Oregano

Binomial Name:

Origanum vulgare

Family:

Lamiaceae

Genus:

Origanum

Common Species:

Origanum vulgare, Origanum onites, Origanum majorana

Top 5 Benefits

Antimicrobial Properties

Oregano’s antimicrobial properties are largely attributed to its active compounds, carvacrol and thymol, which disrupt bacterial membranes, causing cell lysis and death. These compounds have shown effectiveness against food-borne pathogens such as Escherichia coliSalmonella typhimuriumListeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. Studies indicate that oregano essential oil and its components exhibit strong antibacterial activity, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 0.125 μL/mL in some cases. Additionally, carvacrol and thymol inhibit bacterial efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and motility, enhancing their effectiveness against resistant bacteria.

Antioxidant Activity

Oregano is renowned for its potent antioxidant activity, primarily due to its rich content of flavonoids, phenolic acids, and other polyphenolic compounds. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals, contributing to the prevention of chronic diseases. Studies have shown that oregano extracts exhibit high antioxidant capacities, comparable to or surpassing those of other herbs like rosemary and thyme. Research has evaluated the antioxidant activity of oregano essential oils, oregano polyphenols under simulated digestion, and the concentration-dependent activity of carvacrol and rosmarinic acid in ethanol extracts (3). Additionally, oregano essence has been used in composite films with antioxidant properties (4), and its processing wastes have been optimized for antioxidant extraction (6). Other studies have compared oregano’s antioxidant activity with other spicy-aromatic plants (7) and assessed its properties in nanoemulsions (8).

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Oregano has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial actions against food-borne pathogens, which is attributed to its active compounds like carvacrol and thymol.

Digestive Health

Oregano has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial actions against food-borne pathogens, which is attributed to its active compounds like carvacrol and thymol.

Immune System Support

Oregano has been shown to exhibit antimicrobial actions against food-borne pathogens, which is attributed to its active compounds like carvacrol and thymol.

Antioxidant Activity

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