Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities

J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Jan;22(1):175-185. doi: 10.1177/2156587216650793. Epub 2016 May 26.

Abstract

Origanum majorana L. commonly known as sweet marjoram has been used for variety of diseases in traditional and folklore medicines, including gastrointestinal, ocular, nasopharyngeal, respiratory, cardiac, rheumatologic, and neurological disorders. Essential oil containing monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes as well as phenolic compounds are chemical constituents isolated and detected in O majorana Wide range of pharmacological activities including antioxidant, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, anti-platelet, gastroprotective, antibacterial and antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, antimetastatic, antitumor, antiulcer, and anticholinesterase inhibitory activities have been reported from this plant in modern medicine. This article summarizes comprehensive information concerning traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activities of sweet marjoram.

Keywords: Majorana hortensis; Origanum majorana; pharmacology; phytochemical constituent; traditional medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Ethnopharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Medicine, Traditional*
  • Mice
  • Microbial Sensitivity Tests
  • Oils, Volatile*
  • Origanum*
  • Phytotherapy*
  • Plant Extracts*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Cardiovascular Agents
  • Oils, Volatile
  • Plant Extracts