Thyme Oil
[CAS# 8007-46-3]

Identification

• Classification: Food additive >> Food spice >> Natural spice additives
• Name: Thyme Oil
• CAS Registry Number: 8007-46-3
• EC Number: 616-910-1
• FEMA: 3065

Properties

• Density: 0.917 g/mL (25 °C)
• Boiling point: 195 °C
• Refractive index: 1.502
• alpha: -1 ° (neat)
• Flash point: 60 °C (closed cup)

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS05;GHS07;GHS08;GHS09 Danger
• Risk Statements: H226-H302-H304-H314-H315-H317-H318-H411-H413
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P260-P261-P264-P264+P265-P270-P272-P273-P280-P301+P316-P301+P317-P301+P330+P331-P302+P352-P302+P361+P354-P303+P361+P353-P304+P340-P305+P354+P338-P316-P317-P321-P330-P331-P332+P317-P333+P317-P362+P364-P363-P370+P378-P391-P403+P235-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	3	H226
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1	H317
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	4	H413
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1B	H314
Chronic hazardous to the aquatic environment	Aquatic Chronic	2	H411
Aspiration hazard	Asp. Tox.	1	H304
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302
Serious eye damage	Eye Dam.	1	H318
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1A	H314
Skin corrosion	Skin Corr.	1C	H314
Skin sensitization	Skin Sens.	1A	H317
Reproductive toxicity	Repr.	2	H361

Discovery and Applications

Thyme oil, derived from the leaves and flowers of the Thymus vulgaris plant, has been utilized since ancient times for its medicinal properties. The name "thyme" originates from the Greek word "thymos," meaning "courage," reflecting its esteemed status in historical herbal medicine.

The primary active compound in thyme oil is thymol, a phenolic monoterpene known for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These properties have been well-documented in scientific literature, supporting thyme oil's traditional uses.

In modern applications, thyme oil is employed as a preservative in foods, cosmetics, and toiletries due to its antimicrobial properties. It is also an ingredient in mouthwash formulations.

Additionally, thyme oil has been used in traditional medicine as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agent, primarily for treating upper respiratory conditions.

In summary, thyme oil is a versatile substance with a rich history of medicinal use and a broad spectrum of biological activities. Its applications span various industries, including food preservation, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Ongoing research continues to explore its potential benefits and applications.

References

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