If you use mouthwash you might want to consider changing to one that uses thymol as an antiseptic

[Graham49]

In vitro study only

Apoptotic effects of thymol, a novel monoterpene phenol, on different types of cancer.

Elbe H, Yigitturk G, Cavusoglu T, Uyanikgil Y, Ozturk F

Author information

Bratislavske Lekarske Listy, 01 Jan 2020, 121(2):122-128

DOI: 10.4149/bll_2020_016 PMID: 32115964

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Abstract

BACKGROUND:Cancer is a major public health problem in many areas of the world. Many anticancer drugs in current clinical use have been isolated from plant species or are based on such substances. Thymol (5-methyl-2-isopropylphenol) is an oxygenated aromatic compound from monoterpene group. It is the main constituent of thyme essential oil and shows antioxidant, antiseptic and antiproliferative properties. The aim of this study is to determine the antiproliferative activity and apoptotic effect of thymol on prostate cancer (PC-3, DU145), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and lung cancer (KLN205) cell lines. METHODS:The cancer cells were treated with different concentrations of thymol (100, 200, 400, 600, 800 µM) at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. The cell viability was investigated by MTT assay and analysis of apoptosis was determined with annexin V assay. RESULTS:The study showed the dose and time-dependent cytotoxic effect of thymol in PC-3, DU145, MDA-MB-231, and KLN205 cancer cell lines. Thymol significantly induced apoptosis in all groups in a dose-dependent manner. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between thymol‑treated cell lines compared to the control (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION:The data in the present study demonstrated that thymol has apoptotic and antiproliferative properties in lung, breast and prostate cancer cell lines. Thymol could serve as a potential therapeutic agent in the future (Fig. 5, Ref. 26).

[lewicki]

Is this a common ingredient in mouth washes?

[Sandy752 in reply to lewicki]

I checked my Listerine Zero (one with no alcohol) and it has thymol --0.063%.

[lewicki in reply to Sandy752]

I have been using Listerine ultraclean ( buy it at Costcos ) . It has Thymol as an ingredient. 0.064 %. Thanks for the info.

[lewicki]

How was the dose given?

[cesces]

Mouthwash isn't likely to get the thymol to your cancer cells.

I think pretty much all mouthwashes have thymol, other than specialty mouth washes.

[Graham49 in reply to cesces]

You may well be right about getting thymol to the cancer but some is bound to enter the body. It would take an expensive study to estimate how much, if any, reaches the cancer.

I try and avoid carcinogens and try to use anti cancer substances whenever it is fairly easy to do so. I've checked the mouthwash that I've got and it doesn't contain thymol. I will be changing to one that does. Of course the thymol one might not protect my teeth and gums so well.

[j-o-h-n]

When I use mouthwash I use larger than a thymol size......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 01/29/2021 8:54 PM EST