Genus Thymus in Iran-Ethnobotany, Phytochemical, Molecular, and Pharmacological Features

Abstract

The geographical as well as topographical position of Iran together with different climates makes it a biodiversity spot of special prominence in the world. There are more than 8000 plant species distributed in the country and many are endemics. There are 12 geographical divisions of Iran. This has allowed the growth of a large number of medicinal plants. However, in the last 30 years, medicinal plants trade has been diminished. Out of a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants, the genus Thymus is considered very important. It is distributed on a wide range of habitats. The plants from this genus are bushes with a strong root system, which is significant because of its impact on soil adjustment and growth in sloppy mountainous areas. In Iran, we find 14 Thymus species from Kotschyani and Serpyllum subsections. This chapter presents general information on these taxa mainly their ethnobotanical, phytochemical, molecular, and pharmacological features with the aim of their sustainable evaluation in the country.