Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant activities of three Thymus species grown in southeastern Morocco

Abstract

Abstract Background Thyme has been used for centuries in southeastern Morocco to treat a wide range of diseases such as inflammation disorders. The aim of the current study is to examine and to compare in vitro the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant activities of three thyme species grown in southeastern Morocco. Results Data showed that all studied species possess an important antioxidant activity: Thymus atlanticus (IC50 = 16.59 μg/mL), Thymus zygis (IC50 = 15.43 μg/mL), and Thymus satureioides (IC50 = 14.65 μg/mL). Concerning the anti-inflammatory activity, the highest effect was depicted in Thymus atlanticus followed by Thymus zygis and Thymus satureioides. With regard to the anticoagulant activity, the aqueous extract of these species prolongs activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and thrombin time significantly (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion Our results provide evidence that thymus extract exhibits marked antioxidant, anticoagulant, and anti-inflammatory effects, thus justifying the popular uses of these plants to treat some inflammatory and cardiovascular illnesses.

Keywords

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anticoagulant
• Thymus species
• Thrombin time