%0 Journal Article
%T 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
%A Katharina Knaub
%A Christiane Sch£¿n
%A Cynthia G. Suarez
%A Ivo Pischel
%J Food and Nutrition Sciences
%P 931-949
%@ 2157-9458
%D 2022
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/fns.2022.1311065
%X <b><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\">Background:</span></b><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\"> Based on the scientific and traditional knowledge,
benefits for gut and digestive health w</span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\">ere</span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\"> expected from Wild Thyme (<i>Thymus serpyllum</i> L.) extract (WThE) consumption, but no controlled human studies were performed
yet to pro</span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\">ve</span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\"> the proposed health benefits. <b>Method:</b> 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. <b>Results:</b> 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 <i>Firmicutes</i> to <i>Bacteroidetes</i> ratio. A decrease </span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\">in</span></span><span><span style=\"font-family:&quot;\"> the mean<i> Firmicutes</i>/<i>Bacteroidetes</i> ratio
was seen in WThE group. <b>Conclusion:</b> The data support the potential applications
of WThE as a food supplement with benefits on gut health.
%K Wild Thyme (&lt
%K i&gt
%K Thymus serpyllum&lt
%K /i&gt
%K L.) Extract
%K Gut Health
%K Gut Microbiome
%K Abdominal Comfort
%K Bowel Movement
%K Mental Well-Being
%K Quality of Life
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=121581