Oregano: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode
By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr Smita Barode
Last updated: Oct 23, 2024 Published on: Sep 27, 2022
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By Dr Smita Barode +2 more
Table of Contents
The first thing that comes to our mind when we think about oregano is pizza. Oregano is commonly used in the preparation of pizza, and pasta and used as a seasoning. It is also said that “it’s best to think of oregano as a flavour rather than a genus or spices”, Dr Arthur O. Tucker.1 Oregano belongs to the Lamiaceae family (mint family), which includes over 200 genera. The plants of this family are mainly used for culinary, medicinal, ornamental and fragrance purposes. The oregano plant mainly grows in mountain regions with rocky, calcareous soil and is native to the Mediterranean and Eurasia. The plants grow only a few inches tall with tiny flowers which may be pink, purple, or white in colour. The leaves of oregano appear in a variety of shapes such as the oval, heart-shaped and round with a hairy-fuzzy in appearance.1 In recent days the use of oregano increased due to its health benefits and this is one of the longest-selling herbs.1 Let us discuss the importance of oregano.
The total energy of 100gm oregano is 265 kcal and the nutrients present in oregano are as follows:
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The vitamins present in oregano are as follows:
Oregano might possess the following properties:
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Oregano may contain different bioactive compounds, and the potential uses of oregano are as follows.
It has been seen that oregano might help in inhibiting the bacteria Helicobacter pylori which is responsible for causing gastritis in humans. A study on humans explained that the oregano might be effective against parasites causing enteric infections in humans. Therefore, oregano might be effective against bacteria and parasites causing stomach infections.3 However, consult your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or any other infections in the stomach.
Studies on animals reported that oregano might have activity against the encephalitis virus. It is hypothesised that the oregano might inhibit the activity against HIVE type 1 reverse transcriptase which might interfere with the activity of the virus due to the presence of rosmarinic acid in it. Further research is required on humans to see the effectiveness of oregano against viral infections.3
Numerous researchers have seen that oregano might have the potential to alleviate inflammation. The active component thymol, which is present in oregano might be effective in reducing the release of an inflammatory marker called elastase. In addition, rosmarinic acid might also interfere with inflammatory processes and cause a decrease in the release of elastase. Therefore, oregano might be effective in lowering inflammation.3
When compared to others, oregano might exhibit a greater antioxidant property. In studies, it was seen that oregano might have phytochemicals which neutralize the free radicals to safeguard the cells, tissues, and DNA. This might help in reducing the oxidative stress in the body which is the leading cause of many metabolic diseases. This activity of oregano might be due to the presence of various phytochemicals in it. However, the composition of different oregano species and their antioxidant property varies.3
Oregano might have potential effects on diabetes. It was seen in studies that oregano might interfere with and inhibit alpha-glucosidase which is involved in glucose metabolism. Further, it is observed that when oregano is given orally to mice might help in lowering the blood glucose levels. However, such claims need to be proved by more research. Moreover, diabetes is a serious condition and must be diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Do not self-medicate.3
Studies have shown that the bioactive components present in oregano, such as carvacrol and gamma-terpinene might be effective in reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood. It might be effective in reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Therefore, it might be helpful against heart diseases also and more research is required to prove these potential effects.3
Some studies have shown that oregano might have potential uses against cancer. Carvacrol and rosmarinic acid present in oregano may avoid DNA damage and may also suppress the cancer cells. Thymol and carvacrol in the oregano may help in eliminating melanoma (Skin cancer) cells. However, kindly consult a doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Do not self-medicate.3
Though there are studies that show the potential uses of oregano in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of oregano on human health.
In my opinion, oregano might offer a beneficial advantage owing to its natural chemical content. These chemicals found in oregano may possess properties that might provide relief from cough symptoms. Thus, by incorporating oregano into your diet or using it as an herbal remedy, you may experience its cough-suppressing benefits.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
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As we already know, oregano is one of the key ingredients in pasta and pizza. It is also known as “The Heart and soul of Mediterranean cuisine”. They are used for cooking and as flavouring agents in many dishes all over the world.1
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking oregano or any other herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
In this engrossing study I came across, researchers explored the effects of oregano essential oil (OEO) on depression and stress-related genes in rats. They found that OEO might help reduce depressive symptoms caused by chronic stress. These findings suggest that OEO may have potential as an antidepressant, but its impact on stress-related genes requires further investigation.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Some individuals might be allergic to oregano and should not use them. Make sure that you test for allergy to oregano before consuming it. Pregnant women should also consult a doctor before consuming oregano as it might have some effects.1
However, oregano might have side effects which need to be explored further by research. Until any specific data is found, the specific side effects of oregano cannot be stated. Furthermore, due to insufficient research, oregano cannot be declared to have any side effects as well. Therefore, kindly consult your doctor before using oregano.
From what I have read so far, research has shown that substances found in oregano oil, such as rosmarinic acid and carvacrol, might have protective effects on the liver. In animal studies, these compounds were found to protect liver cells from lead toxicity and safeguard the liver from damage. These findings suggest that oregano oil and its components may have beneficial effects on liver health, but further research is needed to explore their potential as therapeutic agents.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Ensure that you are not allergic to oregano before consuming it.1
Pregnant women should consult a doctor and ensure that it is safe for them to consume oregano, as it might have some effect on them.1
There are no reports regarding the effects of oregano in children, therefore kindly consult a doctor before giving oregano to children.
Oregano might interact with certain drugs and may alter their activity. However, no such data has been found. Therefore, there is a need for more research regarding the interaction of oregano with other drugs. Kindly ensure that you discuss the safety of consuming oregano with your doctor before consuming it. Especially if you are on medication and are undergoing treatment for any condition.
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Oregano might have potential uses for human health, due to its antioxidant, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-parasitic, anti-diabetic, and cholesterol-lowering properties. However, these potential uses need to be proved by further research. Kindly consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.3
The various nutrients present in oregano are carbohydrates, fats, proteins, sugars, fibre, minerals (calcium, potassium, zinc), and vitamins (A, D, E, K and B).2
It is advised to consult a doctor and take prior medical opinion as it is seen in some studies that it might affect pregnant women. Therefore, pregnant women must consult a doctor before consuming oregano.1
There are no reports regarding the effects of oregano on the skin. Therefore, there is a requirement for more research regarding this subject.
There have been a few reports of allergies being caused due to oregano. Therefore, you may have an allergy to oregano. It is advised that you consult a doctor and get tested for allergies.1
1. Meyers M. Oregano and Marjoram: an Herb Society of America Guide To the Genus Origanum. Herb Soc Am Kirtland, USA [Internet]. 2005;1–66. Available from: http://scholar.google.com/scholar?hl=en&btnG=Search&q=intitle:Oregano+and+Marjoram+An+Herb+Society+of+America+Guide+to+the+Genus+Origanum#0
2. Kintzios, SE. Oregano. In: Handbook of Herbs and Spices [Internet]. Elsevier; 2012. p. 417–36. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/B9780857090409500217
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