Get Your Personalized Supplement StackSupplement Stack Quiz

Extract Mediterranean Oregano

Also known as: Mediterranean oregano, wild marjoram, winter marjoram, oregano extract, Origanum vulgare L.

Overview

Extract Mediterranean oregano is a concentrated preparation derived from the leaves and flowers of *Origanum vulgare*, a herb native to the Mediterranean region. It is rich in volatile oils, primarily carvacrol and thymol, which are responsible for its biological activities. Traditionally, it has been used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and digestive support properties. Modern applications explore its potential as an antimicrobial agent, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and for metabolic health support. The extract contains a complex mixture of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, with carvacrol often making up 60-80% of the essential oil fraction. While extensive in vitro and animal studies exist, human clinical trials are limited, and high-quality randomized controlled trials are scarce.

Benefits

Mediterranean oregano extract exhibits potent antimicrobial activity, particularly against pathogens like *Staphylococcus aureus*, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) around 1 mg/mL in in vitro studies. This suggests a strong potential for combating bacterial infections, though clinical efficacy in humans is not yet established. Anti-inflammatory effects have been observed in vitro, where carvacrol and thymol inhibit inflammatory mediators; however, human clinical evidence is mixed and inconsistent. Animal studies indicate potential benefits for metabolic health, such as lowering cholesterol and improving glucose metabolism, but these findings have not been confirmed in human randomized controlled trials. Secondary effects include potential analgesic properties in animal models and antioxidant activity demonstrated in vitro. Robust human data to support specific population benefits or quantify effect sizes are currently lacking.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Mediterranean oregano extract's antimicrobial effects involves carvacrol and thymol disrupting microbial cell membranes, leading to cell death. Its anti-inflammatory properties are attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, such as COX-2, and the modulation of oxidative stress pathways. The extract interacts with microbial pathogens, influences immune system inflammatory pathways, and may play a role in metabolic regulation, affecting lipid and glucose metabolism. Known molecular targets include microbial membrane lipids, inflammatory signaling molecules, and oxidative enzymes. Due to the lipophilic nature of its essential oil components, absorption and bioavailability can vary depending on the formulation, and human pharmacokinetic data are limited.

Side effects

Mediterranean oregano extract is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when consumed as a culinary herb and in typical supplement doses, with no reported hepatotoxicity or serious adverse effects in humans. Common side effects are mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Uncommon side effects can involve possible allergic reactions or skin irritation, particularly when applied topically. Rare, serious adverse events have not been documented in clinical literature. While no well-documented drug interactions exist, theoretical interactions with anticoagulants or drugs metabolized by liver enzymes are possible but unconfirmed. It is contraindicated for use during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of safety data. Insufficient data are available for specific considerations in children, the elderly, or individuals with chronic diseases.

Dosage

A minimum effective dose for humans has not been established, though in vitro studies suggest antimicrobial activity at concentrations around 1 mg/mL. There is no consensus on an optimal dosage range for human supplementation; typical oregano oil supplements often provide 100-500 mg of essential oil daily, but clinical efficacy at these doses remains unproven. A maximum safe dose has not been defined, but high doses may lead to gastrointestinal upset. There are no specific timing recommendations for supplementation. For antimicrobial effects, essential oil extracts standardized for carvacrol content are often preferred. The lipophilic nature of the extract suggests that absorption may be enhanced when taken with dietary fats. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.

FAQs

Is oregano extract safe for daily use?

Generally, yes, at culinary or typical supplement doses. However, the safety of high-dose, long-term daily use has not been thoroughly studied.

Can oregano extract replace antibiotics?

No. While it shows antimicrobial activity in vitro, its clinical efficacy as a substitute for prescription antibiotics in humans is unproven.

How soon can benefits be expected?

There is no human data on the time course of benefits. In vitro effects are rapid, but clinical benefits and their onset are unknown.

Is oregano extract effective for inflammation?

It may help with some inflammatory markers, but human evidence is inconsistent, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6152729/ – This systematic review by Leyva-López et al. (2017) examined essential oils from oregano species, identifying carvacrol and thymol as key bioactive compounds with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It highlighted the influence of extraction methods on yield and composition, emphasizing that most evidence is from in vitro and animal studies, with limited human clinical trials.
https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/72a0/8240b27ec996b7bdc1ab1e6c4f2c0f2f9af4.pdf – Oppedisano et al. (2023) conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis focusing on the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Mediterranean plant extracts against *S. aureus*. Their findings indicated that *Origanum vulgare* extracts were effective, with an average MIC of approximately 1.02 mg/mL, providing a quantitative assessment of its in vitro antimicrobial potency.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK591556/ – The LiverTox Database (2020) reviewed the safety profile of oregano extracts, concluding that they are unlikely to cause hepatotoxicity and are generally safe for humans at typical doses. The review noted a lack of reported cases of liver injury associated with oregano extract use, though prospective clinical safety data are limited.