Chemical composition and biological studies of the essential oil of Thymus decussatus benth growing in Egypt.

The essential oil of Thymus decussatus Benth herb growing in Egypt was prepared by hydro distillation of the dried herb and analyzed by GC/ MS. It revealed the presence of 12 peaks, which were identified. The major component of the essential oil was thymol 94.14% w/w from the total (3%w/w). The essential oil showed strong anti microbial against the selected microorganisms. The cytotoxic activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cell (EAC) as well as two human cancer cell – lines (U251: brain- tumor and Hepg 2: Liver carcinoma cell –lines) was tested and significant results were obtained. Egyptian Journal of Biomedical Sciences Vol. 23 (1) 2007: pp. 146-15