Properties of OreganoMany studies have been done with oregano over the years, but we could only find one involving a human trial. Numerous laboratory and animal studies indicate oregano has immune stimulating effects, blood sugar lowering properties, and anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activity. Another supplement that has immune effects is AHCC.
Compounds in Oregano herbThere are dozens, including thymol, sabinene hydrate, aristolochic acid, and carvacol. Thymol and carvacrol are the primary components of the volatile oil in oregano.
Antioxidants in oregano
Ingestion of oregano extract increases excretion of urinary phenolic metabolites in humans.J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Sep. Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
In this work, the phenolic acids recovered in human urine after single ingestion of Origanum onites extract were analyzed. The excretion was increased 4- and 2-fold during 0-24 and 24-48 h of the follow-up, respectively. The mean increase in the excretion of phenolic compounds exceeded the ingested amount of identified phenolic acids. The result can be partly explained by rosmarinic acid, the main identified phenolic constituent in the extract, as well as flavonoids present in minor amounts, presumably being metabolized into a double amount of simple phenolic metabolites. Furthermore, unidentified phenolic constituents in the extract partly contribute to the excretory increase. The main metabolite, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, was excreted rapidly. The results show that constituents of oregano extract and, in particular, their metabolites may contribute to the dietary intake of phenolic antioxidants.
Ingestion of oregano extract increases excretion of urinary phenolic metabolites in humans.J Agric Food Chem. 2006 Sep. Division of Pharmaceutical Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Helsinki, Finland.
In this work, the phenolic acids recovered in human urine after single ingestion of Origanum onites extract were analyzed. The excretion was increased 4- and 2-fold during 0-24 and 24-48 h of the follow-up, respectively. The mean increase in the excretion of phenolic compounds exceeded the ingested amount of identified phenolic acids. The result can be partly explained by rosmarinic acid, the main identified phenolic constituent in the extract, as well as flavonoids present in minor amounts, presumably being metabolized into a double amount of simple phenolic metabolites. Furthermore, unidentified phenolic constituents in the extract partly contribute to the excretory increase. The main metabolite, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, was excreted rapidly. The results show that constituents of oregano extract and, in particular, their metabolites may contribute to the dietary intake of phenolic antioxidants.
Blood sugarAnti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare ( Oregano ) growing wild in Tafilalet region.
Lemhadri A. Laboratory of Endocrinian Physiology, F.S.T.E. Boutalamine and Pharmacology, UFR PNPE, BP 21, Errachidia 52000, Morocco.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jun;92(2-3):251-6.
The effect of an aqueous extract of Oregano leaves on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. In normal rats, the blood glucose levels were slightly decreased 6 h after a single oral administration as well as 15 days after once daily repeated oral administration of aqueous Oregano extract (20 mg/kg). After a single dose or 15 daily doses, oral administration of the aqueous extract (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease on blood glucose levels in STZ diabetic rats. In STZ rats, the blood glucose levels were normalised from the fourth day after daily repeated oral administration of aqueous Oregano extract (20 mg/kg). However, this effect was less pronounced 2 weeks after daily repeated oral administration of oregano extract. In addition, no changes were observed in basal plasma insulin concentrations after treatment in either normal or STZ diabetic rats indicating that the aqueous oregano extract acted without changing insulin secretion. We conclude that an aqueous extract of Oregano exhibits an anti-hyperglycaemic activity in STZ rats without affecting basal plasma insulin concentrations.
Lemhadri A. Laboratory of Endocrinian Physiology, F.S.T.E. Boutalamine and Pharmacology, UFR PNPE, BP 21, Errachidia 52000, Morocco.
J Ethnopharmacol. 2004 Jun;92(2-3):251-6.
The effect of an aqueous extract of Oregano leaves on blood glucose levels was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic rats. In normal rats, the blood glucose levels were slightly decreased 6 h after a single oral administration as well as 15 days after once daily repeated oral administration of aqueous Oregano extract (20 mg/kg). After a single dose or 15 daily doses, oral administration of the aqueous extract (20 mg/kg) produced a significant decrease on blood glucose levels in STZ diabetic rats. In STZ rats, the blood glucose levels were normalised from the fourth day after daily repeated oral administration of aqueous Oregano extract (20 mg/kg). However, this effect was less pronounced 2 weeks after daily repeated oral administration of oregano extract. In addition, no changes were observed in basal plasma insulin concentrations after treatment in either normal or STZ diabetic rats indicating that the aqueous oregano extract acted without changing insulin secretion. We conclude that an aqueous extract of Oregano exhibits an anti-hyperglycaemic activity in STZ rats without affecting basal plasma insulin concentrations.
Immune system
Immunostimulatory effect of dietary oregano etheric oils on lymphocytes from growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs and productivity.
Walter BM, Bilkei G. Bilkei Consulting, Raubbuhlstrasse 4, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland.
Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2004 Mar 15;129(6):178-81.
The present study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of dietary oregano etheric oils as non-specific immunostimulating agents in growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs. Forty-nine growth-retarded growing-finishing pigs of the same age were assigned to two groups and treated as follows: Group 1: the animals weighed 58 kg and were fed until slaughter ad libitum with a commercial fattening diet supplemented with 3000 ppm commercial oregano feed additive (Oregpig Pecs, Hungary). Oregpig is dried leaf and flower of Origanum vulgare, enriched with 500 g/kg cold-pressed essential oils of the leaf and flower of Origanum vulgare. Analysis of Oregpig: 60 g carvacrol and 55 g thymol/kilogram. Group 2 (n = 24): the animals weighed 58 kg and were fed until slaughter with the same diet without Oregpig supplementation. Oregpig-receiving pigs showed a significantly better average daily gain and feed conversion rate than the non-treated animals. Mortality was significantly higher in the non-treated animals. The proportion of CD4, CD8, MHC class II antigen, and non-T/non-B cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in the Oregpig-receiving pigs than in the control animals. The proportion of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and mesenteric lymph nodes was higher in the Oregpig-receiving pigs than in the control animals. Implication: Dietary oregano improves growth in growth-retarded growing-finishing pigs and has non-specific immunostimulatory effects on porcine immune cells.
Immunostimulatory effect of dietary oregano etheric oils on lymphocytes from growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs and productivity.
Walter BM, Bilkei G. Bilkei Consulting, Raubbuhlstrasse 4, 8600 Dubendorf, Switzerland.
Tijdschr Diergeneeskd. 2004 Mar 15;129(6):178-81.
The present study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of dietary oregano etheric oils as non-specific immunostimulating agents in growth-retarded, low-weight growing-finishing pigs. Forty-nine growth-retarded growing-finishing pigs of the same age were assigned to two groups and treated as follows: Group 1: the animals weighed 58 kg and were fed until slaughter ad libitum with a commercial fattening diet supplemented with 3000 ppm commercial oregano feed additive (Oregpig Pecs, Hungary). Oregpig is dried leaf and flower of Origanum vulgare, enriched with 500 g/kg cold-pressed essential oils of the leaf and flower of Origanum vulgare. Analysis of Oregpig: 60 g carvacrol and 55 g thymol/kilogram. Group 2 (n = 24): the animals weighed 58 kg and were fed until slaughter with the same diet without Oregpig supplementation. Oregpig-receiving pigs showed a significantly better average daily gain and feed conversion rate than the non-treated animals. Mortality was significantly higher in the non-treated animals. The proportion of CD4, CD8, MHC class II antigen, and non-T/non-B cells in peripheral blood lymphocytes was significantly higher in the Oregpig-receiving pigs than in the control animals. The proportion of CD4+ CD8+ double-positive T lymphocytes in peripheral blood and mesenteric lymph nodes was higher in the Oregpig-receiving pigs than in the control animals. Implication: Dietary oregano improves growth in growth-retarded growing-finishing pigs and has non-specific immunostimulatory effects on porcine immune cells.
Effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on performance of broilers after experimental infection with Eimeria tenella.
Giannenas I. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Arch Tierernahr. 2003 Apr;57(2):99-106.
A study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. A total of 120 day-old Cobb-500 chicks separated into 4 equal groups with three replicates each, were used in this study. Two groups, one infected with 5 x 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The other two groups also infected with E. tenella were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at a level of 300 mg/kg, or with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Following this infection, survival rate, bloody diarrhoea and oocysts excretion as well as lesion score were determined. Throughout the experimental period of 42 days, body weight gain and feed intake were recorded weekly, and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Two weeks after the infection with E. tenella supplementation with dietary oregano oil resulted in body weight gains and feed conversion ratios not differing from the non-infected group, but higher than those of the infected control group and lower than those of the lasalocid group. These parameters correspond with the extent of bloody diarrhoea, survival rate, lesion score and oocyst numbers and indicated that oregano essential oil exerted an anticoccidial effect against E. tenella, which was, however, lower than that exhibited by lasalocid.
Blood thinning
Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare.
Fitoterapia. 2002 Dec;73(7-8):692-4. Goun E. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
Aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, and D-(+)-raffinose were isolated from Oregano. Their inhibition of thrombin and activity against leukemia were evaluated. Aristolochic acid I and II have high inhibition of thrombin activity and were confirmed to possess activity against cancer.
Giannenas I. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece.
Arch Tierernahr. 2003 Apr;57(2):99-106.
A study was carried out to examine the effect of dietary supplementation of oregano essential oil on performance of broiler chickens experimentally infected with Eimeria tenella at 14 days of age. A total of 120 day-old Cobb-500 chicks separated into 4 equal groups with three replicates each, were used in this study. Two groups, one infected with 5 x 10(4) sporulated oocysts of E. tenella and the other not, were given a basal diet and served as controls. The other two groups also infected with E. tenella were administered diets supplemented with oregano essential oil at a level of 300 mg/kg, or with the anticoccidial lasalocid at 75 mg/kg. Following this infection, survival rate, bloody diarrhoea and oocysts excretion as well as lesion score were determined. Throughout the experimental period of 42 days, body weight gain and feed intake were recorded weekly, and feed conversion ratios were calculated. Two weeks after the infection with E. tenella supplementation with dietary oregano oil resulted in body weight gains and feed conversion ratios not differing from the non-infected group, but higher than those of the infected control group and lower than those of the lasalocid group. These parameters correspond with the extent of bloody diarrhoea, survival rate, lesion score and oocyst numbers and indicated that oregano essential oil exerted an anticoccidial effect against E. tenella, which was, however, lower than that exhibited by lasalocid.
Blood thinning
Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare.
Fitoterapia. 2002 Dec;73(7-8):692-4. Goun E. University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816, USA.
Aristolochic acid I, aristolochic acid II, and D-(+)-raffinose were isolated from Oregano. Their inhibition of thrombin and activity against leukemia were evaluated. Aristolochic acid I and II have high inhibition of thrombin activity and were confirmed to possess activity against cancer.
Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo.
Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):213-4. Force M. Health Explorations Trust, Scottsdale, AZ, USA (M.F.) and Biotics Research Corporation, P.O. Box 36888, Houston, Texas 77236, USA.
Oil of Mediterranean oregano Oreganum vulgare was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana. After 6 weeks of supplementation with 600 mg emulsified oil of oregano daily, there was complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases. Also, Blastocystis hominis scores declined in three additional cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who had tested positive for Blastocystis hominis.
Phytother Res. 2000 May;14(3):213-4. Force M. Health Explorations Trust, Scottsdale, AZ, USA (M.F.) and Biotics Research Corporation, P.O. Box 36888, Houston, Texas 77236, USA.
Oil of Mediterranean oregano Oreganum vulgare was orally administered to 14 adult patients whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites, Blastocystis hominis, Entamoeba hartmanni and Endolimax nana. After 6 weeks of supplementation with 600 mg emulsified oil of oregano daily, there was complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni (four cases), Endolimax nana (one case), and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases. Also, Blastocystis hominis scores declined in three additional cases. Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who had tested positive for Blastocystis hominis.
Oregano oil questions
Q. I'm writing a research paper for an alternative health course that I'm taking. Could you please tell me if there is any differences in chemical composition or health benefits between origanum vulgare (Turkey) and Lippia Graveolens (Mexico). I've read a lot of claims for origanum vulgare as being the best oregano, but I've have not read as much about Lippia Graveolens.
A. Sorry, we are not familiar with Lippia Graveolens.
Q. I'm writing a research paper for an alternative health course that I'm taking. Could you please tell me if there is any differences in chemical composition or health benefits between origanum vulgare (Turkey) and Lippia Graveolens (Mexico). I've read a lot of claims for origanum vulgare as being the best oregano, but I've have not read as much about Lippia Graveolens.
A. Sorry, we are not familiar with Lippia Graveolens.
Q. I noticed on a website the reference to a study that 600mg of oil of oregano for 6 weeks eradicated blastocystis hominis. I have that parasite. Consequently, realize I would have to take 20 drops per day of a oil of oregano product... is that correct? Is it safe?
A. Each person has a different dosage for which a supplement or a drug works for them. Studies with oil of oregano and parasitic conditions in humans are limited and hence we don't have all the answers we wish we had. We suggest your doctor read the page on oil of oregano and help you decide the appropriate dosage since we are not in a position to make such individual recommendation.
A. Each person has a different dosage for which a supplement or a drug works for them. Studies with oil of oregano and parasitic conditions in humans are limited and hence we don't have all the answers we wish we had. We suggest your doctor read the page on oil of oregano and help you decide the appropriate dosage since we are not in a position to make such individual recommendation.
Q. I have gastritis, esophagitis, GERD, irritable bowel. I was told I have candidiasis on internet, after filling a questionaire. Could you please tell me if the oil of oregano can upset my stomach ? I should get probiotics but I tried two brands and they upset my stomach.
A. It is impossible to predict whether any particular herbal product would cause upset stomach since it may not for 99 people who try it, but could for 1 percent of those who are very sensitive.
A. It is impossible to predict whether any particular herbal product would cause upset stomach since it may not for 99 people who try it, but could for 1 percent of those who are very sensitive.
Q. regarding the oregano oil product, does it contain alcohol as in tincture? What is the strength of one drop of oregano oil in your product as compared to a 150 mg capsule of the same substance?
A. The oregano is in olive oil, not alcohol. It is difficult to compare potencies with capsules since different manufacturers use different plants from different sources, and the extraction process is different.
A. The oregano is in olive oil, not alcohol. It is difficult to compare potencies with capsules since different manufacturers use different plants from different sources, and the extraction process is different.
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