Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Elecampane vs Marjoram
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Elecampane and Marjoram: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Elecampane | Marjoram | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory principles of the root; the eudesmane core and the alpha,beta-methylene-lactone ring are essential for the antimicrobial activity.
A fructan polysaccharide abundant in the root (the genus Inula gives inulin its name).
The volatile oil, dominated by terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate in true sweet marjoram, gives most of the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
Contribute to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.
Pharmacological Actions
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Anti-inflammatory - sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) inhibit NF-kB and MAPK signalling and pro-inflammatory cytokines; total sesquiterpene lactones eased arthritis in animal models (potential in rheumatoid arthritis)
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy)
inferred from anticancer action
Expectorant for productive cough and bronchitis (long-standing respiratory remedy); Soothes irritated airways / chronic catarrh (traditional)
Antimicrobial, notably anti-staphylococcal (membrane-damaging) and anti-mycobacterial (active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis in vitro); supports respiratory and skin infection
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
The sesquiterpene lactones (especially alantolactone) are known skin sensitisers and can cause allergic contact dermatitis; people sensitive to the daisy family (Asteraceae) should be cautious.
Large doses can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea; safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established, so avoid medicinal doses.
Generally very safe as a culinary herb. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts and avoided in pregnancy. Theoretically may interact with anticoagulants. Avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy.
Duke (2002) rates marjoram (Origanum majorana) as +++ and notes antiviral, antispasmodic, COX-2 inhibitory, and antiseptic activities at the experimental level (score 1). It demonstrates antiherpetic activity in vitro. The plant contains rosmarinic acid and thymol, which contribute to antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. Dose: 1–2 g dried herb as tea three times daily or equivalent preparations. Duke notes the plant is generally well-tolerated with no significant contraindications at usual herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Tall, robust perennial herb with large, coarse, hairy leaves - broadly oval near the base and progressively smaller up the stem - arising from a thick, aromatic rhizome. Large, shaggy, bright yellow daisy-like flower heads with numerous narrow ray florets are borne at the top of stout, branching stems.[12]
Tender perennial subshrub (Lamiaceae), often grown as an annual in cold climates, 20-60 cm tall, with square, downy, much-branched stems. Leaves are opposite, small, grey-green and ovate. Tiny white to pale pink, two-lipped flowers are borne in distinctive knot-like clustered spikes, the origin of the common name 'knotted marjoram'.[6]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, pastures, roadsides and woodland margins on moist, rich soils; native to Europe and Western Asia and naturalised in North America.[12]
Native to Cyprus, Turkey and the eastern Mediterranean, and widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb in gardens worldwide; prefers full sun and well-drained, often calcareous soils.[6]
Harvesting
The root and rhizome are dug in autumn of the second or later year, when sesquiterpene lactone and inulin content is highest, then cleaned, sliced and dried.[12]
The aerial flowering parts are cut just before or at flowering (summer), when essential-oil content is highest, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, well-ventilated place.[9]
Traditional Uses
Elecampane root has a long European tradition, reflected in the old name 'elf dock', as a warming expectorant remedy for productive cough, bronchitis and chronic respiratory catarrh, and topically and internally as an antimicrobial for skin and wound infections.[12]
Marjoram has a long Mediterranean culinary-medicinal tradition as a digestive carminative and mild sedative for indigestion, cramping and poor sleep, and as an antiseptic for minor wounds and infections. Modern research confirms antispasmodic, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity from its essential oil and phenolic constituents.[6, 8]
Preparations
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Gierlikowska, B., Gierlikowski, W., Bekier, K., Skalicka-Wozniak, K., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2019) 'Inula helenium and Grindelia squarrosa as a source of compounds with anti-inflammatory activity in human neutrophils and cultured human respiratory epithelium', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 249, pp. 112311. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.112311 - Gao, S. and Wang, Q. and Tian, X.H. and Li, H.L. and Shen, Y.H. and Xu, X.K. and Wu, G.Z. and Hu, Z.L. and Zhang, W.D (2016) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones prepared from Inula helenium L. has potentials in prevention and therapy of rheumatoid arthritis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 39--46. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.020 - Wang, Q., Gao, S., Wu, G., Yang, N., Zu, X., Li, W., Xie, N., Zhang, R., Li, C., Hu, Z. and Zhang, W (2018) 'Total sesquiterpene lactones isolated from Inula helenium L. attenuates 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis-like skin lesions in mice', Phytomedicine, 46, pp. 78-84. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2018.04.036 - Dao, T.T.P., Song, K., Kim, J.Y. and Kim, Y.S (2020) 'Igalan from Inula helenium (L.) suppresses the atopic dermatitis-like response in stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes via JAK/STAT3 signaling', Inflammation Research, 69(3), pp. 309-319. doi:10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00011-020-01322-4 - He, X., Zhao, W., Shao, B., Zhang, B., Liu, T., Sun, C., Huang, H., Wu, J., Liang, J. and Ma, X (2020) 'Natural soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors from Inula helenium and their interactions with soluble epoxide hydrolase', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 161, pp. 1465-1474. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.04.227 - Buza, V., Niculae, M., Hanganu, D., Pall, E., Burtescu, R.F., Olah, N., Matei-Latiu, M., Vlasiuc, I., Iozon, I., Szakacs, A.R., Ielciu, I. and Stefanut, L.C (2022) 'Biological Activities and Chemical Profile of Gentiana asclepiadea and Inula helenium Ethanolic Extracts', Molecules, 27(11), pp. 3560. doi:10.3390/molecules27113560 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27113560 - Zheng, X., Wu, Z., Xu, J., Zhang, X., Tu, Y., Lei, J., Yuan, R., Cheng, H., Wang, Q. and Yu, J (2021) 'Bioactive sesquiterpenes from Inula helenium', Bioorganic Chemistry, 114, pp. 105066. doi:10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.105066 - Nder, A.E (2021) 'Efficacy of methanol-water extract of Inula helenium root against oxidative DNA damage', Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 41(2), pp. 293-300. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Efficacy%20of%20methanol-water%20extract%20of%20Inula%20helenium%20root%20against%20oxidative%20DNA%20damage - Chun, J., Song, K. and Kim, Y.S (2018) 'Sesquiterpene lactones-enriched fraction of Inula helenium L. induces apoptosis through inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 signaling pathway in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells', Phytotherapy Research, 32(12), pp. 2501-2509. doi:10.1002/ptr.6189 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6189 - Li, Y., Ni, Z., Zhu, M., Dong, M., Wang, S., Shi, Q., Zhang, M., Wang, Y., Huo, C., Kiyota, H. and Cong, B (2012) 'Antitumour activities of sesquiterpene lactones from Inula helenium and Inula japonica', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 67(7-8), pp. 375-380. doi:10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2012-7-804 - Yan, Y.Y., Zhang, Q., Zhang, B., Yang, B. and Lin, N.M (2019) 'Active ingredients of Inula helenium L. exhibits similar anti-cancer effects as isoalantolactone in pancreatic cancer cells', Natural Product Research, 34(17), pp. 2539-2544. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1543676 - Kenny, C.R., Stojakowska, A., Furey, A. and Lucey, B (2022) 'From Monographs to Chromatograms: The Antimicrobial Potential of Inula helenium L. (Elecampane) Naturalised in Ireland', Molecules. doi:10.3390/molecules27041406 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27041406 - Stojanovic-Radic, Z. and Comic, Lj. and Radulovic, N. and Blagojevic, P. and Denic, M. and Miltojevic, A. and Rajkovic, J. and Mihajilov-Krstev, T (2012) 'Antistaphylococcal activity of Inula helenium L. root essential oil: eudesmane sesquiterpene lactones induce cell membrane damage', European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 31(6), pp. 1015--1025. doi:10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10096-011-1400-1 - Cantrell, C.L. and Abate, L. and Fronczek, F.R. and Franzblau, S.G. and Quijano, L. and Fischer, N.H (1999) 'Antimycobacterial eudesmanolides from Inula helenium and Rudbeckia subtomentosa', Planta Medica, 65(4), pp. 351--355. doi:10.1055/s-1999-14001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-1999-14001
- Rehman, N.U., Ansari, M.N., Ahmad, W. and Ali, A (2024) 'Calcium Channel Inhibitory Effect of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.): Its Medicinal Use in Diarrhea and Gut Hyperactivity', Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition), 29(2), pp. 47. doi:10.31083/j.fbl2902047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.fbl2902047 - Hussein, Z. and Yasir, S.M (2022) 'Origanum majorana attenuates ciprofloxacin-induced nephropathy in rats', Wiadomosci Lekarskie, 75(12), pp. 3046-3049. doi:10.36740/WLek202212126 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.36740/WLek202212126 - Elfiky, A.M., Ibrahim, R.S., Khattab, A.R., Kadry, M.O. and others (2025) 'Exploring the therapeutic potential of marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) in polycystic ovary syndrome: insights from serum metabolomics, network pharmacology and experimental validation', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 25(1), pp. 67. doi:10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-04774-5 - Waller, S.B., Cleff, M.B., de Mattos, C.B., da Silva, C.C. and others (2021) 'Protection of the marjoram (Origanum majorana Linn.) essential oil in cutaneous sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis', Natural Product Research, 35(17), pp. 2977-2981. doi:10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2019.1678617 - Haj-Husein, I., Tukan, S. and Alkazaleh, F (2016) 'The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study', Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics, 29(1), pp. 105-111. doi:10.1111/jhn.12290 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1111/jhn.12290 - Bouyahya, A., Chamkhi, I., Benali, T., Guaouguaou, F.E. and others (2021) 'Traditional use, phytochemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology of Origanum majorana L', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 265, pp. 113318. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113318 - Al-Howiriny, T., Alsheikh, A., Alqasoumi, S., Al-Yahya, M. and others (2009) 'Protective Effect of Origanum majorana L. 'Marjoram' on various models of gastric mucosal injury in rats', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 37(3), pp. 531-545. doi:10.1142/S0192415X0900703X Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/S0192415X0900703X - Bina, F. and Rahimi, R (2017) 'Sweet Marjoram: A Review of Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Biological Activities', Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, 22(1), pp. 175-185. doi:10.1177/2156587216650793 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216650793 - Paudel, P.N., Satyal, P., Satyal, R., Setzer, W.N. and others (2022) 'Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities of Origanum majorana L. Essential Oil from Nepal', Molecules, 27(18), pp. 6136. doi:10.3390/molecules27186136 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186136 - Makrane, H., Aziz, M., Mekhfi, H., Ziyyat, A. and others (2019) 'Origanum majorana L. extract exhibit positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms involved in acute infectious diarrhea', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 239, pp. 111503. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.005 - Baser, K.H.C (2008) 'Biological and pharmacological activities of carvacrol and carvacrol bearing essential oils', 14(29), pp. 3106--3119. doi:10.2174/138161208786404227 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/138161208786404227 - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Seidler-Lozykowska, K. et al (2016) 'Essential oil content and composition of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) grown in Poland', 62(1), pp. 37--45. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Essential%20oil%20content%20and%20composition%20of%20sweet%20marjoram%20%28Origanum%20majorana%20L.%29%20grown%20in%20Poland - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.