A Critical Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Uses of Origanum Vulgare Linn.

The genus Origanum (Lamiaceae) includes 39 species widely distributed in the Mediterranean region. Origanum vulgare L. (O. vulgare) is an important aromatic and medicinal plant of the genus Origanum. It is used as a culinary condiment and largely employed as antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-mutagenic, cytotoxic and anticancer agent. Phytochemical investigations of this genus have resulted in the extraction of a number of important bioactive compounds such as carvacrol and thymol. Review of literature included PubMed, Science Direct searches with 'Origanum vulgare' and 'Origanum' as initial key words. This review aims to highlight the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacological uses of O. vulgare.