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Carvacrol
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Carvacrol is a naturally occurring phenolic monoterpene isomeric with carvone and thymol. Carvacrol is a colourless or slightly brownish liquid insoluble in water, readily soluble in ethanol and ether, with a typical smell of thyme.
OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.
Carvacrol is found in numerous essential oils(thyme, oregano, savory, catnip, goosefoot, Greek mountain tea). These can contain up to 85% carvacrol.
Spectrum of actionThis section has been translated automatically.
Like thyme, carvacrol has many uses, mainly as a biocide. It has antifungal, insecticidal, antibiotic and anthelmintic effects. Furthermore, carvacrol inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 and thus has an anti-inflammatory effect.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
The bactericidal and fungicidal properties of carvacrol were already known in ancient Egypt; it was used together with other substances to embalm the dead.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Baser KH (2008) Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and Carvacrol bearing essential oils. Curr Pharm Des 14:3106-3119.
- Friedman M (2014) Chemistry and multibeneficial bioactivities of Carvacrol (4-isopropyl-2-methylphenol), a component of essential oils produced by aromatic plants and spices. J Agric Food Chem 62:7652-7670.
- Nostro A et al (2012) Antimicrobial activity of carvacrol: current progress and future prospects. Recent Patent Antiinfect Drug Discov 7:28 35.
- Suntres ZE et al. (2015) The bioactivity and toxicological actions of carvacrol. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 55:304-318.