Biological properties of Thymus zygis essential oil with emphasis on antimicrobial activity and food application
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Updated: Sep 20, 2025

The Effect of the Application of Thyme Essential Oil on Microbial Load During Meat Drying
Published on: March 14, 2018
Alexandra Coimbra1, Susana Ferreira1, Ana Paula Duarte1
1CICS-UBI Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6200-506 Covilhã, Portugal.
Abstract:
The Thymus plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine and as a food spice, among this genus, Thymus zygis (red thyme) is a widespread plant, vastly used as a culinary flavouring agent. Its essential oil has demonstrated diverse bioactive properties, such as antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal and antiparasitic activities. Numerous studies have characterized this essential oil showing that it possesses a broad antimicrobial spectrum and may even enhance the effect of certain antimicrobial agents. Its potential application as a food preservative has been analysed on different matrixes pointing to its antimicrobial activity against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in food. This review provides an insight in the chemical composition, antimicrobial, insecticidal, larvicidal and antiparasitic activities and toxicity of T. zygis essential oil, as well as its potential application in food as a preservative.
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