In vitro and intracellular antioxidant capacity of thymyl methyl ether as a major component in Blumea lanceolaria (Roxb.) Druce leaf oil

► Thymol showed a stronger peroxyl and hydroxyl radical-scavenging capacity, and reducing capacity than thymyl methyl ether. ► Thymyl methyl ether exhibited the potent intracellular antioxidant capacity in HepG2 cells when compared to thymol. ► Thymyl methyl ether can penetrate into cell membranes more easily than thymol and be biotransformed to thymol.