Evaluation of the preservative properties of Thymus vulgaris essential oil in topically applied formulations under a challenge test

Abstract

The preservative properties of thyme essential oil (3%) with a known composition were evaluated in two types of final formulations, suitable for use as pharmaceutical or cosmetic vehicles, by means of a standard challenge test proposed by the latest European Pharmacopoeia. The required preservation efficacy criteria were satisfied against the bacterial strains, against the yeast in one of the formulations, but not against the mould strain involved in this study. Interactions between the essential oil compounds and other factors present in the final formulation might have influenced the activity of this essential oil, leading to an incomplete satisfaction of the criteria.

Evaluation of a preservative system in a gel containing hydroalcoholic extract of Schinus terebinthifolius

“…Considering the antimicrobial activity reported for this plant species, a preservative action from this extract, when incorporated to a gel, could be equally expected, as it has been reported for other species (Nostro, 2002;Manou, 1998).…”

Carvacrol and Thymol Reduce Swine Waste Odor and Pathogens: Stability of Oils

“…Methane was the predominant gas, indicating that these chemicals are not bactericidal to the methanogenic population. Previous studies have suggested that a combination of both oils would provide better antimicrobial action rather than a higher concentration of carvacrol or thymol alone [6,8]. Other parameters (Fig.…”

“…An example of a natural preservative agent is carvacrol, which is present in the essential oil fraction of oregano (60 -74%, v/v carvacrol) and thyme (45%, v/v carvacrol) [11]. Thyme also contains a significant amount of thymol (38%) [6], which is an equally effective antimicrobial chemical [2,15]. These plant-derived oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS).…”

“…These plant-derived oils are generally recognized as safe (GRAS). Carvacrol is routinely used in food production [12], while thymol is used in many different personal care products [6,10].…”

Cardiovascular effects of monoterpenes: a review

“…Several monoterpenes are widely used in the agriculture, cosmetic, and food industries, and as a general antiseptic in medical practice (Aeschbach et al, 1994;Lee et al, 1997;Manou et al, 1998). Most of the aroma from citrus fruit oil, cherries, and mint is due to the high content of monoterpenes, but they have no nutritional value because they are exclusively vegetable (Serrano et al,2006).…”