| Dietary sources | |
| Oregano is a plant species of the labiate family (Lamiaceae), which was originally native to the Mediterranean but is now found throughout almost all of Europe. Mediterranean cuisine has made oregano a well-known and popular spice throughout the world. In phytotherapy oregano is known for its antimicrobial effect. | |
| Physiological effects | |
| Antimicrobial |
|
| Antifungal |
|
| Oregano against Candida albicans and other pathogenic organisms |
| Oregano shows a high antimicrobial effect against pathogenic organisms. The growth of gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus or Enterococcus faecalis), gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Yersinia enterocolitica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella choleraesuis and the yeasts (Candida albicans, Debaryomyces hansenii and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii) were stopped by oregano (Origanum vulgare) in a laboratory settings. The components carvacrol and thymol showed particularly strong effects (1). |
| Effect | Indication | Dosage |
| Physiological effects at a low intake |
For gastrointestinal tract complaints, gastritis and irritable stomach due to bacterial infection | 100 – 200 mg/d |
| If the microecological balance is impaired by bacterial or fungal infestation | 250 – 300 mg/d | |
| For general strengthening of the immune system against undesirable microorganisms and for improvement of health status | 250 – 300 mg/d |
| General mode of administration | |
| When |
Oregano should be taken between meals. |
| Side effects | |
|
No side effects are known to date. |
|
| Contraindications | |
| No contraindications are known to date. | |
| Drug interactions | |
| None | No interactions are known to date. |
| Nutrient interactions | |
| None | No interactions are known to date. |
| References |
| 1) López, P. et al. 2007. Development of flexible antimicrobial films using essential oils as active agents. J Agric Food Chem. 55(21):8814-24 References Interactions Stargrove, M. B. et al. Herb, Nutrient and Drug Interactions: Clinical Implications and Therapeutic Strategies, 1. Auflage. St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier Health Sciences, 2008. Gröber, U. Mikronährstoffe: Metabolic Tuning –Prävention –Therapie, 3. Auflage. Stuttgart: WVG Wissenschaftliche Verlagsgesellschaft Stuttgart, 2011. |
