he aim of this study was to prepare hydrogel particles based on two natural anionic polymers (sodium alginate and pectin) as a carrier of a thymol self-emulsifying system. Its control release could subsequently ensure a more balanced therapeutic concentration at the site of action. The calcium:zinc-crosslinked sample with 20% SES provided the most prolonged release of thymol. However, further in vitro and in vivo experiments are needed to assess further considerations regarding the appropriateness of administration in the IBD treatment.