MEDICINAL BENEFITS OF ANISE SEEDS (PIMPINELLA ANISUM) AND THYMUS VULGARIS IN A SAMPLE OF HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS

Abstract

Herbal medicine plays an important role in recent therapeutic strategies in different diseases according to estimation of World Health Organization. Anise was first cultivated in Egypt and the Middle East, but was brought to Europe for its medicinal value. It used medicinally as a stimulant, carminative, and flavoring agent, coughs, flatulence, respiratory infections, asthma, indigestion as well as hormone replacement therapy for menopause. In addition, thyme is used widely for different ailments including abscess, acne, appetite stimulant, anxiety, arthritis, asthma, burns, cancer, cellulitis, depression, gastritis, colic, cystitis, dermatitis and many other disorders. The aim of this study is to evaluate the health benefits of both anise and thyme in a sample of healthy volunteers. Ten healthy volunteers were participated in this study with age 22-24 years. They allowed taking anise seeds and thyme leaves 2g twice daily as hot macerated drinks (tea) for 4 weeks. All biochemical parameters (FBS, CBC, lipid profile, liver, kidney tests and testosterone level) were taking before commencing the trial and after. Body weight and blood pressure were measured weekly. Outcomes of this study showed that most of the biochemical parameters were reduced especially liver, kidney function tests, FBS, lipid profile but insignificantly. Regarding to the blood pressure thyme had showed significant reduction in SBP, DBP and MAP. Both herbs improved the level of testosterone. From this study, it suggested that both herbs had health benefits for different ailments depending on the duration of consumption.