RECENT ADVANCES IN THYMOL DERIVATIVES: A MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY REVIEW

Abstract

Thymol is a natural phenolic monoterpenoid mostly derived from Thymus species, has gained significant attention in medicinal chemistry due to its wide array of pharmacological properties and its potential as a lead compound for drug development. Extensively used in traditional medicine, Thymol has antibacterial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and analgesic properties. Structural changes at positions C-1, C-4, and C-6 have resulted in the production of a variety of derivatives with increased efficacy and therapeutic potential. Notably, Schiff bases and heterocyclic thymol derivatives have demonstrated superior antioxidant capacity, while others have shown promising antihypertensive effects, antifungal activity against resistant plant and human pathogens, and potent antibacterial properties, especially against MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria.