Plant Comparison
Marjoram vs Chasteberry
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
Marjoram and Chasteberry: both belong to the Lamiaceae family; they share 1 indicated use (menstrual cramps).
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Marjoram | Chasteberry | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Chasteberry |
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 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.
Bind dopamine D2 receptors in the pituitary, reducing prolactin release - the key mechanism.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
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
Eases cyclical breast pain (mastalgia) and menstrual-cycle complaints including cramping. The proposed mechanism is dopaminergic suppression of latent hyperprolactinaemia.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
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).
Reported adverse events are mild and reversible (nausea, headache, gastrointestinal upset, menstrual changes, acne, itching or rash).
Because it acts on dopamine and the hormonal axis, avoid alongside dopamine-antagonist (antipsychotic) or dopamine-agonist drugs and use caution with hormonal medicines (oral contraceptives, HRT) and hormone-sensitive conditions.
Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. A systematic review found only poor-grade evidence (theoretical, expert opinion and in vitro) suggesting oestrogenic, progesteronic, uterine-stimulant and emmenagogue activity, and expert opinion actively conflicts on whether chastetree increases or decreases lactation. The precaution rests on absence of safety data rather than on demonstrated harm.
External Ids
Botanical Description
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]
Deciduous shrub or small tree with slender, aromatic, palmately compound leaves of narrow, lance-shaped leaflets, greyish-downy beneath. Small, fragrant, lilac to violet flowers are borne in long, slender terminal spikes, followed by small, dark, peppercorn-like berries with a peppery, aromatic taste.[1]
Habitat
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]
Native to the Mediterranean region and Central Asia, growing along riverbanks, streamsides and coastal scrub; widely cultivated in warm-temperate climates worldwide.[1]
Harvesting
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]
The ripe berries are collected in autumn once they have darkened and dried, then further dried and stored for use in decoctions or standardised extracts.
Traditional Uses
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]
Chasteberry has a long Mediterranean tradition, reflected in its 'chaste tree' name, historically used to reduce libido in monastic settings, and, more centrally to its modern use, as a traditional women's tonic for menstrual irregularities, premenstrual complaints and cyclical breast tenderness; standardised extracts are now among the best-clinically-studied herbal remedies for premenstrual syndrome, acting via dopaminergic modulation of prolactin.[1]
Preparations
Dried fruit extract standardised to agnuside/casticin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the form used in most clinical PMS and cyclical breast pain trials.
Dosage
Clinical trials for PMS commonly use extracts providing around 20-40 mg of dried fruit extract daily, taken over several menstrual cycles for full effect. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
References & Sources
- 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
- van Die, M.D., Burger, H.G., Teede, H.J. and Bone, K.M (2012) 'Vitex agnus-castus extracts for female reproductive disorders: a systematic review of clinical trials', Planta Medica. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1327831 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1327831 - Csupor, D., Lantos, T., Hegyi, P., Benko, R. and others (2019) 'Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials', Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 47, pp. 102190. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.08.024 - Verkaik, S., Kamperman, A.M., van Westrhenen, R. and Schulte, P.F.J (2017) 'The treatment of premenstrual syndrome with preparations of Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review and meta-analysis', American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 217(2), pp. 150-166. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2017.02.028 - Ooi, S.L., Watts, S., McClean, R. and Pak, S.C (2020) 'Vitex Agnus-Castus for the Treatment of Cyclic Mastalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Journal of Women's Health, 29(2), pp. 262-278. doi:10.1089/jwh.2019.7770 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2019.7770 - Holler, M., Steindl, H., Abramov-Sommariva, D., Kleemann, J. and others (2024) 'Use of Vitex agnus-castus in patients with menstrual cycle disorders: a single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study', Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 309(5), pp. 2089-2098. doi:10.1007/s00404-023-07363-4 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-023-07363-4 - Cerqueira, R.O., Frey, B.N., Leclerc, E. and Brietzke, E (2017) 'Vitex agnus castus for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder: a systematic review', Archives of Women's Mental Health, 20(6), pp. 713-719. doi:10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00737-017-0791-0 - van Die, M.D., Burger, H.G., Teede, H.J. and Bone, K.M (2009) 'Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste-Tree/Berry) in the treatment of menopause-related complaints', Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(8), pp. 853-862. doi:10.1089/acm.2008.0447 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2008.0447 - Daniele, C., Thompson Coon, J., Pittler, M.H. and Ernst, E (2005) 'Vitex agnus castus: a systematic review of adverse events', Drug Safety. doi:10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2165/00002018-200528040-00004 - Wuttke, W., Jarry, H., Christoffel, V., Spengler, B. and Seidlova-Wuttke, D (2003) 'Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) - pharmacology and clinical indications', Phytomedicine, 10(4), pp. 348-357. doi:10.1078/094471103322004866 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1078/094471103322004866 - Kuruzum-Uz, A., Stroch, K., Demirezer, L.O. and Zeeck, A (2003) 'Glucosides from Vitex agnus-castus', Phytochemistry, 63(8), pp. 959-964. doi:10.1016/s0031-9422(03)00285-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-9422(03)00285-1 - Rani, A. and Sharma, A (2013) 'The genus Vitex: A review', Pharmacognosy Reviews, 7(14), pp. 188-198. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.120522 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.120522 - Mollazadeh, S. and Mirghafourvand, M. and Abdollahi, N. G (2019) 'The effects of Vitex agnus-castus on menstrual bleeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 17(1). doi:10.1515/jcim-2018-0053 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2018-0053 - Tha\c ci, S. and Krasniqi, B. and D\"ermaku-Sopjani, M. and Rifati-Nixha, A. and Abazi, S. and Sopjani, M (2022) 'Vasorelaxant effects of the Vitex agnus-castus extract', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, pp. 7708781. doi:10.1155/2022/7708781 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/7708781 - Puglia, L.T., Lowry, J. and Tamagno, G (2023) 'Vitex agnus castus effects on hyperprolactinaemia', Frontiers in Endocrinology. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1269781 - Zeqiri, A. and Dermaku-Sopjani, M. and Sopjani, M (2022) 'The mechanisms underlying the role of Vitex agnus-castus in mastalgia', Bratislava Medical Journal, 123(12), pp. 913--918. doi:10.4149/BLL_2022_147 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4149/BLL_2022_147 - Atmaca, M. and Kumru, S. and Tezcan, E (2003) 'Fluoxetine versus Vitex agnus castus extract in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder', Human Psychopharmacology, 18(3), pp. 191--195. doi:10.1002/hup.470 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.470 - Zamani, M. and Neghab, N. and Torabian, S (2012) 'Therapeutic effect of Vitex agnus castus in patients with premenstrual syndrome', Acta Medica Iranica, 50(2), pp. 101--106. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359078/ Randomized trial
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22359078/ - Dugoua, J.-J. and Seely, D. and Perri, D. and Koren, G. and Mills, E (2008) 'Safety and efficacy of chastetree (Vitex agnus-castus) during pregnancy and lactation', Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 15(1), pp. e74--e79. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18204102/ Meta-analysis / review
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18204102/
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.