CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF THYMUS SERPYLLUM L. ESSENTIAL OIL IN PATIENTS WITH SYNCOPE

Dysautonomia, reflecting autonomic nervous system dysfunction, is frequently observed in patients with syncope, particularly those with orthostatic hypotension. Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardiometabolic properties in preclinical studies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of T. serpyllum essential oil on autonomic function and selected biochemical markers in patients with syncope. This prospective, single-center study included 15 patients with a history of syncope who received a capsule formulation of T. serpyllum essential oil for three months. Autonomic function was assessed using beat-to-beat heart rate and blood pressure variability analysis, 24-hour Holter ECG monitoring, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. Biochemical parameters were evaluated at baseline and after treatment. After three months, the beat-to-beat analysis showed increased LFnu values and a higher LF/HF ratio, along with decreased HF values, indicating a shift toward sympathetic predominance. No significant changes were observed in 24-hour heart rate or blood pressure parameters. Biochemical analyses revealed significant reductions in AST and C-reactive protein levels after treatment. In this pilot study, three-month supplementation with T. serpyllum essential oil was associated with changes in autonomic balance and favorable reductions in selected inflammatory and biochemical markers in patients with syncope. Further and larger placebo-controlled studies are required to confirm these findings and clarify their clinical significance.