Thymus broussonetii is the subject of an alarming regression undergoing a strong and anarchic exploitation. In Morocco, the wild thyme presents a great demand for culinary and medicinal purposes. In an effort to improve and promote the cultivation of this medicinal herb, the effect of salt stress on essential oil composition, polyphenolic content and the antioxidative activities of T. broussonetii Boiss, were investigated. Five different levels of NaCl (0, 25, 50 and 100. mM) were applied at plant growth. The main compounds were compared at wild and different cultivars of thyme. The results showed that the cultivation of T. broussonetii changed significantly the percentage of thymol and carvacrol. Antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in extracts of T. broussonetii leaves Treated by different NaCl levels are reported. The values show low variation among the thymus studied. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.