Comparision of the compositions, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils from the endemic species Thymus malyi Ronninger and Thymus lykae Degen et Jav.

In this study, we compared the compositions, antimicrobial and potential antioxidant activities of essential oils of two Thymus endemic, wild-growing species – T. malyi Ronninger and T. lykae Degen et Jav. No information about its composition and biological activities of oils has been reported to the present day. Forty three compounds were identified from T. malyi and major component was α-pinene (26.4%). In the case of T. lykae, forty four compounds were identified, with geranyl acetate (35.1%) as the main component. Antioxidant activities of the oils were evaluated using DPPH assay. The antimicrobial effect of essential oils were tested against Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, and two fungi. Results indicated higher antibacterial activity of the essential oils of T. lykae in comparison with T. malyi, while for antifungal activity, it was reverse. The essential oils from T. malyi and T. lykae possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities and could be used as a potential source of natural antioxidants for the food industry.