Origanum majorana Essential Oil—A Review of Its Chemical Profile and Pesticide Activity

Abstract

Origanum majorana is a medicinal and aromatic plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. It is cultivated in several parts of the world and, due to its splendid aroma and taste, is widely used for culinary purposes and in perfumes. The essential oil of the plant, to which is attributed its aroma, contains many secondary metabolites with valuable biological activity. One of them is the pesticide activity, which has attracted much interest. Given the necessity of replacing synthetic pesticides, essential oils are studied in an attempt to find naturally derived products. Thus, the aim of this review paper is to discuss the chemical profile of O. majorana essential oil and to present data regarding its insecticidal, repellent and fumigant activity. Data were collected from 1992 to 2022. Databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scopus, were used for the research, and keywords, including O. majorana, sweet marjoram, essential oil, volatiles, pesticide, insecticide and repellent activity, were used. The results of this review paper indicate that O. majorana essential oil can be an alternative agent to manage pests. However, still, much research should be conducted to evaluate its toxicity against beneficial insects and to ensure its safety for human health.

Unravelling molecular mechanisms involved in resistance priming against downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

“…OEOV effects on sporangia release, zoospore mobility or germination are likely also contributing factors for the direct effect on P. viticola sporangia but were not investigated in the present study. Several studies show the direct antimicrobial, insecticidal and antifungal activity of origanum essential oils in different 21 , 38 plant and mammals 21 , 38 ; thus far, only one published study showed that essential oil vapour has a phenotypic effect on P. viticola post-inoculation 20 . OEOV acted in a time- and duration-dependent manner.…”

“…These include, among others, the application of natural substances, such as sage extracts 7 , chitosan 8 , other diverse plant extracts, different bacteria 9 , dsRNA 10 , sulfated laminarin/PS3 11,12 , BTH (Benzothiadiazole), methyl jasmonate, PHOS (phosphonates) 13 , peptide NoPv1 14 , BABA (β-aminobutyric acid) 15 , kaolin 16 , d-Tagatose 17 , Trichoderma harzianum 18 or Cerevisane 19 . Essential oils from the Lamiaceae family 20 , such as Origanum vulgare, is a particularly promising natural product whose direct action on numerous pathogens has already been demonstrated [20][21][22] . It has also been found to be very efficient in trials conducted in climate chambers on grapevine 23,24 .…”

Essential Oils as Nematicides in Plant Protection—A Review

“…M. spicata has several biological uses thanks to the abundance of carvone, a potent monoterpene able to suppress fungal disease and the sprouting of stocked foods [ 88 ]. M. hortensis contains many secondary metabolites, terpenes predominantly, with valuable biological activity; considerable studies have demonstrated its pesticide activity [ 89 ]. Finally, it is possible to affirm that EOs derived from plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family are the most investigated.…”

D-Limonene: Promising and Sustainable Natural Bioactive Compound

“…Plant essential oils are the main source of aromatic plant odors, which are mainly derived from the roots, stems, leaves, and other organs of plants and have long been used in culinary and medical applications in the historical record [6]. With deeper research, it has been found that plant essential oils have excellent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and other biological activities [7], which are mainly derived from the constituents of plant essential oils, which are dominated by terpenes and phenyl terpenoids, of which monoterpenoids are the most common [8] and, thus, natural compounds have been incorporated into the study of natural antimicrobial substances.…”