Thymol
Thymol (also known as 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) is a natural monoterpenoid phenol derivative of p-Cymene, extracted from thyme oil, or from Ajowan or caraway seed. It is a white crystalline substance that is soluble in alcohol and slightly soluble in water. It has a pleasant, aromatic odor reminiscent of thyme.
Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Thymol has a chemical formula of C10H14O and a molecular weight of 150.22 g/mol. It is a member of the class of phenols that is phenol substituted at positions 3 and 5 by methyl and 1-propan-2-yl groups, respectively. It has a role as an antifungal agent, an antiseptic drug, a fragrance, a plant metabolite, an antioxidant, an anti-inflammatory agent, an antispasmodic drug, an anesthetic, a nematicide, a flavoring agent, a herbicide, a fungicide, a biomarker, a metabolite, a allergen, a pesticide, a molluscicide, a repellent, a bactericide, and a plant growth regulator.
Uses[edit | edit source]
Thymol is used in medicine because of its antiseptic properties. It is also used as a pesticide and a fungicide. In addition, it is used in perfumery because of its aromatic odor. Thymol is also used in food flavoring and as a substance that promotes oral health.
Safety[edit | edit source]
Thymol is generally considered safe for use. However, it can cause skin irritation and can be harmful if swallowed or inhaled in large amounts. It is recommended to use it with caution and to seek medical advice if any adverse reactions occur.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Thymol Resources | ||
---|---|---|
|
|
|
Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!
Translate to: East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski
WikiMD is the world's largest, free medical and wellness encyclopedia edited only by professionals. Advertise!
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Admin, Prab R. Tumpati, MD