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 (IC 50 = 16.59 μg/mL), Thymus zygis (IC 50 = 15.43 μg/mL), and Thymus satureioides (IC 50 = 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.