StUDY

 

Oil pressed from oregano leaves that contain the active ingredient carvacrol may be an effective treatment against sometimes drug-resistant bacterial infection. Georgetown University researchers have found that oil of oregano appears to reduce infection "as effectively as traditional antibiotics."

Oil of oregano at relatively low doses was found to be efficacious against Staphylococcus bacteria and was comparable in its germ-killing properties to antibiotic drugs such as streptomycin, pencillin and vancomycin. [Science Daily 10/11/2001] The findings were presented by Harry G. Preuss, MD, professor of physicology and biophysics, Georgetown University, at the American College of Nutrition'a annual meeting in Orlando, Florida. The oregano oil was obtained from North American Herb and Spice Company, a Illinois company that sponsored the study and markets their non-prescription products in retail stores un the trade names Oregamax and Oregacyn.

Earlier this year researchers at the Department of Food Science at the University of Tennessee reported that, among various plant oils, oil of oregano exhibited the greatest antibacterial action against common pathogenic germs such as Staph, E. coli and Listeria. [Journal Food Protection, Volume 64, July 2001] Last year British researchers reported oregano oil had antibacterial activity against 25 different bacteria. [Journal Applied Microbiology, Volume 88, February 2000] A clinical study in Italy has shown that oil of oregano can be used to treat intestinal parasites. [Phytotherapy Research, Volume 14, May 2000]

The body of positive evidence for oregano oil as a major antibiotic is growing. Among 52 plant oils tested, oregano was considered to have "pharmacologic" action against common bugs such as Candida albicans (yeast), E. coli, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. [Journal Applied Microbiology, volume 86, June 1999] Pseudomonas is a type of germ that is getting more difficult to treat as it has developed strains that are resistant against antibiotic drugs.

Of recent interest are reports showing that carvacrol from oil of oregano kills spores, such as Bacillus cereus and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). [Archives Microbiology, Volume 174, October 2000; Quarterly Review Biology, Volume 73, March 1998] Bacillus cereus is considered to be from the same species as Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). [Applied Environmental Microbiology, Volume 66, June 2000] In tests of antibiotics and antiseptics, Bacillus cereus is often used in studies in lieu of the anthrax strain. [University of Michigan News & Information Service, Sept. 23, 1998]

Oil of oregano is not to be confused with common oregano in the kitchen spice cupboard, which is usually marjoram (Origanum majorana or O. vulgare) rather than true oregano (Origanum vulgare).

The growing problem of antibiotic resistance has health authorities concerned. Already various germs are showing resistance to vancomycin, particularly to intestinal bacteria (Enterococcal species) among hospitalized patients. [Southern Medical Journal, Volume 94, August 2001]

Vancomycin is considered to be the most potent antibiotic available and is withheld from use as a drug of last resort. Vancomycin costs about $16 per pill versus about $1 for the purest-strength oregano oil. Drug resistance does not develop against naturally-occuring antibiotics such as garlic and oil of oregano.

October 13, 2001

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STUDY 2

The MRSA super-bug could be wiped out using natural oil from oregano, scientists revealed today.

Researchers have discovered that the herb, commonly used in cooking, could eradicate the deadly infection from hospital wards.

Tiny quantities of carvacrol, a naturally occurring compound in oregano, were found to be a more effective antimicrobial agent than 18 pharmaceutical drugs, investigators found.

University of the West of England researchers, working with partners in India, said carvacrol, which contains potent anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties, has a range of medicinal uses.

It can sterilise septic water, kill giardia, treat fungal infections such as candida and rivals pharmaceutical antibiotics such as streptomycin and penicillin in its ability to eliminate microbes.

Preliminary research into the oil found that tiny doses are capable of wiping out fungi and bacteria, including MRSA.

Researchers found that the oil still works at boiling temperature, meaning it could be used for disinfecting hospital sheets.

Its vapour is equally effective and could be turned into an antibacterial spray.

Mr Heron, led the research in northern India, said: ‘oregano oil kills MRSA at dilution’s of less than one to 1,000 and the antimicrobial properties, unlike most conventional anti-bacterial agents, are not affected by heat treatment.

‘Once we have completed our research and published a paper, we aim to find additional partners to work together with to manufacture hand soaps, multi-purpose anti-bacterial wipes and other products for use in hospitals as a preventative against MRSA.

‘In this way we to hope to create a direct link between oregano collectors and users of the oil in a partnership that benefits everyone involved.

‘Not only will this provide income to herb collectors, it will reduce pressure on endangered medicinal herbs and provide an effective natural treatment against MRSA in hospitals.’

The Seed Initiative will work with Biolaya to publish its research in a scientific journal and find partners to develop oregano oil-based soaps and sprays.

After initial tests by the leading SGS laboratory in Delhi showed crop killed MRSA more effectively than all 18 antibiotics it was compared against, the research made links with the microbiology department at the University of the West of England in Bristol.

Researchers there confirmed the high anti-microbial potency.

Project leader and professor of microbiology, Vyv Salisbury, said 'Preliminary tests show that oregano oil is very effective against MRSA in really quite low doses.

'A small amount will kill MRSA and also the vapour will kill the bacteria.

'It could be that in hospitals there are places which are difficult to reach and perhaps the oregano could be used to get rid of MRSA where there are nooks and crannies.'

Both SGS and the university are continuing the research and aim to publish a paper with the results in a scientific journal later this year.

The average NHS hospital deals with 26 cases of MRSA each year, with more than 4,000 cases reported in Britain in 2007.