Micromeria myrtifolia
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fe3662bafa384922905 |
| Scientific name | Micromeria myrtifolia |
| Authority | Boiss. & Hohen. |
| First published in | Diagn. Pl. Orient. 5: 19 (1844) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
The aerial parts of Micromeria myrtifolia have long been prepared as infusions and decoctions in several Eastern Mediterranean and Near Eastern traditions. Among Anatolian villagers, who use the leaves and flowering tops for a “mountain tea,” Baytop reported the plant as a carminative and mild respiratory tonic in traditional Turkish folk medicine. In the Zagros highlands of Iran, where locals value the herb as a carminative and cough remedy, Vallian’s ethnobotanical surveys documented a similar leaf infusion. On the Aegean islands, Vallian also recorded use of the leaf decoction for colds and stomach complaints, noting that island herbalists called the plant “small thyme.” Across these settings the reported application of the same plant part (aerial parts) for stomach upset and respiratory irritation suggests a broadly consistent folk profile.
For a simple mild tea, steep 5–8 g of dried aerial parts in 250–300 mL of near‑boiling water for 8–10 minutes, then strain. For a stronger preparation suitable for a sore throat or cough, simmer the same amount of plant material in 200 mL of water for 8–10 minutes, let cool to warm, and strain. Because the species is related to culinary thyme, most preparations are well tolerated by adults when taken in modest, short courses; however, safety data are limited. It is reasonable to advise against regular use in pregnancy and lactation, to keep the dose modest, and to monitor for allergy in those sensitive to mint‑family herbs. A measured liquid option is a 1:5 (w:v) tincture in 50% ethanol: macerate 100 g of dried aerial parts in 500 mL of 50% ethanol, keep in a cool dark place with gentle daily agitation for 2–4 weeks, then press and filter. The typical adult dose is 1–2 mL two to three times daily, with the same pregnancy‑avoidance guidance.
The essential oil content of M. myrtifolia is rich in p‑cymene and thymol; these monoterpenes, and a smaller β‑caryophyllene fraction, plausibly explain the traditional carminative and expectorant actions. Flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin have also been reported in the leaves and flowers, and these antioxidant phenolics may contribute to the mild soothing effect. While these constituents align with the ethnomedical uses, the plant has not been studied in clinical trials.
Today the herb is collected locally or sold in marketplaces under names like “mountain thyme” or “small thyme,” and regional herbalists in Turkey, Iran, and Greece continue to use leaf infusions for mild stomach and respiratory complaints. Modern phytochemical work supports the presence of well‑established thyme‑family phenols and monoterpenes, but robust clinical research on M. myrtifolia remains sparse and ongoing.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Micromeria lycia | Stapf | Denkschr. Kaiserl. Akad. Wiss., Wien. Math.-Naturwiss. Kl. 50: 94 (1885) |
| Micromeria minoa | Coustur. & Gand. | Bull. Soc. Bot. France 63: 12 (1916 publ. 1917) |
| Micromeria obtusiflora | Gand. | Fl. Cret. : 80, 1419 (1916) |
| Satureja myrtifolia | (Boiss. & Hohen.) Greuter & Burdet | Willdenowia 14: 305 (1984 publ. 1985) |
| Micromeria juliana var. myrtifolia | (Boiss. & Hohen.) Nyman | Consp. Fl. Eur. 590. 1881 |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| Hebrew | זוטה צפופה |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Asia-temperate click to expand
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Western Asia
- Cyprus
- East Aegean Islands
- Iran
- Iraq
- Lebanon-Syria
- Palestine
- Sinai
- Turkey
-
Western Asia
-
Europe click to expand
-
Southeastern Europe
- Greece
- Kriti
- Turkey-in-Europe
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Southeastern Europe
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000243365 |
| Tropicos | 17605222 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:451831-1 |
| The Plant List | kew-127317 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 6082586 |
| Observations.org | 135210 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 1970105 |
| IPNI | 451831-1 |
| iNaturalist | 325887 |
| GBIF | 5606274 |
| Elurikkus | 555550 |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Hydrocarbons / Saturated hydrocarbons / Alkanes | |||||
| Decane | 15600 | Click to see | 142.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Nonane | 8141 | Click to see | 128.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Undecane | 14257 | Click to see CCCCCCCCCCC | 156.31 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Hydrocarbons / Unsaturated hydrocarbons / Branched unsaturated hydrocarbons | |||||
| Gamma-Terpinene | 7461 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohol esters | |||||
| Octyl Acetate | 8164 | Click to see | 172.26 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Fatty Acyls / Fatty alcohols | |||||
| 1-Octen-3-Ol | 18827 | Click to see | 128.21 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Acyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| beta-OCIMENE, (3E)- | 5281553 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Linalool | 6549 | Click to see | 154.25 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Linalyl Acetate | 8294 | Click to see | 196.29 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Myrcene | 31253 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Aromatic monoterpenoids | |||||
| Carvacrol | 10364 | Click to see CC1=C(C=C(C=C1)C(C)C)O | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| P-Cymene | 7463 | Click to see | 134.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Bicyclic monoterpenoids | |||||
| (+-)-alpha-Pinene | 6654 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| (5S)-4-methylidene-1-propan-2-ylbicyclo[3.1.0]hexane | 6429260 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Beta-Pinene | 14896 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Camphene | 6616 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Camphor | 2537 | Click to see | 152.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Sabinene | 18818 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Monoterpenoids / Menthane monoterpenoids | |||||
| Alpha-Terpinene | 7462 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Carvone, (+-)- | 7439 | Click to see | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Carvone, (+)- | 16724 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1=O)C(=C)C | 150.22 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Limonene, (+/-)- | 22311 | Click to see CC1=CCC(CC1)C(=C)C | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Terpinolene | 11463 | Click to see | 136.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1R,2S,7S,8S)-1,3-dimethyl-8-propan-2-yltricyclo[4.4.0.02,7]dec-3-ene | 92042749 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C3C1C2(CCC3C(C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| (3R,6E)-Nerolidol | 11241545 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| 1-Ethenyl-1,2-dimethyl-4-propan-2-ylidene-2-prop-1-en-2-ylcyclohexane | 5317024 | Click to see | 218.38 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| 1,2,4a,5,6,8a-Hexahydro-4,7-dimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)naphthalene | 101708 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol, 3,7,11-trimethyl- | 8888 | Click to see | 222.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| 2-Isopropenyl-1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-1-vinylcyclohexane | 6432312 | Click to see CC(=C1CCC(C(C1)C(=C)C)(C)C=C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| 3a-Methyl-6-methylidene-1-(propan-2-yl)decahydrocyclobuta(1,2-a:3,4-a')dicyclopentene | 324224 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| alpha-Muurolene | 12306047 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CC1)C(=CCC2C(C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| beta-Bourbonene | 62566 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| beta-Cubebene | 93081 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Cadina-1(10),4-diene | 10223 | Click to see CC1=CC2C(CCC(=C2CC1)C)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Caryophyllene | 5281515 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C2CC(C2CC1)(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Copaene | 19725 | Click to see CC1=CCC2C3C1C2(CCC3C(C)C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Curcumene | 92139 | Click to see | 202.33 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| delta-Cadinene | 441005 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Humulene | 5281520 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Npc322415 | 521334 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Patchoulane | 29408 | Click to see | 206.37 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Aromadendrane sesquiterpenoids / 5,10-cycloaromadendrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (1aS,4aS,7S,7aR,7bS)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 97032059 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| (7aR)-1,1,7-trimethyl-4-methylidene-1a,2,3,4a,5,6,7a,7b-octahydrocyclopropa[h]azulen-7-ol | 5321422 | Click to see | 220.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Eremophilane, 8,9-secoeremophilane and furoeremophilane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| Eremophyllene | 6428416 | Click to see | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Lipids and lipid-like molecules / Prenol lipids / Sesquiterpenoids / Germacrane sesquiterpenoids | |||||
| (S,1Z,6Z)-8-Isopropyl-1-methyl-5-methylenecyclodeca-1,6-diene | 91723653 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C=CC(CC1)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| Germacrene D | 5317570 | Click to see CC1=CCCC(=C)C=CC(CC1)C(C)C | 204.35 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Alcohols and polyols / Secondary alcohols | |||||
| 6-Methylheptan-3-ol | 86783 | Click to see | 130.23 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
| > Organic oxygen compounds / Organooxygen compounds / Carbonyl compounds / Aldehydes / Medium-chain aldehydes | |||||
| Nonanal | 31289 | Click to see CCCCCCCCC=O | 142.24 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.1992.9698015 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |