Marjoram Research Articles

Ameliorative effect of Celery( Apium gravealens) and Sweet Marjoram (Origanium marjoram) on some biochemical parameters of diabetic male rats

) on normal and diabetic rats for 30 successive days . Twenty mature rats of an average body weight of (150-180 gm ) were divided into 4 groups 5 rats each.(G1) control ,(G2) diabetic control group injected intrapretonial by alloxan in a dose 150 mg/kg b.wt .(G3)diabetic rats fed on basal diet mixed with 1% dried

Comparative effect of chemical and organic fertilizers on primary metabolite contents of Ocimum bascilicum L. and Majorana hortensis Moench

Comparative effect of chemical and organic fertilizers on primary metabolite contents of Ocimum bascilicum L. and Majorana hortensis Moench

Comparative effect of chemical and organic fertilizers on primary metabolite contents of Ocimum bascilicum L. and Majorana hortensis Moench

Organic fertilizers are useful substitutes to inorganic fertilizers which improve the soil quality. In the present work, it was shown that organic fertilizers works better on primary metabolite contents of Ocimum basilicum and Marjorana hortensis than chemical fertilizers. Marjorana plant showed increased primary metabolite content compared to Ocimum plant under the treatment of organic fertilizers, but there was significant difference between the two plants indicating organic fertilizers were better. It concludes in general that applying organic fertilizers to the plants is an ecofriendly technique to improve the yield and quantity of the plants.

Fungicidal versus Fungistatic activity of five Iranian essences against fluconazole resistant Candida species

Introduction: Antifungal resistant is one of the causes of high mortality rates during invasive candidiasis. Since development of new antifungal agents is limited, researchers have focused on natural products including essential oils (EOs) with antifungal properties. In immunocompromised patients fungicidal activity is of benefit. This study was designed to evaluate chemical composition and fungicidal/fungistatic activities of five Iranian EOs and against fluconazole resistant Candida species.Methods: To determine chemical composition of EOs gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was employed. Fluconazole resistant Candida species were chosen and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of studied EOs were determined by broth microdilution method. Minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) was determined as the lowest concentration with no fungal growth on solid media. Fungicidal activity was calculated by MFC/MIC ratio.Results: The results showed that C. albicans and C. tropialis isolates were susceptible to itraconazole (ITC) and voriconazole (VRC) while one species of C. glabrata and C. krusei each was resistant to itraconzaole; and itraconazole resistant C. glabrata isolate was resistance to voriconzaole as well. Among tested EOs, the ones from Cinnamomum cayennense, Origanum majorana var. majoranoides and Andropogon citratus had the highest anti-Candida activity. Artemisia aromatica A. Nelson had the highest MIC value against Candida isolates. All EOs in this study had fungicidal activity.Conclusion: In general, the tested natural compounds are suitable to be used as anti-Candida. However more studies are needed on each chemical compound to evaluate its antifungal activity alone or in combination with other agents.

Identification of antitumoral agents against human pancreatic cancer cells from Asteraceae and Lamiaceae plant extracts

BackgroundPancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and mortal cancers. Although several drugs have been proposed for its treatment, it remains resistant and new alternatives are needed. In this context, plants and their derivatives constitute a relevant source of bioactive components which might efficiently inhibit tumor cell progression.MethodsIn this study, we have analyzed the potential anti-carcinogenic effect of different Asteraceae (Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis) and Lamiaceae (Melissa officinalis and Origanum majorana) plant extracts obtained by different green technologies (Supercritical CO2 Extraction –SFE- and Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction –UAE-) to identify efficient plant extracts against human pancreatic cancer cells that could constitute the basis of novel treatment approaches.ResultsAsteraceae extracts showed better results as antitumoral agents than Lamiaceae by inducing cytotoxicity and inhibiting cell transformation, and SFE extracts were most efficient than UAE extracts. In addition, SFE derived plant extracts from Achillea millefolium and Calendula officinalis displayed synergism with the chemotherapeutic 5-Fluororacil.ConclusionThese results show how Yarrow and Marigold SFE-derived extracts can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell growth, and could be proposed for a comprehensive study to determine the molecular mechanisms involved in their bioactivity with the final aim to propose them as potential adjuvants in pancreatic cancer therapy.

Origanum majorana L. extract exhibit positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms involved in acute infectious diarrhea

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOriganum majorana L. (Lamiaceae) is commonly used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat infantile colic, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. Liquid stools and abdominal discomfort observed in acute infectious diarrhea are the consequences of imbalance between intestinal water secretion and absorption in the lumen, and relaxation of smooth muscle surrounding the intestinal mucosa. Aim of the studyThe objective of our study was to see if aqueous extract of Origanum majorana L. (AEOM) may exhibit an effect on those deleterious mechanisms. Materials and methodsThe effect of AEOM on electrogenic Cl- secretion and Na+ absorption, the two main mechanisms underlying water movement in the intestine, was assessed on intestinal pieces of mice intestine mounted, in vitro, in Ussing chambers. AEOM effect on muscle relaxation was measured on rat intestinal smooth muscle mounted in an isotonic transducer. Results1) AEOM placed on the serosal (i.e. blood) side of the piece of jejunum entirely inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the Forskolin-induced electrogenic chloride secretion, with an IC50 = 654 ± 8 µg/mL. 2) AEOM placed on the mucosal (i.e. luminal) side stimulated in a concentration-dependent manner an electrogenic Na+ absorption, with an IC50 = 476.9 ± 1 µg/mL. 3) AEOM (1 mg/mL) inhibition of Forskolin-induced electrogenic secretion was almost entirely prevented by prior exposure to Ca++ channels or neurotransmitters inhibitors. 4) AEOM (1 mg/mL) proabsorptive effect was greater in the ileum and progressively declined in the jejunum, distal colon and proximal colon (minimal). 5) AEOM inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner smooth muscle Carbachol or KCl induced contraction, with an IC50 = 1.64 ± 0.2 mg/mL or 1.92 ± 0.8 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusionthe present results indicate that aqueous extract of Origanum majorana L. exhibit positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms that are involved in acute infectious diarrhea.

Myorelaxant Activity of essential oil from Origanum majorana L. on rat and rabbit

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOriganum majorana L. (Lamiaceae) was usually used in Moroccan folk medicine to treat infantile colic and abdominal discomfort. Materials and methodsThe essential oil from the aerial part of the dry Origanum majorana L. (EOOM) was obtained through hydro distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The effect of EOOM on muscle relaxation was measured on rabbit and rat intestinal smooth muscle mounted in an isotonic transducer. Results1) The main compounds obtained from the aqueous extract of this plant were alpha Terpineol, L-terpinen-4-ol and Beta.-Linalool. 2) EOOM inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner spontaneous contraction of rabbit jejunum, with an IC50 = 64.08 ± 2.42 μg/mL. 3) In rat intestine, EOOM induced the relaxation of the tissue in concentration-dependent manner with an IC50 = 39.70 ± 2.29 μg/mL when the tissue was pre-contracted with CCh 10-6 M, and 48.70 ± 2.26 μg/mL when the tissue was pre-contracted with 25 mM KCl. 4) The relaxation effect induced by EOOM was more important than that obtained in the presence of atropine, hexamethonium, Nifedipine, L-NAME and Blue of methylene. Conclusionthe present result indicates that essential oil of Origanum majorana L. exhibit an effect on intestinal relaxation in vitro. This effect further validates the traditional use of Origanum majorana L. to treat infantile colic and abdominal discomfort.

Effectiveness of aqueous extract of marjoram leaves in the treatment of aspartame liver toxicity

Background and objectives Although there are several toxicological studies on aspartame (ASP), its histopathological effects on the liver have received little attention. Natural marjoram [Origanum majorana (OM)] is extensively studied for its ability to protect cells from damages. The present study was to evaluate the chronic effects of ASP, and marjoram as well as the protective effect of aqueous extract of marjoram leaves (OM) against ASP-induced liver toxicity. Materials and methods Seventy-two female albino rats (180±20 g) were divided into nine groups: G1 as a control, G2 and G3 received ASP, G4 and G5 were administrated water extract OM, and G6, G7, G8, and G9 were treated with ASP+OM. Serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, vascular endothelial growth factor levels, and histological examination of the liver tissues were detected for all groups. Results and conclusion ASP caused a significant increase in glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase, and vascular endothelial growth factor levels. A combination of OM (100 or 300 mg/rat) with ASP (50 or 100 mg/rat) improved most of the previous parameters. Histological examination of the liver showed some abnormality, but no significant morphological changes in G6, G7, G8, and G9. The treated rats (G2 and G3) showed hepatic fibrosis, nuclear changes, hepatocyte degeneration disruption hepatic cords, and cytoplasmic vacillations. ASP groups treated with OM showed improvement of many hepatic changes. Thus, OM may have a protective effect on ASP hepatotoxicity.

Cytotoxicity of the Aqueous Extract and Organic Fractions from Origanum majorana on Human Breast Cell Line MDA-MB-231 and Human Colon Cell Line HT-29.

The toxicity of the aqueous extract of Origanum majorana was tested (5 and 10 g/kg) in albino mice. No symptoms of toxicity or mortality were observed. The mice survived being active and healthy during all 14 days of observation. In addition, the weight measurement of the left and right kidneys, heart, and liver shows no significant difference between the control, 5 g/kg, and 10 g/kg. All extracts (aqueous, petroleum ether, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanolic, and depleted aqueous extracts) of Origanum majorana tested against both types of cancer cells showed a more pronounced cytotoxic effect against breast cell line MDA-MB-231 than colon cells line HT-29 cells. The most marked effect is that of the ethyl acetate extract with IC50 30.90 ± 1.39 and 50.11 ± 1.44 (µg/ml), respectively. HPLC analysis of extracts from Origanum majorana showed that this plant contained polyphenols and flavonoids, which may be responsible for the biological activities found.

Volatile Constituents, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of the Aerial Parts of Origanum majorana L. from Yemen

Aims: There is no report about the analysis of volatile composition of Origanum majorana L. (Lamiaceae) by static headspace method in combination with GC-MS. The present study reports for the first time the volatile composition, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of O. majorana from aerial parts of plant collected in Yemen. Methodology: The volatile composition was obtained by headspace vapour of plant aerial parts and determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Antioxidant activity of extracts was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay and antimicrobial activity by agar diffusion. Results: The major volatile compounds were found to be monoterpenes: Trans-sabinene hydrate (16.0 %), sabinene (14.1%), cis-sabinene hydrate (11.8 %), γ-terpinene (10.2%),α-terpinyl acetate (10.0%), α-terpinene (8.9%), terpinen-4-ol. In addition, five volatile non terpenoid compounds were identified for the first time: 2-methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanal, pentanal and methyl 2-methylbutanoate. Furthermore, dichloromethane, methanol and aqueous extracts were tested for their antimicrobial activities against five bacteria and two fungi strains. The most sensitive microorganism was Staphylococcus aureus, reaching MIC values of 50, 100 mg/mL for methanol and dichloromethane extracts, respectively. The methanol extract showed strong radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay followed by dichloromethane extract. Conclusion: The O. majorana extracts showed potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities mostly attributed to identified oxygenated monoterpenes. The obtaining of volatiles of the plant as vapour by headspace method showed more qualitative and accurate quantitative results than by hydrodistillation method. Therefore, the headspace analysis should be useful in analytical control of herbal crude drugs.

The antibacterial and physiological effects of pure and nanoencapsulated Origanum majorana essential oil on fish infected with Aeromonas hydrophila

This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Origanum majorana essential oil (EOM) and nanocapsules of this oil (NOM) in silver catfish, Rhamdia quelen, infected with Aeromonas hydrophila, and addressed their effects on silver catfish hematological and metabolic parameters. Fish were inoculated with A. hydrophila (360 μL, at a concentration of 1.5 × 109 CFU mL−1) and submitted to 1 h daily baths with EOM (0 (control), 20 or 30 μL L−1), NOM (0 (control), 5 or 10 μL L−1) or a positive control containing florfenicol (30 μL L−1) called group Maxflor® for five consecutive days. All treatments improved the survival rate of the infected fish, but we suggest the treatment of A. hydrophila infections through daily baths with 20 μL L−1 EOM or 5 μL L−1 NOM for five consecutive days as these were the lowest effective concentrations tested. Silver catfish treated with EOM and NOM had higher lymphocyte levels, indicating stimulation of the immune system in these fish. The lowest liver glucose level was found in the group treated with the lowest concentration of NOM, and the lactate values in the liver and muscle of all groups were within the normal values reported for this species. In addition, nanocapsules required much less EOM to elicit effective antibacterial treatment.

Carvacrol induces mitochondria-mediated apoptosis via disruption of calcium homeostasis in human choriocarcinoma cells.

Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol present in the oils of various plants including Origanum vulgare (oregano) or Origanum majorana (marjoram). For a long time, it has been used as spice in foods because of its antimicrobial properties. Additionally, it appears to have anticancer effects against some cancer but this has not been well studied. Therefore, we conducted various assays to confirm the effects of carvacrol on choriocarcinoma cell lines (JAR and JEG3). Our results indicate that carvacrol has antiproliferative properties and induces apoptosis, resulting in increased expression of proapoptotic proteins. Additionally, carvacrol disrupted the mitochondrial membrane potential and induced calcium ion overload in the mitochondrial matrix in both JAR and JEG3 cells. Furthermore, carvacrol generated oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation in both JAR and JEG3 cells. Moreover, carvacrol-suppressed phosphoinositide 3-kinase-protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction whereas expression of phosphor-P38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK was increased. Together, our results indicate that carvacrol may be a possible new therapeutic agent or supplement for the control of human choriocarcinomas.

Divergence in tissue-specific expression patterns of genes associated with the terpeniod biosynthesis in two oregano species Origanum vulgare L., and Origanum majorana

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and marjoram (O. majorana) are two discrete (in terms of sensory characteristics) species within the genus Origanum (Lamiaceae). Their aroma, flavor, and pharmaceutical value are a result of their essential oils, which comprise mainly of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. Marjoram is rich in bicyclic monoterpene cis-sabinene hydrate derived from the biosynthetic “sabinyl” pathway while the phenolic monoterpene carvacrol, arising from the “cymyl” pathway, is the distinctive feature of oregano. To investigate differences between the terpene biosynthetic pathways of both species, we identified key enzymes of terpene biosynthesis from the two species of genus Origanum. The heterologous expression of these enzymes showed that each formed multiple mono- or sesquiterpene products and, in combination, were responsible for the direct production of almost all terpenes found in Origanum essential oils. The correlation between essential oil composition and relative terpene synthase transcript concentrations in O. vulgare and O. majorana demonstrated that monoterpene synthase activity is predominantly regulated at the level of transcription and that the phenolic monoterpene alcohol thymol is derived from α-terpinene, the product of a single monoterpene synthase. The combination of heterologously expressed terpene synthases for in vitro assays resulted in blends of mono- and sesquiterpene products that strongly resembled those found in vivo, indicating that terpene synthase expression levels directly control the composition of the essential oils. These results will facilitate the metabolic engineering, directed breeding of Origanum cultivars with higher quantities of essential oils, and improved oil compositions.

Effect of essential oils of Lamiaceae plants on the Rhizopus spp.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fungicidal effect of eleven essential oils against six isolates of the genus Rhizopus. Isolates were obtained from various moldy foods (chestnut, bread, strawberry, nectarine, blackberry and cherry tomatoes). The essential oils used in this study were extracts of basil (Oscimum basilicum L.), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia MILLER.), marjoram (Origanum majorana L.), mint (Mentha piperita L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), sage (Salvia officinalis L.), summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) and wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.). Semi-quantitative composition of the essential oil samples was determined by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-MS analyses of the essential oils led to identification of 139 compounds, of which 49 were presented in ≥1% amount in at least one essential oil. The antifungal activity of essential oils against the Rhizopus spp. was determined, using micro-atmosphere method (0.625 μL.ml-1 of air), during 7 days. Seven essential oils: thyme, mint, summer savory, lavender, marjoram, oregano and wild thyme completely inhibited the growth of all isolates. Other essential oils have different effects on the growth of isolates. Basil essential oil stimulated growth of two isolates on the second day of cultivation. The growth of other isolates was, by contrast, inhibited by this essential oil in the same time of cultivation. Hyssop essential oil completely inhibited growth of two isolates, other 4 isolates were inhibited to fourth day of cultivation. In conclusion, certain essential oils are highly effective in vapour phase and can be used in another test of their antifungal activity and could be used in control of Rhizopus spp. or other fungal pathogens.

PO-419 Use of origanum majorana oil in lung cancer therapy

IntroductionLung cancer is the most common form of cancer with the highest mortality rate in the world accounting for 1.69 million deaths in 2015 (WHO data). Despite the advances in targeted therapies, cure of lung cancer remains elusive and patients die due the development of distant metastasis, resistance to the treatment, and to the cytotoxicity of the drugs used.A large number of the chemotherapeutic drugs used in cancer treatment are either from plant origin or chemically-altered plant products and phytochemicals. It has been shown that extract of Origanum majorana reduced the side effects induced by cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, two established anticancer drug, without altering their cytotoxicity.Material and methodsThe question whether the pharmaceutically available Origanum Majorana ‘100% pure’ essential Oil will be a successful option in lung cancer therapy is a major challenge that we tried to address in this study using two major human lung cancer cells namely A549 and LNM35.Results and discussionsWe demonstrate that Origanum majorana causes a concentration- and time-dependent decrease in the viability of the lung cancer cells (A549 and LNM35) and their related colonies growth in vitro. Similarly, treatment with Origanum majorana significantly decreased the growth of LNM35 and A549 xenografts in chick embryo and in nude mice models in vivo without significant side effects.ConclusionThis study increases our understanding of the potential benefit of using the Origanum Majorana Oil in lung cancer therapy. Based on these results, our next step is the identification and characterisation of Origanum Majorana Oil major constituents that mediate its anti-cancer effects.

<b>Integration of Nile tilapia (<i>Oreochromis niloticus </i> L.) production <i>Origanum majorana</i> L. and <i>Ocimum basilicum </i> L. using aquaponics technology

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different initial densities of Nile tilapia fingerlings on water quality, fish growth, and production of marjoram ( Origanum majorana L.) and sweet basil ( Ocimum basilicum L.) in a recirculating aquaponic set up. The experiment was carried out on randomized block design and comprised four fish densities (0, 150, 250 and 500 fish m -3 ) and two crops, in which each treatment was continued for 45 days and replicated three times. Except for pH and total alkalinity, all water physicochemical parameters were increased significantly at high fish densities. In contrast, most of the biological parameters for fish were unaffected by culture density, although at the highest density crude protein percentage was significantly increased and ether extract percentage was significantly reduced. Plant productivities were highest when fish were cultured at density of 500 fish m -3 , a density that was found to be appropriate for maintaining water quality and promoting fish growth while preventing toxicity and mortality. The present study has demonstrated the technical viability of coupling Nile tilapia culture coup with aquaponic production of marjoram and sweet basil.

Effect of Sweet Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) Cogermination and Aqueous Extracts on Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine the allelopathic effect of sweet marjoram (O. majorana) on the germination and early stages of maize seedlings. Two experiments were performed under laboratory conditions (in Petri dishes). In the first experience, Origanum majorana seeds were cogerminated with maize (Zea mays) seeds in the same Petri dish. For the second experience were used aqueous extracts from fresh and dry aboveground biomass of the sweet marjoram (stem, leaves) in concentrations of 1%, 2% and 3%. Cogermination of O. majorana with maize seeds has significantly stimulated the germination index (Gi) and growth of maize seedlings. Aqueous extracts of sweet marjoram in a concentration of 1% and 2% have significantly stimulated shoot length of maize. On the other hand, aqueous extracts at a concentration of 3% significantly inhibited root length of maize. These results suggest that the cogermination with sweet marjoram seeds may be an alternative to biostimulation of maize initial growth, and aqueous extracts in low concentrations could be used as growth bioregulators.

Clinicopathological Studies on the Effect of Origanum majorana in Broilers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of E. coli on serum biochemistry and to determine the preventive effect of adding marjoram as growth promoters in 2 concentrations (0.5% &1%/kg ration) on serum biochemistry. This study was carried out on 150 one day- old chicks to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of 0.5 and 1% origanum majorana for 6 weeks on broilers and the possibility of facing the experimental infection with E. coli O78. In treated groups with marjoram 1%, biochemical results revealed increase in the total protein and total globulin and decrease in AST, ALT and uric acid in 4th and 6th weeks of the experiment. In addition to significant decrease in serum cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL and increase in HDL, while, serum albumin showed non-significant changes compared to control group. Regarding to the infected group and group infected and treated with 0.5% marjoram, increased total protein, total globulin, AST, ALT, glucose, cholesterol and uric acid were observed

Evaluation of the Genetic Fidelity of in vitro Raised Plants of Origanum majorana L. Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA

Determination of the genetic characters of the plants obtained using plant tissue culture methods is important. In this study, the genetic fidelity of the plants, which are obtained by the micropropagation of the shoot tip explants of the Origanum majorana L. plant of medicinal and economical value in Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium which contains 1.0 mg/L Benzil Amino Purin (BAP), 0.1 mg/L naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), 3% sucrose and 0.7% agar, has been investigated by using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD-PCR) technique. Monomorphic bands were obtained as a result of all of the RAPD-PCR analyses performed. According to the results obtained, no polymorphism was detected among the micropropagated plants.

Antimicrobial activity of five essential oils from lamiaceae against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Analysis of Lamiaceae essential oils (EOs) by GC-FID-MS revealed the presence as the major constituents of linalool (16.8%), linalyl acetate (15.7%) in Lavandula angustifolia, menthol (29.0%), menthone (22.7%), menthyl acetate (19.2%) in Mentha x piperita, terpinen-4-ol (27.1%), (E)-sabinene hydrate (12.1%), γ-terpinene (10.0%) in Origanum majorana, α-thujone (19.5%), camphor (19.0%), viridiflorol (13.5%) in Salvia officinalis, thymol (61.9%), p-cymene (10.0%), γ-terpinene (10.0%) in Thymus vulgaris. Based on the MIC and MBC values (0.09–0.78 mg/mL) and ratio MBC/MIC showed that EO from T. vulgaris (TO) had the strong inhibitory and bactericidal effect against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterial cells were total killed by TO at 2MIC concentration after 6 h. The higher concentrations of other EOs were needed to achieve bactericidal effects. The strong bactericidal effect of TO against these bacteria indicates the possibility of topical use of TO but it requires research under clinical conditions.