Chemichal composition of Origanum onites L. and Thymbra spicata L., and their cardiorespiratory effects in rabbits

Origanum onites L. and Thymbra spicata L. were collected in June-July 2004 in Denizli, Western Turkey. Essential oils from the leaves of these plants were extracted using either Soxhlet or steam distillation. The components of essential oils were removed from the steam distillate by C18 solid phase extraction. Chemical compositions of the essential oils were determined using two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC-TOF/MS). Portions (1 mL) of aqueous extracts (differing between groups in types of plants and extraction methods) were given orally to twenty-eight anesthetized rabbits using feeding tubes, and their electro-cardiography (ECG) and spirometric data recorded. The possible effects of these extracts obtained by using two different methods were evaluated by statistical analyses. According to the data obtained from the animal experiments, administration of these plant extracts caused a decrease in ventilation and heart rate. The common usage of thyme water in public, and the purposes of consumption were discussed in terms of public health.