Evidence supporting the use of: Thymol
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Thymol is a natural monoterpene phenol found in thyme oil and has been traditionally used as an antiseptic and preservative. Its antifungal properties are supported by a growing body of scientific research, primarily in vitro (laboratory) and some in vivo (animal and topical human) studies. Thymol disrupts fungal cell membranes, leading to leakage of cell contents and subsequent cell death. Studies have demonstrated its efficacy against a range of fungal pathogens, including Candida albicans, Aspergillus species, and dermatophytes responsible for skin infections like athlete’s foot.

For example, a 2016 review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology highlights thymol’s antifungal activity and potential as a therapeutic agent, particularly in combination with other antifungals, which may help overcome resistance. Another study in the Journal of Medical Microbiology (2007) showed that thymol exhibited fungicidal activity against Candida species at concentrations lower than those toxic to human cells.

However, most evidence comes from laboratory research, with limited clinical trials confirming its efficacy and safety in humans for treating fungal infections. Thymol is included in some over-the-counter topical antifungal products, reflecting both its traditional and scientific support. Overall, while the evidence is promising and mechanistically sound, it remains primarily preclinical, justifying a moderate evidence rating.

More about Thymol
More about Fungal Infections

Other ingredients used for Fungal Infections

10-Undecenoic Acid
3-Phenyllactic Acid
Agarikon Mushroom
Ajoene
Ajuga
Alantolactone
Allicin
Allium tuberosum
Allyl isothiocyanate
Allyl sulfide
Aloe vera
alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
Ampelopsis
anamu
Ardisia
babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
barberry
Barleria
basil
bee hive
bee propolis
benzyl isothiocyanate
beta-pinene
bisabolene
black nightshade
black walnut
borneol
Brazilian peppertree
Caesalpinia crista
cajuput
Calendula
camphor oil
caprylic acid
carvacrol
caryophyllene
Centipeda
chalcone
chamomile
Cinnamomum
cinnamon
citral
citronella
coconut oil
commiphora
copaiba oil
curry leaf
Dianthus
eucalyptus
eugenol
Euphorbia
gamma-terpinene
garlic
geranial
geraniol
geranium
Glechoma hederacea
glyceryl caprylate caprate
glyceryl monolaurate
Gnaphalium
goldenseal
green tea
Hedyotis
henna
Herb Robert
Houttuynia
Indian fagonia
jojoba oil
Kefir
Labdanum
Lactoperoxidase
Laggera pterodonta
Lantana camara
lauric acid
Lebbek
lemongrass
Leptospermum scoparium
lichen
linalool
Litsea
liverwort
lodhtree
Macaranga indica
Mahonia
mangostin
marigold
Marking Nut Tree
melaleuca alternifolia
Melia
Menthol oil
Monolaurin
Morinda
Mountain Pepper
Mustard
Naphthoquinones
Neem tree
nut grass
Onosma bracteatum
oregano
oregon grape
oriental arborvitae
Oroxylum indicum
pau d'arco
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
phenolic compounds
phlorotannins
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plumbago zeylanica
Polygodial
polyphenols
Propolis
rosemary
rue
sage
Salvia
Sandalwood
Sapindus mukorossi
schizonepeta
Self-Heal
Soapberry
Sophora
Stereospermum
Storax
Sumac
Tea Tree Oil
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinolene
Thaumatococcus daniellii
Thiosulfinate
Thuja
Thymol
Tulbaghia
turmeric
Undecylenic acid
Violet
Water Pepper
Winter Savory
Wrightia tinctoria
zanthoxylum
Zingiberene

Products containing Thymol

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.