Investigation of Extracts from Thyme (Thymus vulgarisL.) for Application in Cosmetics

Abstract

The influence of the two extraction factors, temperature and duration, upon the composition of 50 % and 70 % ethyl alcohol, and propylene glycol extracts from thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) has been studied. The diffusion coefficients (D) of the main group of bioactive substances, tannins, have been obtained. The antimicrobial activity of extracts has been investigated. As test microorganisms 4 Gram-positive bacteria, 3 Gram-negative bacteria, 2 yeasts and the moulds Àspergillus niger were used. The thyme extracts possess bactericidial, bacteriostatic and fungicidal effect against one of the most frequent microorganisms in cosmetic products.