Abstract
Origanum vulgare L. is a widely used aromatic plant, especially due to its content in essential oil, mainly rich in carvacrol and thymol. The ethnopharmacological uses of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil (OEO) comprise digestive, respiratory, or dermatological disorders. The review focuses on the increasing number of recent studies investigating several biological activities of OEO. The bioactivities are in tight relation to the phytochemical profile of the essential oil, and also depend on taxonomic, climatic, and geographical characteristics of the plant material. The antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, skin disorders beneficial effects, next to antihyperglycemic and anti-Alzheimer activities were reported and confirmed in multiple studies. Moreover, recent studies indicate a positive impact on skin disorders of OEO formulated as nanocarrier systems in order to improve its bioavailability and, thus, enhancing its therapeutic benefits. The review brings an up to date regarding the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, underlining also the most successful pharmaceutical formulation used for skin disorders.
Highlights
Origanum vulgare L., commonly oregano, is one of the most renowned aromatic species, with a strong traditional background as a spice and medicinal plant, and as a well-established source of valuable plant-based drugs in modern phytotherapy
The review brings an up to date regarding the phytochemistry and bioactivity of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil, underlining the most successful pharmaceutical formulation used for skin disorders
The essential oil from plants in different countries has been evaluated in terms of chemical composition and major components have been identified depending on the area of origin [14]
Summary
Origanum vulgare L., commonly oregano, is one of the most renowned aromatic species, with a strong traditional background as a spice and medicinal plant, and as a well-established source of valuable plant-based drugs in modern phytotherapy This Lamiaceae plant is native to Europe, the North of the African continent, and most of temperate Asia, but the hotspot of its diversity is situated in the Mediterranean region and predominantly in Turkey [1]. The essential oils, the most relevant constituents for the medicinal value of O. vulgare, are synthesized in peltate glandular trichomes, which occur on the surface of stems, leaves, and flowers (sepals, petals). These trichomes have an enlarged secretory head, made up of 12–16 glandulous cells covered by a common cuticle (Figure 1); volatile oils are released upon rupture of the cuticle. Reduced water and nitrogen supply augment the density of peltate trichomes [9], while plant density does not affect the number of glandular hairs per leaf surface unit [10]
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