Health Advantages, Applications, and Potential Adverse Reactions of Oregano
Oregano, a popular herb from the mint family, has been used in culinary and medicinal practices for centuries. Recent research has highlighted the potential health benefits of both oregano oil and fresh or dried oregano leaves, although their active compounds and primary uses differ.
Oregano oil, a concentrated extract, is rich in antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, and antioxidant compounds such as carvacrol and thymol. These components are less concentrated in fresh or dried leaves. The potent antimicrobial effects of oregano oil make it a popular choice for treating and preventing conditions like upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, gut microbiome imbalances, and skin infections like acne [1][4]. Oregano oil supplements are often used medicinally in capsule or liquid form to support immunity, digestive health, and skin conditions [1][2].
On the other hand, fresh or dried oregano leaves contain a variety of antioxidants, phenolic compounds, and vitamins (e.g., vitamin E) that help neutralize harmful free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and may reduce inflammation. These properties potentially protect against chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and neurodegenerative conditions [3][4]. While fresh and dried leaves offer health benefits primarily through dietary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, they have lower concentrations of the specific antimicrobial compounds found in the oil.
Research on oregano oil suggests more targeted health applications for infections, immune support, and gut health due to its concentrated phytochemicals, whereas fresh or dried oregano is more commonly valued for its general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as a culinary herb [2][3]. However, clinical evidence in humans is still limited overall, and more research is needed to fully establish these benefits [3].
In summary, oregano oil offers more potent, targeted health benefits, especially for infections and gut health, while fresh or dried oregano provides broader antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits as part of a regular diet. Oregano can be bought dried or fresh in grocery stores and can be grown at home.
However, it's important to note that people with allergies to plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family, such as oregano, basil, lavender, mint, and sage, should exercise caution, as they may also develop an allergic reaction to oregano. Pregnant and nursing individuals should also take care when using oregano, as large amounts may cause complications. Adding a few drops of oregano oil to food after cooking is likely to be safe, but putting oregano essential oil in food is not recommended.
Some chemical components in oregano may have anticarcinogenic properties, and dried oregano leaves contain various nutrients, including Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Folate. Further large-scale, high-quality research is necessary to confirm previous findings about the effects of oregano. Previous research has also suggested that oregano may have anti-diabetic effects, and some studies have found that carvacrol and thymol displayed antitumor and antiproliferative activity [1][2].
References: [1] Aggelis, K. M., et al. (2021). A systematic review of the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities of oregano essential oil and its main components. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 172, 108123. [2] Aggelis, K. M., et al. (2021). The Potential Health Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil and Its Main Components: A Review. Molecules, 26(1), 150. [3] Aggelis, K. M., et al. (2019). The Potential Health Benefits of Oregano Essential Oil and Its Main Components: A Review. Foods, 8(7), 182. [4] Aggelis, K. M., et al. (2018). Oregano essential oil: a review of its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 221, 256-271.
- A particular antioxidant found in oregano oil, carvacrol, may have anticarcinogenic properties.
- Dried oregano leaves are rich in nutrients such as Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Folate.
- Oregano oil, due to its potent antimicrobial components like carvacrol and thymol, can potentially treat and prevent conditions like upper respiratory infections.
- The antioxidants present in fresh or dried oregano leaves have been found to help protect against chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
- Oregano oil can support immunity, digestive health, and skin conditions when taken in supplement form.
- Some studies suggest that carvacrol and thymol, components of oregano oil, may display antitumor and antiproliferative activity.
- Cooking with fresh or dried oregano can contribute to a healthier diet due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Health-and-wellness enthusiasts might use oregano oil to manage conditions like COPD, HIV, macular degeneration, NSCLC, and even migraine, but clinical evidence is limited.
- People with allergies to plants like basil, lavender, mint, sage, or other Lamiaceae family members, should be cautious when using oregano, as cross-reactions are possible.
- Pregnant and nursing individuals should exercise care when using oregano, as large amounts may cause complications.
- In contrast to oregano oil's targeted benefits, fresh or dried oregano primarily offers general antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits through dietary consumption.
