cereus , P. fragi , and A. The fungal strains used in this study Ch. globosum , P. cladosporioides , A. alternata , A. fumigatus were air-borne isolates from our laboratory collection.

The chemicals and media used for cell cultivation were purchased from Gibco BRL Paisley, UK. A disc-diffusion assay was used to determine the growth inhibition of bacteria by EOs.

Sterile filter paper discs 6 mm Ø Whatman No. A pure DMSO control was included with each test to ensure that microbial growth was not inhibited by DMSO itself. The sensitivity was classified according to Ponce et al. Each test was performed in three replicates. The MIC and MBC of each EO was determined using a broth microdilution method in well strip tubes with transparent strip-caps according to Poaty et al.

For each dilution, the same volume as the full-strength sample was added. One hundred microliters of bacterial suspension was finally added to each. MIC was determined as the lowest concentration of EO that inhibited visible growth of the tested microorganism.

Growth of bacterial cells in each of the wells was verified by color change. When bacterial growth occurred absence of inhibition , the INT changed from clear to purple. Wells with DMSO alone were used as controls. MBC is the lowest concentration of EO that results in microbial death.

It was determined by subculturing from wells that exhibited no color change to sterile MHA plates that do not contain the test EO. Fungal suspensions were prepared according to De Lira Mota et al. The resulting mixture of sporangiospores and hyphal fragments was withdrawn and transferred to a sterile tube.

Filter paper discs 6 mm Ø Whatman No. For each dilution, the same volume as the full-strength sample was placed on the sterile disc. Inhibition zone diameters were measured in mm.

An inhibition zone larger than 1 mm was taken to indicate a positive effect. The procedure reported by Thompson 61 was used to determine whether a given EO possessed only a fungistatic effect or if it also had fungicidal activity.

The center of each solidified medium was inoculated upside down with 6-mm square mycelial plugs cut from the periphery of 7-day-old cultures.

Positive controls were simultaneously run with DMSO and without EO. The lowest concentration of each EO that completely prevented visible fungal growth and allowed a revival of fungal growth during the transfer experiment was considered the MIC for that EO.

This effect was identified as fungistatic. The concentration unfavorable for growth revival during the transfer experiment was taken as the MFC and this effect was identified as fungicidal.

Seven days after reinoculation, the inhibited fungal mycelial plugs were once again reinoculated into fresh MEB without EO to see if their growth revived. No growth was taken to confirm again the fungicidal activity and also to suggest a possible sporocidal effect. In order to determine the fungistatic or fungicidal activity of volatized EOs, 6 mm squares of growing fungal mycelia were taken from the margin of the active growth area of fungal colonies and placed onto MEA plates.

The radial mycelial growth of the fungus was then checked. The effect was identified as fungistatic if growth was observed after the new incubation period, and fungicidal if no growth was observed The effect was also confirmed by reinoculating the inhibited fungal mycelial plugs into fresh MEB without EO.

The MTT test is a colorimetric method for measuring the activity of the mitochondrial enzymes that reduce MTT, a yellow tetrazole, to purple formazan. This reduction takes place only when reductase enzymes are active, and therefore conversion is often used as a measure of viable living cells.

At least 4 parallel wells were used for each sample. Cells were then exposed to different EO concentrations 0. After the treatment, the cells were washed, trypsinized, re-suspended in a fresh culture medium and the level of DNA lesions was detected using the single cell gel electrophoresis SCGE , also known as comet assay alkaline.

The procedure of Singh et al. After solidification of the gel, the cover slips were removed and placed in lysis solution 2. Louis, MO. EtBr-stained nucleoides were examined with a Zeiss Imager Z2 fluorescence microscope with computerized image analysis Metafer 3.

The percentage of DNA in the tail was used as a parameter for estimating the number of DNA strand breaks. One hundred comets were scored for each sample in one electrophoresis run. Because the antibacterial activity datasets were normally distributed, the independent samples t -test was performed to test for significant differences between groups.

Bakkali, F. Biological effects of essential oils - a review. Food Chem. Article CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Fournomiti, M. et al. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils of cultivated oregano Origanum vulgare , sage Salvia officinalis ,and thyme Thymus vulgaris against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli , Klebsiella oxytoca , and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Health Dis. Lambert, R. A study of the minimum inhibitory concentration and mode of action of oregano essential oil, thymol and carvacrol.

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CAS PubMed Google Scholar. Cavanagh, H. Biological activities of lavender essential oil. Hajhashemi, V. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill.

Article PubMed Google Scholar. Vanin, A. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of clove essential oil and eugenyl acetate produced by enzymatic esterification.

Applied biochemistry and biotechnology 4 , — Taher, Y. Experimental evaluation of anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antipyretic activities of clove oil in mice.

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De Oliveira, M. Disinfectant action of Cymbopogon sp. essential oils in different phases of biofilm formation by Listeria monocytogenes on stainless steel surface. Food Control 21 , — Article Google Scholar. Mitić-Ćulafić, D. Comparative study on the antibacterial activity of volatiles from sage Salvia officinalis L.

Belgrade 57 , — Poaty, B. Composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of seven essential oils from the North American boreal forest. World J. Inouye, S. Comparative study of antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of selected essential oils by gaseous and solution contacts.

Tullio, V. Antifungal activity of essential oils against filamentous fungi determined by broth microdilution and vapour contact methods.

Tyagi, A. Liquid and vapour-phase antifungal activities of selected essential oils against Candida albicans : microscopic observations and chemical characterization of Cymbopogon citratus. BMC Complement. Antimicrobial potential and chemical composition of Eucalyptus globulus oil in liquid and vapour phase against food spoilage microorganisms.

Article CAS Google Scholar. Vapor activity of 72 essential oils against a Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Bergkvist, T. Antimicrobial activity of four volatile essential oils. Master thesis in Pharmacy, Charles Sturt University, Goteborg, Sweden. Chia, T. Attachment of different Salmonella serovars to materials commonly used in a poultry processing plant.

Food Microbiology 26 , — Jun, W. Microbial biofilm detection on food contact surfaces by macro-scale fluorescence imaging. Food Eng. Valeriano, C.

The sanitizing action of essential oil-based solutions against Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis S64 biofilm formation on AISI stainless steel. Food Control 25 , — Slamenova, D. Essential rosemary oil protects testicular cells against DNA-damaging effects of H 2 O 2 and DMNQ.

Basaran, A. An investigation of some Turkish herbal medicines in Salmonella typhimurium and in the Comet assay in human lymphocytes. Llana-Ruiz-Cabello, M. In vitro toxicological evaluation of essential oils and their main compounds used in active food packaging: a review.

Ruiz-Pérez, N. Antimycotic Activity and Genotoxic Evaluation of Citrus sinensis and Citrus latifolia Essential Oils. Reports 6 , — Schimmer, O. An evaluation of 55 commercial plant extracts in the Ames mutagenicity test. Pharmazie 49 , — Sturchio, E. Molecular and structural changes induced by essential oils treatments in Vicia faba roots detected by genotoxicity testing.

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In most cases, oregano oil can be used safely without side-effects. However, consultation with a health professional is recommended if in doubt.

Oregano oil is just one of the antifungal treatments that Dr. Wood and I recommend in our book. This can prevent Candida albicans from adapting to a single treatment, and is usually preferable to rotating your antifungals. Are you unsure how to integrate antifungals into your Candida recovery plan?

For lots more information on how to choose the right antifungals, plus when and how to take them, take a look at our Ultimate Candida Diet treatment plan. This Candida Kit contains all the supplements recommended on the Candida Diet: - LIVER ONE to process and remove the toxins created by Candida.

Learn More. Your email address will not be published. Free Guide To Beating Candida. Sign up to our free, 8-part email course today, and learn how to create your own, personalized Candida treatment plan :.

Table Of Contents Toggle How Does Oregano Oil Work? How Should You Take Oregano Oil? Other Benefits Of Oregano Oil How Is Oregano Oil Manufactured?

Who Should Not Take Oregano Oil? Oregano Oil And Candida. Share on X Twitter Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest Share on Email. Filed under: Antifungals.

Ideally, you purchase percent pure, unfiltered, Certified USDA Organic oregano oil. Before using oregano essential oil on your skin, always mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. This helps reduce the risk for irritation and adverse reactions by diluting the oil.

To use it topically, mix three drops of undiluted oregano oil with a small amount of your carrier oil, and then apply topically by rubbing into the skin over the affected area. You may be asking: What limits does oil of oregano have? When taking oregano oil internally, it should always be diluted with water or mixed with coconut oil.

When using oil of oregano, pregnant women should use caution and only use if instructed by their physicians to do so. If side effects such as nausea, dizziness or an allergic reaction are ever experienced, stop using oregano oil right away, and consider seeing a doctor.

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Axe on Twitter 46 Dr. Axe on Pintrest Share on Email Print Article Essential oils like frankincense oil have been used for thousands of years Read More. Axe on Twitter 20 Dr. Axe on Pintrest Share on Email Print Article 1. Axe on Twitter 39 Dr.

Axe on Pintrest Share on Email Print Article 5. Peppermint oil is one of the most versatile essential oils out there. View All.

It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death 15 , Although this is promising research, no studies have been conducted on people, so more research is needed. Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.

More research is needed to demonstrate that oregano oil has a role in weight loss, but it may be worth trying as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Oregano oil may be beneficial for weight loss through the action of carvacrol, though human studies are needed. Oregano oil extract is widely available in capsule and tablet form. It can be bought from most health food shops or online. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically.

Note that no essential oil should be ingested. Oregano oil extract can be purchased in pill or capsule form and taken orally. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Oregano contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and may have other health benefits.

You can take oregano oil extract as a supplement, while oregano essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil to be used safely. Oregano essential oil, when diluted, can be applied to the skin. Oregano oil extract as a supplement is likely safe for most people if you do not exceed the recommended dose on the package.

But if you have other health conditions or take other medications, it is best to check in with a doctor before adding oregano oil extract to your diet. You can also consume oregano as an herb in food. Oregano oil cannot be consumed in the essential oil form. You can consume oregano oil extract as a supplement in pill or capsule form.

You may get more benefits by consuming it with a meal. Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.

Overall, it appears to have several health benefits and may be useful as a natural treatment for some common health complaints. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. Trying to beat a cold or the flu? Oregano oil might help. Learn what the research says and how to use it safely. The phenols found in oregano may give it several health benefits. Here's the side effects of oregano herbal and essential oil, including its forms and….

Oregano is a staple herb in many cuisines around the world. It may also have significant health benefits, such as the 6 discussed here. MindBodyGreen provides third-party-tested supplements made with high quality ingredients. Our testers and dietitians discuss whether MindBodyGreen…. Vitamins are for athletes to stay healthy.

You may get all you need from the food you eat. Some athletes may benefits from vitamin supplements. Docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, is a type of omega-3 fat that may improve many aspects of your health, from your brain to your heart.

Here are 12…. Vitamins are what your body needs to function and stay healthy. It's possible to get all the vitamins you need from the food you eat, but supplements…. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient that helps with blood clotting and healthy bones. It can be found in leafy greens, vegetable oils, and broccoli.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? Fifty-seven percent responded positively to the herbal treatment even after failing to feel better from the antibiotics. One study found that when adults whose stools tested positive for enteric parasites including Blastocystis hominis, which causes digestive distress supplemented with milligrams of oregano for six weeks, many experienced significant improvements in gastrointestinal symptoms.

Researchers reported a complete disappearance of Entamoeba hartmanni four cases , Endolimax nana one case and Blastocystis hominis in eight cases.

Gastrointestinal symptoms improved in seven of the 11 patients who tested positive for Blastocystis hominis , which tends to cause symptoms like nausea, gas, bloating and abdominal pain. Oregano retains its strong antioxidant capacity in both fresh and dry form.

Due to its high concentration of antioxidants, oregano essential oil has been shown to help reduce oxidative damage and help in preventing mutagenesis, carcinogenesis and aging due its free radical scavenging activities.

Free radicals are believed to be a contributing factor to common chronic conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders and drug toxicity. One study found that combined treatment with thyme and oregano essential oils helped reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and thereby may help attenuat e colitis a type of inflammatory bowel disease in mice.

Other studies show that oregano oil is beneficial for treating reoccurring respiratory disorders, tumor growth and rheumatoid arthritis. Research published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests that adding oregano oil supplementation can improve cholesterol levels.

For the study, 48 patients with mild hyperlipidemia were given lifestyle and low-fat dietary advice. Thirty-two of the patients study group were prescribed 25 milliliters of oregano distillate to be taken after each meal for three months, and the remaining 16 patients were the control group.

After the three-month study period, those in the study group showed significantly greater increases in high-density lipoprotein HDL cholesterol and significantly greater decreases in low density lipoprotein LDL cholesterol compared to the control group.

Ideally, you purchase percent pure, unfiltered, Certified USDA Organic oregano oil. Before using oregano essential oil on your skin, always mix it with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. This helps reduce the risk for irritation and adverse reactions by diluting the oil.

To use it topically, mix three drops of undiluted oregano oil with a small amount of your carrier oil, and then apply topically by rubbing into the skin over the affected area. You may be asking: What limits does oil of oregano have? When taking oregano oil internally, it should always be diluted with water or mixed with coconut oil.

When using oil of oregano, pregnant women should use caution and only use if instructed by their physicians to do so. If side effects such as nausea, dizziness or an allergic reaction are ever experienced, stop using oregano oil right away, and consider seeing a doctor.

Popular Essential Oils Posts All Time This Week {position} Frankincense Essential Oil Uses and Benefits for Healing. More Essential Oils Dr. Axe on Facebook Dr. Axe on Twitter 17 Dr. Axe on Instagram Dr. Oregano, or Origanum vulgare , is a small, bushy plant that belongs to the mint family.

It is a familiar culinary herb in Italian dishes. Oregano oil contains high levels of important compounds in its leaves and smaller stems. Oil manufacturers dry the leaves and stems, then steam-distill the plant matter to extract as many compounds as possible.

While oregano oil contains a significant amount, the compound thymol occurs most abundantly in thyme. For instance, Staphylococcus is a common type of bacteria that causes staph infection. Some strains occur naturally in the body, but when the bacteria grow too quickly, it can cause bothersome symptoms.

Research shows that carvacrol is effective in eliminating the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis , two common causes of infection.

Taking oregano oil supplements or rubbing it on the skin may help a person make use of these antibacterial effects. Researchers are also exploring the use of oregano oil for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

The authors of a study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that a combination of oregano oil and silver nanoparticles effectively eliminated all the bacteria they tested. Oregano oil may help treat chronic bacterial issues, such as SIBO. People with SIBO experience gastrointestinal problems due to an overgrowth of certain bacteria in their intestines.

A study found that herbal remedies, including one that contained high levels of both carvacrol and thymol, were effective tools in treating SIBO. Exploring the individual effects of each compound will require more research, but these initial findings may be promising.

Research from found thymol to be an effective treatment for common Candida fungal infections. Oregano oil is also a potent antioxidant. Antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals.

Oxidative stress may lead to increased DNA damage and cell death. Oxidation may also play a role in other issues, such as arthritis , atherosclerosis , and some cancers. Thymol and carvacrol are powerful antioxidants that may help reduce oxidation. The researchers suggested that further studies explore safe doses for regular use.

Some sources claim that oregano oil may help reduce inflammation. The compound carvacrol shows anti-inflammatory effects in both animal models and in vitro studies.

In one study on mice, the compound prevented obesity by affecting the genes involved in inflammation.

In another animal study, the compound reduced swelling. While the results show promise, the researchers have called for more tests on humans to determine a safe dosage. Applying diluted oregano oil to the skin may help protect smaller cuts and scrapes on the skin as they heal.

Compounds such as thymol and carvacrol could protect these types of wound from bacterial infections. Both carvacrol and thymol may be effective insect-repellents. In , researchers found that these compounds repelled some ticks and mosquitos.

The research included test tube studies and those with human participants. More research will help confirm this potential benefit, but rubbing diluted oregano oil on the skin may be a natural way to help repel insects. There is some evidence that oregano may be an effective pain reliever.

An animal study found that an extract of oregano provided pain relief. Importantly, the researchers used a water-based extract, so the oil may not provide the same results.

More research in humans could help determine an appropriate dose. Oregano oil may also be a helpful tool for people looking to lose weight. Researchers have found that carvacrol, the main compound in oregano oil, disrupts part of the process that leads to the creation and accumulation of fat tissue.

Some sources claim that oregano oil may help fight some cancers. One review notes that the essential oil from oregano helps prevent some types of colon cancer and breast cancer from growing in test tubes. The oil also appeared to inhibit the growth of some lung cancer and prostate cancer cells.

Much of the research in cancer comes from test tubes or animal models, so people should view the results with caution and never use oils as a replacement for medical treatment.

The results also showed that oregano's essential oil presents higher antioxidant potential than the mint essential oil. Table 5 presents the IC 50 values of the essential oils for antioxidant activity.

The results suggest once more that oregano oil has a higher antioxidant capacity than mint oil. Henn et al. Oregano essential oil as food additive for piglets: antimicrobial and antioxidant potential.

Revista Brasileira de Zootecnia, 39 8 , evaluated the antioxidant power of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare by the DPPH method. According to Kaurinovic et al. Antioxidant capacity of Ocimum basilicum L. and Origanum vulgare L.

Molecules Basel, Switzerland , 16 9 , Carvacrol and menthol found in oregano and mint essential oils, respectively, are the main compounds in both oils, according to the chemical composition evaluation.

Both structures have hydroxyl OH groups attached to the aromatic ring, responsible for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities Velluti et al. Inhibitory effect of cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, oregano and palmarose essential oils on growth and fumonisin B1 production by Fusarium proliferatum in maize grain.

International Journal of Food Microbiology, 89 , However, essential oils present a high chemical complexity due to compounds with different functional groups, polarity, and chemical behavior.

Thus, these essays' results may reflect only a part of its antioxidant capacity Sacchetti et al. Comparative evaluation of 11 essential oils of different origin as functional antioxidants, antiradicals, and antimicrobials in foods. Food Chemistry, 91 4 , The FDA Food and Drug Administration-USA recognizes many essential oils as GRAS Generally Recognized as Safe.

However, adverse reactions to specific compounds are commonly reported, manifested as irritations and toxic effects. Therefore, toxicological studies, including cell viability assays, are necessary Burt, Burt, S.

Figure 5 presents NGM and NIH-3T3 cells' viability incubated with oregano and mint essential oils for 24, 48, and 72 h. Anti-influenza virus activities of commercial oregano oils and their carriers.

Journal of Applied Pharmaceutical Science, 02 07 , Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil: antiproliferative, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Brazilian Journal of Microbiology, 41 4 , Atividades biológicas dos óleos essenciais de Endlicheria citriodora, uma Lauraceae rica em geranato de metila.

Química Nova, 36 6 , Most studies on the cytotoxicity of essential oils are developed with tumor cells due to their antitumor properties. Grbović et al. In Vitro cytotoxic activity of Origanum vulgare L. on HCT and MDA-MB cell lines. Plants, 2 3 , Seasonal variation in content, chemical composition and antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of essential oils from four Mentha species.

Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 90 11 , Citototoxic activity of essential oils of Mentha spp. on human carcinoma cells. J Health Res. evaluated the cytotoxicity of oregano and mint oils in human tumoral cells. They proved that tumoral cells are less sensitive to the treatment than non-tumoral cells.

According to the authors, the high concentration of phenols, especially carvacrol, explains the cytotoxic activity of oregano oil. found that carvacrol showed high antiviral activity alone and high cytotoxicity. According to these authors, oregano essential oils with minor cytotoxicity present components with protective properties that neutralize carvacrol's substantial toxic effect.

The compound responsible for the cytotoxicity in the mint oil is menthol mainly. Overall, the main components determine the biological properties of the essential oils Bakkali et al.

However, research reports have suggested that minor components may also play a considerable role in these activities.

Thus, an antagonistic or synergistic effect of minority compounds must also be considered Lambert et al. Table 6 presents the IC 50 values of the essential oils of oregano and mint.

Alternatives to in vivo studies in toxicology. Ballantyne, T. Syversen Eds. According to this classification, oregano and mint oils might be considered potentially toxic to human cells NGM and potentially very toxic to murine cells NIH-3T3 in the conditions tested.

The in vitro assessment of oregano and mint oils' cytotoxicity aimed to establish a reference to these compounds' use, whose primary purpose was its application as antimicrobial agents in food preservation. However, most studies have focused on the pharmaceutical and medical fields for treating tumor cells.

Vapour phase: a potential future use for essential oils as antimicrobials? Letters in Applied Microbiology, 54 3 , The degree of toxicity of an extract depends on several factors, including the dose and administration frequency. In some cases, lower dosages lead to poisoning because of the individual sensitivity, resulting from sensitization and allergy to more severe problems.

The dose-dependent factor of oils associated with the individual sensitivity to different components makes it difficult to set a safety limit for the compounds' applicability. Due to these factors, the use of plants derived products requires previous studies on various aspects, such as their toxic effect on animal organisms Cleff et al.

Toxicidade Pré-Clínica em Doses Repetidas do Óleo Essencial do Origanum vulgare L. Orégano em Ratas Wistar.

Latin American Journal of Pharmacy, 27 5 , Cleff et al. developed an in vivo study of the cytotoxicity of the essential oil of Origanum vulgare in adult Wistar rats. The results showed no toxic effects during the observation period.

None of the experimental animals showed clinical, behavioral changes or death. The addition of ppm of the essential oil in swine diets did not result in any negative changes; contrarywise, positive effects were observed in the animals' health and production.

Oregano improves reproductive performance of sows. Theriogenology, 63 3 , In recent years, there has been increasing realization that many essential oils from various plants have been reported to be safe and possess strong antimicrobial effects Zhang et al.

Chemical composition, antibacterial activity of Cyperus rotundus rhizomes essential oil against Staphylococcus aureus via membrane disruption and apoptosis pathway. Food Control, 80, Although synthetic antimicrobial agents' antimicrobial mode of action has been reviewed to some extent, there is still a lack of determining the mode of action of plant-based natural compounds, including essential oils, against pathogenic microorganisms Bajpai et al.

Antibacterial mode of action of Cudrania tricuspidata fruit essential oil, affecting membrane permeability and surface characteristics of food-borne pathogens. Food Control, 32 2 , In this way, the relatively low cost given the need for small concentrations opens exciting possibilities for using these essential oils as antimicrobial agents.

The results of the in vitro studies, associated with the in vivo studies, are essential references for establishing safe limits for using essential oils in food. Origanum vulgare and Mentha arvensis essential oils present great antioxidant potential as a sign of more potential bioactivity.

In addition, these oils have antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium commune , and the antifungal activity of the respective volatile compounds is even greater. All tests show that oregano's essential oil presents higher biological potentials than the essential oil of mint.

The results of in vitro cytotoxicity of oregano and mint essential oils are dependent on the oil composition and cell lines, being the results presented helpful as a reference to further studies.

Overall, essential oils have potential activity against Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium commune , but further in vivo studies are necessary to ensure their safe use in food preservation. The authors thank the Coordenação de Pessoal de Nível Superior CAPES for financial support and fellowships for Núria B-P.

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Text EN Text English. PDF Download PDF English. Abstract This study determined the chemical composition and evaluated the antioxidant activity and antifungal properties of essential oils of oregano Origanum vulgare and mint Mentha arvensis against the fungi Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium commune as possible alternatives for food preservation.

Introduction Synthetic additives commonly used in food conservation have been essential in large-scale production. Materials and methods 2. Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration MIC The minimum inhibitory concentrations MIC of the essential oils of oregano and mint were assessed by the microdilution broth method, based on MA standard National Committee Clinical Laboratory Standards, National Committee Clinical Laboratory Standards — NCCLS Determination of Minimum Inhibitory Dose MID The disk volatilization test assessed the minimum inhibitory doses MID of the essential oils of oregano and mint López et al.

Figure 1 Chemical structure of carvacrol A and menthol B. Figure 3 Visual evaluation of MID of essential oils of oregano and mint against A. flavus and P. commune fungi.

Data magnifications were inserted into the figures to show the almost-linear behavior of the antioxidant activity with the concentration.

Table 6 IC 50 values of oregano and mint essential oils for NGM and NIH-3T3 cells in different incubation periods. Acknowledgements The authors thank the Coordenação de Pessoal de Nível Superior CAPES for financial support and fellowships for Núria B-P.

Practical Application: antioxidants and antifungal additives for food preservation. Their correct use will help reduce synthetic additives, as demanded by most consumers. On the other hand, this use of the essential oils of oregano and mint can increase the agricultural production of these plants and their processing to extract their essential oils.

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Food Chemistry , , Critical reviews in food science and nutrition , 59 20 , One older test-tube study compared the antioxidant content of 39 commonly used herbs and found that oregano had the highest concentration of antioxidants 6.

Because oregano oil extract is very concentrated, you need much less oregano oil to reap the same antioxidant benefits as you would from fresh oregano. Fresh oregano has a very high antioxidant content. The antioxidant content is concentrated in oregano oil. Yeast is a type of fungus.

It can be harmless, but overgrowth can result in human infections. Certain forms of Candida yeasts occur naturally on the skin but can cause infections in the mouth, genitals, blood, and internal organs 7.

Studies show that oregano essential oil is effective against the development of Candida infections 8. Test-tube studies have shown that oregano essential oil is effective against Candida , the most common form of yeast. Oregano essential oil may benefit gut health in several ways due to its anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial properties 9.

Notably, research shows that the compounds carvacrol and thymol can help to treat small intestine bacterial overgrowth Oregano oil may benefit gut health by killing gut parasites and preventing harmful bacteria overgrowth.

Inflammation in the body is linked to several adverse health effects. Research has shown that oregano oil may reduce inflammation. A review found that several compounds within oregano essential oil have anti-inflammatory properties but can exert a toxic effect on certain cells.

As a result, further controlled study is necessary to assess its therapeutic use fully 11 , Oregano oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in mice, though more studies are needed.

Research shows that oregano essential oils have promising applications in pain management Older animal studies also suggest that carvacrol compounds specifically, may have pain-relieving properties when used in conjunction with other medicines Oregano oil may significantly reduce pain in mice, exerting pain-relieving effects similar to those of some commonly used medications.

A few studies have indicated that carvacrol, one of the compounds of oregano oil, may have cancer-fighting properties.

In test-tube studies on cancer cells, carvacrol has demonstrated promising results against lung, liver, and breast cancer cells. It has been found to inhibit cell growth and cause cancer cell death 15 , Although this is promising research, no studies have been conducted on people, so more research is needed.

Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.

More research is needed to demonstrate that oregano oil has a role in weight loss, but it may be worth trying as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle. Oregano oil may be beneficial for weight loss through the action of carvacrol, though human studies are needed. Oregano oil extract is widely available in capsule and tablet form.

It can be bought from most health food shops or online. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied topically. Note that no essential oil should be ingested.

Oregano oil extract can be purchased in pill or capsule form and taken orally. Oregano essential oil is also available and can be diluted with a carrier oil and applied to the skin.

Oregano contains compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties and may have other health benefits. You can take oregano oil extract as a supplement, while oregano essential oil must be diluted with a carrier oil to be used safely. Oregano essential oil, when diluted, can be applied to the skin.

Oregano oil extract as a supplement is likely safe for most people if you do not exceed the recommended dose on the package. But if you have other health conditions or take other medications, it is best to check in with a doctor before adding oregano oil extract to your diet.

You can also consume oregano as an herb in food. Oregano oil cannot be consumed in the essential oil form. You can consume oregano oil extract as a supplement in pill or capsule form.

You may get more benefits by consuming it with a meal. Oregano also contains compounds that may be effective against bacterial and fungal infections, inflammation, and pain, among other conditions.

In most cases, oregano oil can be used safely without side-effects. However, consultation with a health professional is recommended if in doubt.

Oregano oil is just one of the antifungal treatments that Dr. Wood and I recommend in our book. This can prevent Candida albicans from adapting to a single treatment, and is usually preferable to rotating your antifungals. Are you unsure how to integrate antifungals into your Candida recovery plan?

For lots more information on how to choose the right antifungals, plus when and how to take them, take a look at our Ultimate Candida Diet treatment plan. This Candida Kit contains all the supplements recommended on the Candida Diet: - LIVER ONE to process and remove the toxins created by Candida.

Learn More. Your email address will not be published. Free Guide To Beating Candida. Sign up to our free, 8-part email course today, and learn how to create your own, personalized Candida treatment plan :. Table Of Contents Toggle How Does Oregano Oil Work? How Should You Take Oregano Oil?

Other Benefits Of Oregano Oil How Is Oregano Oil Manufactured? Who Should Not Take Oregano Oil? Oregano Oil And Candida.

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