Thyme - Aricept (Donepezil) Interaction
Herbal: Thyme
Also Known As: Thymus vulgaris, Farigoule, Farigoulette, Frigoule, Garden Thyme, Huile de Thym, Pote, Red Thyme Oil, Rubbed Thyme, Serpolet, Thym Citron, Thym Commun, Thym Maraîcher, Thym Vrai, Thyme Oil, Tomillo, Vanya Yavani
Drug: Donepezil
Brand names:
Aricept, Adlarity
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 11, 2025
Interaction Details
Donepezil is classified as belonging to the following category: Cholinergic Drugs
Theoretically, concurrent use of cholinergic drugs and thyme essential oil might cause additive cholinergic effects.
In vitro evidence suggests that thyme essential oil and specific essential oil constituents like thymohydroquinone and carvacrol can inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE). However, this effect has not been observed in humans.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- Jukic, M., Politeo, O., Maksimovic, M., Milos, M., and Milos, M. In vitro acetylcholinesterase inhibitory properties of thymol, carvacrol and their derivatives thymoquinone and thymohydroquinone. Phytother.Res 2007;21(3):259-261.
Thyme Overview
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a perennial herb that has been used medicinally for centuries. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has a distinctive aroma. Thyme is often used in cooking, but it also purported to have a number of potential health benefits when taken as a supplement.
It has been used in traditional medicine for a variety of conditions, including gastrointestinal problems, respiratory conditions, and for its antimicrobial effects.
Donepezil Overview
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Donepezil is used to treat dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and may cause changes in mood and personality) in people who have Alzheimer's disease (AD; a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and the ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities). Donepezil is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. It improves mental function (such as memory, attention, the ability to interact with others, speak, think clearly, and perform regular daily activities) by increasing the amount of a certain naturally occurring substance in the brain. Donepezil may improve the ability to think and remember or slow the loss of these abilities in people who have AD. However, donepezil will not cure AD or prevent the loss of mental abilities at some time in the future.
Thyme - More Interactions
Thyme interacts with 375 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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