A review on traditional uses, pharmacology, commercial and economic importance of origanum (L.) Lamiaceae

Abstract

Origanum L., which belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae), contains 42 species mainly distributed in the Mediterranean region. It is also naturally grown in Asia-Tropical, Asia-Temperate, Africa, and Europe. Members of the genus are known as "Oregano" in the world. Oregano is one of the most famous and economically important herbs in the world. In this study, traditional uses of the Origanum genus among the local people were researched, and commercially important species were determined. Also, the economic importance of these species was revealed. Furthermore, medicinal Origanum species registered in various pharmacopeias and monographs were investigated, and pharmacological studies about them were included. Oregano plays a significant role among the culinary herbs as food flavorings in world trade. Origanum species have been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. In folk medicine, they have been used as antispasmodic, antimicrobial, digestive, expectorant, and they particularly treat several illnesses such as diabetes, insomnia, catarrh, asthma, and aromatic for the whooping and convulsive coughs. Origanum species have also been commercially used in foods (spices, herbal tea, food preservative), cosmetics, organic agriculture (weed control, pest control), medicine, and pharmacy. So, it can be called number one 'food-medicine'. © 2022 Nova Science Publishers, Inc.