Oregano Extract
Also known as: Origanum vulgare, wild oregano, oil of oregano, carvacrol, thymol
Effective Dosage
No established dose for humans based on provided studies
What the Science Says
Oregano extract comes from the Origanum vulgare plant and contains active compounds like carvacrol, thymol, and rosmarinic acid. In a small clinical trial, a 3% oregano ointment reduced bacterial contamination on post-surgical wounds and improved scar color and pliability compared to petrolatum. Lab and animal studies suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, but most of these findings have not been confirmed in human trials.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't reliably lower cholesterol or reduce lipid peroxidation in healthy people — a human trial found no effect. Not proven to treat anxiety or boost cognition in humans; those findings come from rat studies only. No human evidence it fights Alzheimer's disease. Animal studies on heat-stressed chickens don't translate directly to human benefits. No proven weight loss effect.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Topical 3% oregano extract ointment reduced Staphylococcus aureus contamination on post-surgical wounds and improved scar color and pliability compared to petrolatum in a small RCT (PMID: 21968667). In vitro and animal models suggest antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, including activity against Salmonella (PMID: 34753973) and potential anxiolytic effects in stressed rats (PMID: 35898162). A mouse model showed methanolic oregano extract reduced type 1 diabetes incidence via antioxidant and immunomodulatory mechanisms (PMID: 25671817), though none of these findings have been replicated in human clinical trials.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose for humans; animal studies used 50-100 mg/kg; one human trial used 300-600 mg/day total phenolics
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — one human study showed markedly increased urinary excretion of phenolic acids after oregano extract consumption, confirming absorption occurs, but this did not translate into measurable antioxidant effects in the blood.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most compelling evidence (antimicrobial, anti-anxiety, diabetes protection) comes from animal or lab studies — not human trials
- The one human antioxidant trial found NO significant effect on lipid peroxidation despite confirmed absorption
- Topical wound-healing study had only 40 patients — too small to draw firm conclusions
- Products vary widely in carvacrol/thymol content; no standardized human dose has been established
- Marketed aggressively for immune support and infection treatment despite very limited clinical evidence in humans
Products Containing Oregano Extract
See how Oregano Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06