A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of thymol as an anti-inflammatory and wound healing agent A review of thymol effect on inflammation and wound healing

Author(s)

Gabbai-Armelin, Paulo R. ; Sales, Luciana S. ; Ferrisse, Tulio Morandin ; De Oliveira, Analu Barros ; De Oliveira, Juliana R. ; Giro, Elisa M. A. ; Brighenti, Fernanda L.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Phytotherapy Research; v. 36, n. 9, p. 29-pg., 2022-07-18.

Abstract

Thymol (THY) exhibits antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Recent studies have also shown that THY presents anti-inflammatory and healing properties. This review focused on in vitro and in vivo investigations related to THY utilization, as an anti-inflammatory and/or wound healing agent. PubMed, WebOfScience, and Scopus were examined. Independent reviewers conducted all diagram steps. PRISMA was followed for data extraction. RoB 2 and SYRCLE were utilized to assess the risk of bias for in vitro and animal studies. Meta-analysis was performed for in vitro and in vivo articles that investigated THY as an anti-inflammatory agent. Thirty-six and 15 articles were included in the qualitative analysis and meta-analysis, respectively. Studies showed high risk of bias related to sampling, allocation procedures, randomization, and blinding. Even so, for in vitro studies, significant result was observed for IL-2. For in vivo studies, significant results were found for IL-1, IL-17, TNF-alpha, AST, MPO, and CRP, with higher levels noticed in control groups. THY presents significant properties as anti-inflammatory, ameliorating affections of the digestive system, cardiovascular problems, respiratory system and dermal damages, and burns. Researches are needed to clarify THY dose-response relationship and its mechanism of action, especially in the application of THY as a healing agent. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/07110-0 - Potential of photodynamic therapy in modulating the inflammatory response and microbial virulence factors: evaluation in a model of three-dimensional co-cultures of gingival fibroblasts, Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus
• Grantee: Analú Barros de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 19/08375-0 - Maximization of the anti-caries and antibiofilm effect of conventional substances: evaluation in a polymicrobial biofilm model
• Grantee: Fernanda Lourenção Brighenti
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/01191-0 - Tolerance induction and Candida albicans's biofilm characterization after antimicrobial photodymamic therapy application
• Grantee: Túlio Morandin Ferrisse
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 19/26066-4 - Mucoadhesive multiparticulate system for controlled release of natural substances
• Grantee: Luciana Solera Sales
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate