Which two potent compounds dominate the chemical profile of thyme, largely credited for its health attributes?
Answer
Thymol and Carvacrol
The functional power packed into thyme is primarily derived from its complex chemical makeup, which is notably dominated by potent compounds identified as thymol and carvacrol. These phenolic antioxidants are central to the herb's protective actions against cellular damage. While other components like p-cymene and linalool are present in the essential oil, thymol and carvacrol are highlighted as the main constituents responsible for many of the observed effects, including antimicrobial strength and antioxidant capacity. The specific concentration of these two compounds dictates the resulting chemotype of the thyme variety.
Related Questions
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