Thymol (phenylpropane) dosage

Thymol assay quantifies this aromatic phenylpropanoid found in many aromatic plants, including thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and oregano (Origanum vulgare) .
Known for its antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties , thymol is a key component of essential oils and plant extracts used in nutraceuticals, cosmetics, and herbal medicine.

This analysis aims to determine the thymol content in a sample to ensure standardization, conformity and stability of natural products.

Analytical methods and protocols

The dosage is carried out by gas chromatography :

• GC-FID (flame ionization detector) : precise quantification of thymol in simple or standardized matrices.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : specific identification and quantification in complex matrices such as essential or cosmetic oils.

The samples are extracted and possibly diluted before injection. The analysis is based on comparison with a pure thymol standard, allowing a content expressed in % or mg/g .

The methods follow the ISO 7609 , AFNOR NF T75-006 or European Pharmacopoeia , guaranteeing optimal analytical reproducibility.

Industrial and scientific applications

Thymol dosage is used in many contexts:

• Nutraceutical : control of plant extracts with antimicrobial or digestive activity.
• Cosmetics : verification of the content of active ingredients in antiseptic products, toothpastes or hair lotions.
• Phytotherapy : standardization of essential oils of thyme, oregano or ajowan.
• Food industry : characterization of natural flavors and control of additives of plant origin.
• Hygiene and animal health : formulation of disinfectants and natural antiparasitic products.

Affected matrices

• Essential oils, plant extracts and macerates,
• Cosmetics and hygiene products,
• Food supplements and nutraceutical products,
• Aromatic raw materials (thyme, oregano, ajowan).

Further analyses recommended

For a complete characterization of the aromatic and phenolic profile of thymol-rich plants, YesWeLab recommends combining this analysis with:

• Dosage of carvacrol , an isomer of thymol with antimicrobial properties,
• Determination of methyl eugenol , another aromatic phenylpropanoid,
• Dosage of linalool , a terpene compound present in many essential oils,
• Stability test of essential oils to assess their evolution during storage.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , specialized in analytical chromatography (GC-FID, GC-MS, LC-MS) and the standardization of plant extracts .

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can:

• Order your analyses online,
• Track your samples and results in real time,