Review of oregano essential oils: pharmacological activities and applications

Botanical and herbal supplements offer a natural approach to replace antibiotics and are applied for a wide range of purposes. Oregano essential oil (OEO) and its biological active components have attracted attention due to their numerous useful biological activities. As a natural extract, OEO exhibits significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, as well as other bioactivities. These potent pharmacological properties enable OEO gradually apply in the fields of food preservation by inhibiting foodborne pathogens and spoilage microbes, thereby extending shelf life while reducing reliance on synthetic additives. Furthermore, OEO is widely used in livestock farming as a natural feed additive that enhance growth performance and rumen health, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical growth promoters. This review summarizes the chemical composition and bioactivity profiles of OEO, with particular emphasis on its application in food preservation and livestock farming as a potential alternative to antibiotics and growth promoters.