Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Marjoram
Origanum majorana
This monograph compiles 6 pharmacological actions, 10 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 13 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for arthritis / joint pain →detailed sources →inferred from digestive action
more plants for bloating →detailed sources →inferred from digestive action
more plants for indigestion →detailed sources →inferred from antimicrobial action
more plants for infection (general) →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for inflammation (general) →detailed sources →inferred from sedative action
more plants for insomnia / sleeplessness →detailed sources →inferred from antispasmodic action
more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →inferred from antispasmodic action
more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →inferred from anti-inflammatory action
more plants for skin irritation →detailed sources →inferred from antimicrobial action
more plants for wounds →detailed sources →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).
References
REF-1223, REF-1224, REF-1225, REF-1226, REF-1227, REF-1228, REF-1229, REF-1230, REF-1231, REF-1232References & 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. Traditional / reference
Find this source - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
Find this source - 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
Find this source
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