Health Benefits of
oregano seeds
Oregano, also known as Origanum vulgare, is a perennial herb that is commonly used as a spice owing to its characteristic aroma and flavor. Oregano is native to the Mediterranean and North America and has been used as a poison antidote in ancient history. Oregano is used in food preparations and pharmacologic formulations. [1] The health benefits of oregano seeds are listed below.
Oregano for Acne Treatment
The major compounds of oregano essential oil for the topical treatment of acne are monoterpenoid phenols. Other constituents such as p-cymene and monoterpene hydrocarbons demonstrate antibacterial properties. Oregano essential oil demonstrates antibacterial activity against two common acne-causing bacteria, S. epidermidis, and P. acnes. Oregano essential oil contains thymol that inhibits bacterial growth by reducing lactate production and decreasing the uptake of glucose by bacterial cells. The oil also inhibits the formation of bacterial biofilm. [2]
Oregano for Alopecia Treatment
Alopecia areata is an immune-mediated condition characterized by localized patches of hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of oregano oil prevent hair follicles from further damage and improve hair growth. [3]
Figure 2 demonstrates the inhibition of acne-causing S. epidermidis by different essential oils. Oregano essential oil demonstrates the highest zone inhibition among all https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6225355/
Antibacterial Activity of Oregano
​Oregano essential oil has a bactericidal activity which is useful in the prevention and treatment of burn wound bacterial infections. Oreganol essential oil inhibits the formation of bacterial biofilm and disrupts the cell wall and membrane of bacteria without causing any adverse effects to the skin. The oil also disrupts the activity of ATPase and structures involved in RNA synthesis. Oregano essential oil is particularly effective against those strains of bacteria which are multi-drug resistant. [4]
Antifungal Activity of Oregano
Oregano essential oil also has antifungal activity and is used for treating infections caused by dermatophytes. Oregano essential effectively inhibits the growth and activity of dermatophytes, thus serving as a natural treatment modality for dermatophytoses. Oregano essential oil is also beneficial for the treatment of subungual onychomycosis, fungal nail infection. [5, 6] Oregano essential oil is also beneficial for the treatment of pythiosis, which is a lethal infection caused by Pythium insidiosium. [7]
Figure 2 demonstrates the inhibition of acne-causing S. epidermidis by different essential oils. Oregano essential oil demonstrates the highest zone inhibition among all https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC6225355/