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This study aims to validate the traditional use of two endemic thyme species: Thymus algeriensis and Thymus dreatensis (Lamiaceae) by analyzing the chemical composition of their essential oils using GC-MS and assessing their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities through in vitro methods. The antioxidant potential was evaluated with DPPH test, β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assay and free radical-induced erythrocyte hemolysis test, while anti-inflammatory effects were tested using mice erythrocyte cell membrane stabilization assay and albumin heat-induced denaturation method. GC-MS analysis revealed that T. algeriensis essential oil was comphor/α-pinene chemotype (24.7±0.59 and 21.5±0.87%, respectively) whereas T. dreatensis essential oil was dominated by thymol (38.9±3.53%) and γ-terpinène (18.8±3.14%). T. algeriensis essential oil had the weakest scavenging effect (EC50 = 65.88±0.26 mg/mL). However, both essential oils showed remarkable inhibition percentages of β-carotene/linoleic acid oxidation with 64.02±2.09% for T. algeriensis and 81.99±1.01% for T. dreatensis, respectively. Both essential oils exerted effective protection against oxidative erythrocyte hemolysis in a concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of albumin denaturation showed a dose-dependent relationship for both essential oils. The investigated essential oils showed varying levels of erythrocyte lysis inhibition with percentage membrane stability varying from 30.03% to 76.55%. These results highlight the potential importance of these essential oils as natural substances for food and their use in the treatment of inflammations and oxidative stress-related disorders.
Meriem Touaibia (Sun,) studied this question.