ 52 ]. Other researchers have shown that herbal essential oils can act as galactagogues by enhancing prolactin production and releasing somatotropins, resulting in increased glucose levels in the udder and improved milk production [ 51 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ].…”

“…The properties and composition of oregano and thyme have been well investigated. It was reported that their essential oils possess anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and antihistaminic effects [ 54 , 55 ]. Oregano and thyme essential oils increased mammary gland development in rats, followed by a higher milk yield at different stages of lactation [ 56 ].…”

Health Benefits of Uses and Applications of Moringa oleifera in Bakery Products

“…New trends in the use of Moringa oleifera in bakery products focus on the preservation of its antioxidant power and on the use of dietary supplements in case of nutritional deficiency situations. In this context, according to the nutritional evaluation, it can be concluded that these components can be used as nutraceuticals [ 95 , 96 , 97 , 98 ]. The study of molecules of protein nature with bioactive effects on human health, such as antiproteolytic, procoagulant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive and anti-inflammatory properties, opens up new strategies for the design of nutritional supplements and the design of functional foods.…”

Clinical and In-Silico study of COVID‑19 patients using Thymus capitatus extract as adjuvant Therapy

“…Thymus capitatus contains bioactive compounds such as phenols, phenolic acids, terpenes and flavonoids [36][37][38]. Thymus capitatus is containing a rich source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin B6.…”