Influence of lyophilized Thymus serpyllum L. extracts on the gastrointestinal system: Spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties

Abstract In the presented study, polyphenol profile, spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of lyophilized Thymus serpyllum extracts were examined. The main phenolic acid in the extracts was rosmarinic acid, followed by salvianolic acid I, salvianolic acid K isomer and caffeic acid, whereas chlorogenic acid was detected only in traces; the dominant flavonoids were luteolin 7-O-glucuronide and 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-O-glucoside, while the contents of apigenin glucuronide and 6,8-di-C-glucosylapigenin were significantly lower. All tested extracts have shown spasmolytic effect in a dose-dependent manner on spontaneous contractions, acetylcholine- and potassium chloride-induced contractions; lyophilized extract obtained in maceration has shown significantly better spasmolytic activity. The mentioned extract has shown dose-dependent spasmolytic effect in the model of contractions induced by barium chloride and calcium chloride, as well. Furthermore, lyophilized extracts were effective against Gram-positive bacteria and showed only moderate antifungal activity. Ultrasound-assisted extraction provided extracts with better ability of neutralization DPPH radicals, whereas maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction approved to be better regarding β-carotene bleaching assay. Due to spasmolytic, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties shown in the present study, polyphenols-rich T. serpyllum extract may be used as adjuvant in therapy of gastrointestinal disorders and infections caused by some of the susceptible pathogens.