Thymol Crystal P&N

Specifications

Thymol (also known as 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol), (IPMP) is a natural monoterpene phenolderivative of cymene, C₁₀H₁₄O, isomeric with carvacrol, found in oil of thyme, and extracted as a white crystalline substance of a pleasant aromatic odor and strong antiseptic properties. Thymol is only slightly soluble in water at neutral pH, but it is extremely soluble in alcohols and other organic solvents. It is also soluble in strongly alkaline aqueous solutions due to deprotonation of the phenol. It is also called "Isopropyl-m-cresol" and "hydroxy cymene".

Thymol has been used to successfully control varroa mites and prevent fermentation and the growth of mould in bee colonies. A minor use is in bookbinding: before rebinding, books with mold damage can be sealed in bags with thymol crystals to kill fungal spores. Thymol has been used in alcohol solutions and in dusting powders for the treatment of tinea (ringworm) infections. Thymol was used to treat hookworm infections in the US. It is also used as a preservative inhalothane, an anaesthetic, and as an antiseptic in mouthwash. It is the active antiseptic ingredient in the toothpaste Euthymol.

The Bee Balms (Monarda fistulosa and Monarda didyma) are natural sources of thymol, a primary active ingredient in modern commercialmouthwash formulas. The Blackfeet Native Americans recognized this plant's strong antiseptic action, and used poultices of the plant for skininfections and minor wounds. A tea made from the plant was also used to treat mouth and throat infections caused by dental caries andgingivitis.

Recent medical research on rats concludes that "Thyme extract had relaxing effects on organs possessing β₂-receptors (uterus andtrachea).

There is also evidence supporting the belief that thymol, when applied two to three times daily, can eliminate certain kinds of fungal infections that affect finger nails and toe nails in humans. Regular application to the affected nail over periods approximating three months has been shown to eliminate the affliction by effectively preventing further progress;^{[citation needed]} by simply cutting the nail as one normally would, all infected material is eventually eliminated.