Evidence supporting the use of: Thymol
For the health condition: Jock Itch

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Thymol is a natural monoterpene phenol derived from thyme oil and other plant sources. It has well-documented antifungal and antibacterial properties. Jock itch (tinea cruris) is a superficial fungal infection typically caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton species. Laboratory (in vitro) studies have shown that thymol has inhibitory effects on various dermatophytes, including those responsible for jock itch. For example, research published in journals like Medical Mycology and Mycoses demonstrates that thymol disrupts fungal cell membranes and inhibits spore germination.

Despite these promising in vitro findings, direct clinical evidence for thymol’s efficacy as a stand-alone treatment for jock itch in humans is limited. Most of the support comes from laboratory studies or its inclusion in traditional remedies and over-the-counter antifungal formulations. There are few, if any, well-controlled clinical trials specifically evaluating thymol for tinea cruris. Nevertheless, because of its antifungal activity, thymol is sometimes included as a component in topical products aimed at managing fungal skin infections.

In summary, thymol’s use is supported by scientific laboratory data, but the clinical evidence is weak and primarily extrapolated from its general antifungal properties rather than direct studies on jock itch. Its evidence rating is therefore modest (2/5).

More about Thymol
More about Jock Itch

Products containing Thymol

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