Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P004
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.P004
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, P004 (2025)
Phenolic components of thyme herb depending on the extraction method
Patrycja Cichosz1*, Renata Nurzyńska-Wierdak1, Magdalena Walasek-Janusz1
1 Department of Vegetable and Herb Crops, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Doświadczalna 50A, 20-280 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: patrycja.cichosz@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Thyme herb is a popular aromatic spice, traditional herbal medicine, and a component of numerous medicinal preparations. The wide spectrum of properties of thyme results from the rich chemical composition of the herb, which, in addition to essential oil, also contains other useful active ingredients: including phenolic acids, flavonoids, triterpenes and tannins. The strongest antioxidants of thyme, flavonoids, provide choleretic, diuretic, hepatoprotective, anti-atherosclerotic and antiarrhythmic properties. In order to obtain these bioactive compounds, it is crucial to carry out the extraction process properly. In this context, it is important to select the right extractant. One of the most commonly used solvents is methanol, which is relatively inexpensive, easily evaporates and extracts a wide range of compounds, from polar to non-polar. An important factor influencing the chemical composition and biological activity of extracts is also the choice of extraction method. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of water bath and ultrasound-assisted extraction, as well as its effect on the content of phenolic compounds in the leaves and herb of common thyme. Methanol was used as a solvent to obtain extracts, using a water bath extraction procedure and ultrasound-assisted extraction. Analysis of the content of phenolic acids and flavonoids was performed in accordance with the methodology given in the Polish Pharmacopoeia, by extracting the tested compounds with appropriate solvents. In the case of flavonoids, extraction was carried out using acetone, hydrochloric acid and urotropin, phenolic acids were determined in methanol extracts. The choice of extraction method did not have a significant effect on the efficiency of the process, but a higher extraction efficiency was obtained from thyme leaves (21.47%) than from the herb (14.65%). The type of extracted raw material did not significantly affect the content of flavonoids, but a higher content of phenolic acids was obtained in the herb compared to thyme leaves. The presence of phenolic compounds in extracts is related to their biological activity, including antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. The use of water bath extraction had a positive effect on the content of phenolic compounds compared to ultrasound-assisted extraction.
Keywords: thyme, extraction, flavonoids, phenolic acids
How to cite
P. Cichosz, R. Nurzyńska-Wierdak, M. Walasek-Janusz, 2025. Phenolic components of thyme herb depending on the extraction method. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.P004