epikur ingredients
Oregano: Natural power for the intestines, immune system and more
Origin of oregano
Oregano ( Origanum vulgare ) is an aromatic plant belonging to the mint family ( Lamiaceae ). It is native to the Mediterranean region and has been used since ancient times in Greek, Roman, and Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as as a medicinal plant. Today, oregano is known worldwide and is cultivated in temperate climates. In traditional medicine, oregano has been used to treat respiratory diseases, digestive disorders, and infections.
Ingredients of oregano
Oregano contains a variety of bioactive compounds that are responsible for its medicinal and culinary properties:
Essential oils (approx. 2-4%):
- Carvacrol: Strong antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.
- Thymol: Antioxidant and disinfectant.
- P-Cymene and γ-Terpinene: Support the antimicrobial effect.
As well as:
- Polyphenols: Rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin act as powerful antioxidants.
- Minerals: Rich in calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A, vitamin C and some B vitamins (e.g. thiamine and niacin).
- Fiber: Promotes digestion and intestinal health.
- Tannins: These compounds can have an astringent effect and support the intestinal barrier.
General effects of oregano
Oregano is known for its numerous health-promoting properties:
- Antimicrobial effect: Oregano extracts and essential oil can inhibit the growth of bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli , Salmonella , Helicobacter pylori ), viruses and fungi (e.g. Candida albicans ).
- Anti-inflammatory: The polyphenols and essential oils can have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Antioxidant properties: Oregano can protect cells from free radical damage and support the immune system.
- Immune system boost: Due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, oregano can help prevent infections.
- Blood sugar regulation: Studies suggest that oregano can inhibit enzymes such as dipeptidyl peptidase-4 and thus stabilize blood sugar levels.
Effect of oregano on the intestines
Oregano has a specific effect on intestinal health and can be used both preventively and therapeutically:
- Promotes healthy intestinal flora: The antimicrobial effect of carvacrol and thymol can fight harmful microorganisms such as pathogenic bacteria and fungi without harming the beneficial intestinal flora.
- Support for digestive problems: Oregano can relieve flatulence and abdominal cramps because it promotes peristalsis (movement of the intestinal muscles) and can inhibit inflammatory processes in the digestive tract.
- Prevention of intestinal infections: By inhibiting pathogens such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, oregano can prevent infections.
- Protection of the intestinal mucosa: The tannins and polyphenols can protect the intestinal mucosa.
- Regulation of intestinal motility: Oregano extracts can regulate both constipation and diarrhea because they have a balancing effect on the intestines.
- Promotes the microbiome: The prebiotic fiber in oregano promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium .
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References
Siddiqui, B.S., & Rehman, A.U. (2018). Bioactive compounds from medicinal plants and their importance in drug discovery in treating microbial infections . Natural Products Research, 33(2), 202-217.
Leyva-López, N., Gutiérrez-Grijalva, EP, Ambriz-Pérez, DL, & Heredia, JB (2017). Essential oils of oregano: Biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties . Molecules, 22(6), 989.
Force, M., Sparks, W.S., & Ronzio, R.A. (2000). Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo . Phytotherapy Research, 14(3), 213-217.
Cosentino S, Tuberoso CI, Pisano B, et al. (1999). In-vitro antimicrobial activity and chemical composition of Sardinian Thymus essential oils . Letters in Applied Microbiology, 29(2), 130-135.