How does Oregano Oil Work?
Isometric Phenols (primarily carvarcol) in Origanum oil destroys Candida albicans. The antimicrobial properties and activities of volatile aromatic oils from medicinal as well as other edible plants have been recognized since ancient history. There are more than 30 published research studies confirming the antimicrobial properties of oil of oregano.
In a study of Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans, (1) antifungal properties of origanum oil were examined. The results showed that the fungus Candida Albicans were completely destroyed by Origanum oil. Origanum oil at 0.25 mg/ml was found to completely inhibit the growth of C. albicans in culture.
Another test was performed on groups of mice infected with C. albicans. They were fed varying amounts of Origanum oil diluted with olive oil. The results showed an 80% survival rate.
In the present study, Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and other plant extracts, (2) various plant oils and extracts were investigated for activity against Acinetobacter baumanii, Aeromonas veronii biogroup sobria, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium, Serratia marcescens and Staphylococcus aureus, using an agar dilution method. Oregano inhibited all organisms at concentrations of ≤2·0% (v/v).
(1)
Journal Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry
Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. North American Herbs and Spices, Wakeegan, IL, USA. Department of Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University School of Pharmacy and AHP, Omaha, NE, USA
http://www.springerlink.com/content/w5727111245u6664/?p=dfda30c09ece4640870ff53e403ea61d&pi=13 |
(2)
Department of Microbiology, The University of Western Australia, and The Western Australian Centre for Pathology and Medical Research, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia
http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2672.1999.00780.x
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