Effect of cultivation practice in chemical composition and biological activities of Thymus atlanticus (Ball) Roussine

Abstract

Thymus atlanticus is endemic Moroccan thyme grows in the Atlas Mountains that possess numerous biological properties. However, its natural habitat is confined to a limited area and very threats from overgrazing and soil degradation. To ensure the conservation and sustainable use of this species, it was cultivated under protected conditions in the Imilchil region. This study aimed to conserve T. atlanticus and assess the stability of its chemical profile and biological activities following cultivation. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analyses, along with evaluations of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic activities were conducted on both wild and cultivated populations. The results revealed that the chemical profile of wild and cultivated T. atlanticus were nearly similar with only minor quantitative differences. Total phenolic content and in-vitro antioxidant activity also showed slight variations. The anti-inflammatory of the two populations were comparable, with no significant differences observed. Moreover, both wild and cultivated T. atlanticus extracts demonstrated significant hypolipidemic activity, comparable to the standard pharmaceutical agent simvastatin. In conclusion, the cultivation of T. atlanticus in a controlled environment is a viable strategy for its conservation. Given its diverse biological and phytotherapeutic properties, cultivation not only helps preserve this threatened species but also ensures its sustainable use for medicinal and therapeutic purposes.