A polyphenol thyme leaf complex (TPE) was analysed by LC–MS techniques.
Rosmarinic acid and methoxylated flavones mainly constituted TPE.
TPE activated caspases and induced apoptosis typical morphological changes.
ATR FTIR analysis of TPE treated cells showed a marked DNA/protein ratio decrease.
TPE was a new natural anti-neuroblastoma drug, worth investigating further.