Origanum syriacum Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Herbal medicine has been gaining special interest as an alternative choice of treatment for several diseases, being generally accessible, cost-effective and safe, with fewer side-effects compared to chemically synthesized medicines. Over 25% of drugs worldwide are derived from plants, and surveys have shown that, when available, herbal medicine is the preferred choice of treatment. Origanum syriacum (Lamiaceae) is a widely used medicinal plant in the Middle East, both as a home and a folk remedy, and in the food and beverage industry. Origanum syriacum contains numerous phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, phenols, essential oils, and many others. Because of its bioactive compounds, O. syriacum possesses antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic capacities. In addition, it can be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and peptic ulcers. In this review, the chemical compositions of different types of extracts and essential oils from this herb will first be specified. Then, the pharmacological uses of these extracts and essential oils in various contexts and diseases will be discussed, putting emphasis on their efficacy and safety. Finally, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of O. syriacum phytochemicals in disease treatment will be described as a basis for further investigation into the plant’s pharmacological role.

Ethanolic extract of Origanum syriacum L. leaves exhibits potent anti-breast cancer potential and robust antioxidant properties

“…O. syriacum has many primary and secondary bioactive metabolites ( Mesmar et al, 2022 ). Extensive HPLC analyses and the phytochemical bioactives of O. syriacum have been reported in several studies ( Alma et al, 2003 ; Dorman et al, 2004 ; Mesmar et al, 2022 ).…”

“…O. syriacum has many primary and secondary bioactive metabolites ( Mesmar et al, 2022 ). Extensive HPLC analyses and the phytochemical bioactives of O. syriacum have been reported in several studies ( Alma et al, 2003 ; Dorman et al, 2004 ; Mesmar et al, 2022 ). Apigenin, naringenin, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, carveol thymoquinone, thymol, and caffeic acid are some of the reported molecules ( Alma et al, 2003 ; Dorman et al, 2004 ; Mesmar et al, 2022 ).…”

“…Extensive HPLC analyses and the phytochemical bioactives of O. syriacum have been reported in several studies ( Alma et al, 2003 ; Dorman et al, 2004 ; Mesmar et al, 2022 ). Apigenin, naringenin, rosmarinic acid, carvacrol, carveol thymoquinone, thymol, and caffeic acid are some of the reported molecules ( Alma et al, 2003 ; Dorman et al, 2004 ; Mesmar et al, 2022 ). Here we confirmed the presence of several classes of phytochemical compounds in OSEE.…”

“…It has also been traditionally used in folk medicine to relieve stomach pain and in the treatment of colds and toothaches ( Alwafa et al, 2021 ). In recent years, it has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and phenols ( Mesmar et al, 2022 ). These bioactive compounds bestow the plant with various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects, among others ( Alwafa et al, 2021 ).…”

Combined antibacterial effect of Origanum essential oils and antibiotics against multiresistant foodborne Salmonella isolated from poultry and shellfish in Morocco

“…This latter was reported to be the best choice in pharmacopeia (Pollini et al, 2017). EOs have shown numerous biological properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, insecticidal, and antiviral activities (Mesmar et al, 2022). Despite the fact that their medicinal properties have been recognized for more than 2000 years, in the last 200 years, these activities have been put on the back burner in favor of the market's most desired aspects, namely scent and food additives (Langeveld et al, 2014).…”