Effects of a Food Supplement with a Wild Thyme (<i>Thymus serpyllum</i> L.) Extract on Gut Health and the Microbiome in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial — Oak Academic Publishing
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Effects of a Food Supplement with a Wild Thyme (<i>Thymus serpyllum</i> L.) Extract on Gut Health and the Microbiome in Humans: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Background: Based on the scientific and traditional knowledge, benefits for gut and digestive health w ere expected from Wild Thyme ( Thymus serpyllum L.) extract (WThE) consumption, but no controlled human studies were performed yet to pro ve the proposed health benefits. Method: The aim of this human randomized, double-blind parallel arm pilot study was to explore the impact of aqueous Wild Thyme extract, a food supplement, in a healthy but overweight study collective (N = 40). In detail, the impact on digestion, gastrointestinal symptoms, gut microbiome, and quality of life by employing an essential oil-free WThE preparation or a matching placebo was investigated. Results: The study results indicate that WThE has the potential to improve gastrointestinal symptoms and increase stool frequency, thus an improved quality of life was observed. The stool microbiome of study collective was characterized by a high Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio. A decrease in the mean Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio was seen in WThE group. Conclusion: The data support the potential applications of WThE as a food supplement with benefits on gut health.
KeywordsWild Thyme (<i>Thymus serpyllum</i>L.) ExtractGut HealthGut MicrobiomeAbdominal ComfortBowel MovementMental Well-BeingQuality of Life
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