<i>Thymus vulgaris</i> L. Essential Oil Solid Formulation: Chemical Profile and Spasmolytic and Antimicrobial Effects
Matteo Micucci,
Michele Protti,
Rita Aldini,
Maria Frosini,
Ivan Corazza,
Carla Marzetti,
Laura Beatrice Mattioli,
Gabriella Tocci,
Alberto Chiarini,
Laura Mercolini,
Roberta Budriesi
Affiliations
Matteo Micucci
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Michele Protti
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Rita Aldini
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Maria Frosini
Department of Life Sciences, Vita, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
Ivan Corazza
Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine—DIMES, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Carla Marzetti
Valsambro S.r.l., Via Cairoli 2, 40121 Bologna, Italy
Laura Beatrice Mattioli
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Gabriella Tocci
Valsambro S.r.l., Via Cairoli 2, 40121 Bologna, Italy
Alberto Chiarini
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Laura Mercolini
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Research Group of Pharmaco-Toxicological Analysis (PTA Lab), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
Roberta Budriesi
Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Nutraceutical Lab, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
A new Thymus vulgaris L. solid essential oil (SEO) formulation composed of liquid EO linked to solid excipients has been chemically analysed and evaluated for its intestinal spasmolytic and antispastic effects in ex vivo ileum and colon of guinea pig and compared with liquid EO and excipients. Liquid EO and solid linked EO were analysed by original capillary electrochromatography coupled to diode array detection (CEC-DAD) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) methodologies. The main bioactive constituents are thymol and carvacrol, with minor constituents for a total of 12 selected analysed compounds. Liquid EO was the most effective in decreasing basal contractility in ileum and colon; excipients addiction permitted normal contractility pattern in solid linked EO SEO. In ileum and colon, the Thymus vulgaris L. solid formulation exerted the relaxant activity on K+-depolarized intestinal smooth muscle as well as liquid EO. The solid essential oil exhibits antimicrobial activity against different strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Thyphimurium, Candida albicans) similarly to liquid oil, with activity against pathogen, but not commensal strains (Bifidobacterium Breve, Lactobacillus Fermentum) in intestinal homeostasis. Therefore, Thymus vulgaris L. solid essential oil formulation can be proposed as a possible spasmolytic and antispastic tool in medicine.
