Oregano is a beloved herb with great importance in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Oregano is composed of a diverse array of health-stimulating substances such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and essential oils. Oregano shares many of the same phytonutrients as rosemary, like rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid, both of which are potent antioxidants. Also, oregano is highly valued for its essential oils.
Essential oils are volatile oils that have characteristic odors and beneficial properties. Plants produce essential oils to attract pollinating insects and to protect themselves from invading pests and disease. In humans, essential oils potentially promote well-being. The primary components of essential oils are a distinct class of substances called terpenes. The principal terpenes in oregano are carvacrol and thymol.
Potential Benefits of Oregano for Musculoskeletal Health
1. Oregano is an antioxidant
Oxidative stress is a well-documented risk factor for joint, bone, tendon, and muscle disease. Oregano helps protect cell walls from unstable free radicals that are intent on stealing electrons from important cell wall structures. If the cell wall is irreparably harmed, the cell is no longer viable and undergoes programmed cell death. Additionally, oregano defuses volatile oxygen and nitrogen molecules that, if left unchecked, cause severe damage to joint, bone, and muscle tissue. Finally, oregano stabilizes highly reactive metals that cause injury to vital proteins, enzymes, and DNA.
Italian investigators examined the antioxidant effects of oregano. The authors found that oregano was effective at quenching the most common pathways of oxidative stress, including neutralizing oxygen free radicals, blocking iron-induced oxidation, and disrupting lipid peroxidation (fat oxidation) (Cervato et al., 2000).
2. Oregano is an Anti-Inflammatory
Low-grade inflammation contributes to chronic joint, bone, and muscle injury. Oregano’s active ingredients attack inflammation through multiple pathways:
- Oregano inhibits tumor necrosis factor alpha, the foremost signaling molecule that catalyzes and coordinates the inflammation pathway.
- Oregano impedes the synthesis of other ancillary pro-inflammatory signaling molecules called interleukins, like interleukin-6.
- Oregano amplifies the production of anti-inflammatory messenger molecules that counteract certain aspects of unconstrained inflammation.
Researchers at Rutgers University examined the anti-inflammatory effects of oregano in a mouse model of inflammation. The authors concluded that oregano extract induced a significant reduction in markers of inflammation, singling out rosmarinic acid, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid as especially effective (Shen et al., 2010).
Precautions
Oregano is generally recognized as safe when consumed in usual culinary and herbal doses. As with any form of supplementation, consult your healthcare provider prior to use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications, or have any medical conditions. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.
References
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- Dambolena, J.S., Zunino, M.P., Lucini, E.I., Olmedo, R., Banchio, E., Bima, P.J., et al. (2010). Total phenolic content, radical scavenging properties, and essential oil composition of Origanum species from different populations. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58, 1115–1120.
- Hernández-Hernández, E., Ponce-Alquicira, E., Jaramillo-Flores, M.E., & Legarreta, I.G. (2009). Antioxidant effect rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) extracts on TBARS and colour of model raw pork batters. Meat Science, 81, 410–417.
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- Shen, D., et al. (2010). LC-MS method for the simultaneous quantitation of the anti-inflammatory constituents in oregano (Origanum species). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 58, 7119–7125.
- Arranz, E., Jaime, L., López de las Hazas, M.C., Reglero, G., & Santoyo, S. (2015). Supercritical fluid extraction as an alternative process to obtain essential oils with anti-inflammatory properties from marjoram and sweet basil. Industrial Crops and Products, 67, 121–129.
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- Rodriguez-Garcia, I., Silva-Espinoza, B.A., Ortega-Ramirez, L.A., Leyva, J.M., Siddiqui, M.W., Cruz-Valenzuela, M.R., Gonzalez-Aguilar, G.A., & Ayala-Zavala, J.F. (2016). Oregano essential oil as an antimicrobial and antioxidant additive in food products. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 56(10), 1717–1727.
