Therapeutic effect of thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oil on patients with covid19: A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT

Background & Objective: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a worldwide pandemic disease. There is currently no effective cure for this virus, but some types of herbs can be a good choice for reducing its symptoms. There are some reports that Thymus vulgaris has high antioxidant compounds effective in strengthening the immune system, as well as antiviral effects in reducing the respiratory symptoms. Therefore, we speculated that T. vulgaris could be useful for reducing some of the symptoms in patients suffering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Materials & Methods: First, thyme essential oil was prepared, and a questionnaire regarding the patients’ symptoms was designed. Then, 83 patients with COVID-19 were randomly selected and divided into control and thyme-receiving groups. The questionnaire was completed and emphasized to consume 5 mL of the syrup or essential oil three times per day. Finally, one week after the first visit, the questionnaire was completed again to determine the effects of thyme on the mentioned symptoms. Then, the test results were reviewed and reported. Results: The results one week after taking thyme showed that the fever (P<0.027), dizziness (P<0.003), cough, dyspnea, muscular pain, headache, anorexia, weakness and lethargy, fatigue, and chest wall pain were significantly reduced (P<0.001). Also, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P<0.004), neutrophil count (P<0.001), and calcium were (P<0.034) decreased, but lymphocyte count was increased significantly (P<0.001). Conclusion: Thyme plant, which has high antioxidant properties, strengthens the immune system, and by inducing the antiviral effect could reduce the symptoms of coronavirus;therefore, it is recommended for reducing the symptoms of COVID-19. © 2020, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences and Health Services. All rights reserved.