Thymol

Thymol is a TRPA1 agonist. Thymol induces cancer cell apoptosis. Thymol is the main monoterpene phenol occurring in essential oils isolated from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, and other plants such as those belonging to the Verbenaceae, Scrophulariaceae, Ranunculaceae and Apiaceae families. Thymol has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects^[1]. In Vitro: Thymol (20 μM, 24-48 h) inhibits the IL4I1 expression (24 h), and inhibits aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) signaling (48 h) in A549 cells^[2].
Thymol (5 μM, 48 h) inhibits epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and the motility activity in A549 cells^[2].
Thymol (0-600 μM, 48 h) inhibits cell proliferation in multiple cancer cell types (Cal27, SCC4, SCC9, HeLa, H460, MDA-231 and PC3 cells)^[3].
Thymol (200 μg/mL) induces a caspase-dependent conidial apoptosis in A. flavus^[4].
In Vivo: Thymol single (75 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibits the progression of LUAD in an orthotopic mouse lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) model, and sensitizes the anti‐PD‐1 antibody treatment when in combination with anti‐PD‐1 antibody (10 mg/kg, i.p.)^[2].
Thymol (4.3 mM in 50 μL sterile saline, intra-tumor injection, every other day) shows antitumor effects in Cal27-derived xenografts mice^[3].