Thymol and Carvacrol as Potential Tocolytic and Anti-inflammatory Agents in Pregnant Rat Uterus.

Introduction: This work aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and myorelaxant effect of thymol (TM) and carvacrol (CAR) in the pregnant rat uterus. Both compounds exhibit considerable antimicrobial, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects and due to these properties, they were studied in this in vitro model of premature birth induced by infection.

Method: All uterine tissues were studied in uterine contraction tests to determine the inhibitory effect of TM, CAR (10, 56, 100, 150, and 230 μM), and nifedipine (a calcium channel antagonist) on phasic and tonic contraction induced by electro- and pharmacomechanical stimuli.