Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol) belongs to the phenolic monoterpenes and mostly occurs in thyme species. It is one of the main compounds of thyme essential oil. Both thymol and thyme essential oil have long been used in traditional medicine as expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents, mainly in the treatment of the upper respiratory system. The current search for new directions of biological or therapeutic activities of natural plant substances with known structures includes thyme essential oil and thymol. Novel studies have demonstrated their antibiofilm, antifungal, antileishmanial, antiviral, and anticancer properties. Also, their new therapeutic formulations, such as nanocapsules containing these constituents, can be beneficial in medicinal practice and create opportunities for their extensive use. Extensive application of thymol and thyme essential oil in the healthcare sector is very promising but requires further research and analysis.

The pharmacological activity of peppermint leaf (Menthae piperitae folium) for medical use is mainly attributed to the presence of essential oil, which, according to the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.), should constitute not less than 12 mL/kg of raw material. The content of polyphenols in peppermint-based preparations, except peppermint leaf dry extract, has not yet been considered as an essential parameter in the pharmacopeial assessment of peppermint quality. This study concerns the evaluation of the presence of representatives of polyphenolic compounds in 23 commercial peppermint tinctures (ethanolic extracts) purchased in pharmacies in Poland. The non-volatile polyphenolic fraction was investigated, and the presence of flavonoids and phenolic acids was quantified. High performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (U(H)PLC-ESI-MS) were used in the experiment. The study showed that eriocitrin, luteolin-7-O-rutinoside, and rosmarinic acid were the main polyphenolic components of the peppermint tinctures, as previously reported for peppermint leaf. Despite this, the research shows the extremely diverse content of the mentioned compounds in analyzed commercial medicinal products. In light of these results, it seems that the pharmacopeial assessment for the peppermint leaf (Ph. Eur.) and peppermint tincture (Polish Pharmacopoeia (FP)) requires correction and supplementation.

Flavonoids, naturally occuring derivatives of 2-phenyl-benzo-γ-pyrone, are widespread in plants as coloring substances. Apigenin (4' ,5,7,-trihydroxyflavone (5,7-dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), molecular formula C₁₅H₁₀O⁵, is a flavonoid present in many fruits and vegetables, primarily in citrus fruits, apples, parsley and celery leaves. It is also found in some medicinal plants, including chamomile flowers, thyme, oregano, peppermint, lemon balm and yarrow, as a 7-O-glycoside with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. In recent years it has attracted a great deal of interest as a bioactive substance reported to have anticancer properties. According to recent literature data, apigenin is able to reduce cancer cell glucose uptake, inhibit remodeling of the extracellular matrix, inhibit cell adhesion molecules that participate in cancer progression and hinder the development of blood vessels needed by growing tumors. It is reported to protect against a wide variety of cancers. The mechanism of anticancer activity is still under investigation and further research is needed.

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Context: Among cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, there is a growing trend to use self-medication. Many of them take preparations sold over the counter (OTC) and dietary supplements containing plant raw materials. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the herbal OTC drug and dietary supplement usage among patients treated on the chemotherapy ward. Settings and Design: An anonymous survey was conducted among 92 patients of the chemotherapy ward of the Lower Silesian Oncology Center in Wroclaw (Poland) with the approval of the Bioethical Commission of the Medical University in Wroclaw (no KB-562/2014) and The Declaration of Helsinki. Methods and Material: An anonymous survey was conducted among 92 patients of the chemotherapy ward of the Lower Silesian Oncology Center in Wroclaw (Poland) in 2015. The questions concerned the use of herbal preparations by patients during chemotherapy. Statistical analysis used: The statistical analysis was developed using programs: Microsoft Office Excel 2007 and STATISTICA 10 (StarSoft Inc.). Analysis was performed by χ2 test. Results: The study has confirmed that the use of herbal OTC products and dietary supplements among cancer patients is a common occurrence. The main source of information about herbal preparations is the Internet and the most common place of purchase is a pharmacy. Conclusions: It is necessary to educate cancer patients to increase their awareness of the importance of a doctor's knowledge about all preparations that they take. Pharmacists play a very important role in self-medication of the patients. Thus, pharmacy students' education is needed in this field as well.