A Preliminary Phytochemical, Pharmacognostic and Physicochemical Evaluation of Endemic Thymus spathulifolius (Lamiaceae)

Aim of study: The members of the genus Thymus are widely used in Turkey as herbal teas, spices and salads for different purpose and the herbs of Thymus spathulifolius are reported to have medicinal value. Therefore, in this study various pharmacognostic parameters, physicochemical properties and anatomical characters of Thymus spathulifolius Hausskn. & Velen., is a medicinal plant and endemic to Turkey, were investigated. Area of study: T. spathulifolius was dried and stored according to herbarium techniques in the Herbarium of Pharmacy Faculty, Trakya University, collected from Sivas, Turkey. Material and methods: The total ash, moisture content, and physicochemical tests on the different extracts obtained from the endemic T. spathulifolius aerial parts collected from Sivas province were determined according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for crude drugs. Main results: The moisture content and total ash amount of the drug obtained from this plant is in accordance with the WHO standards. Phytochemical screening for secondary metabolites showed the presence of carbohydrates, antraquinone glycosides, steroids, flavonoids and coumarins, while other phytochemicals such as alkaloids and saponins were absent. Besides, the cross-sections of root, stem and leaf were examined and detailed. The total ash value was found as 7.36 ± 0.21% and acid insoluble ash was 0.14 ± 0.72%. Highlights: The present study provided important information for correct authentication and standardization of this plant material.