Therapeutic effects of thyme-based preparations in respiratory diseases: a systematic review
Journal of Herbal Medicine, cilt.58, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Derleme
- Cilt numarası: 58
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.hermed.2026.101107
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Herbal Medicine
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Asthma, Bronchitis, COPD, COVID-19, Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora
- İnönü Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Introduction Limitations of conventional respiratory therapies have driven interest in thyme-based preparations. Thyme-based preparations offer a strong ethnopharmacological foundation, exhibiting potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Despite this potential, clinical evidence remains fragmented. Objective This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of thyme-based preparations, including Thymus vulgaris and Zataria multiflora extracts and active constituents like thymol and carvacrol, in managing symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, bronchitis, and COVID-19. Methods Databases including Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Science Direct, SAGE, Google Scholar, and EMBASE were searched without time or language restrictions using keywords such as thyme, thyme oil, Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, COPD, asthma, bronchitis, and COVID-19. Studies meeting the inclusion criteria were critically assessed by two independent reviewers. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and was registered in Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (CRD420251135675). Results Of 468 articles screened, 15 met the inclusion criteria. Thyme-based preparations alleviate respiratory symptoms through anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory effects. Evidence suggests that these formulations reduce symptoms in asthma and COPD. In patients with COVID-19, thyme interventions are associated with symptomatic relief and physiological stabilisation; however, clinical data remain limited and preliminary. Overall, the findings are characterised by significant methodological heterogeneity and small sample sizes. Conclusion Thyme-based preparations show potential as complementary approaches for managing respiratory diseases. While symptomatic relief is more established for asthma and COPD, evidence for COVID-19 is still limited. Current data are not robust enough for definitive clinical recommendations. Future research should prioritise high-quality randomised controlled trials to confirm efficacy, safety, and optimal dosing across different formulations.