Symptom → Plant Sources
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) as a tool for helping with Menstrual cramps
inferred from antispasmodic action
Oregano essential oils obtained from the genera Origanum, Thymus, Coridothymus, Thymbra, Satureja and Lippia are rich in carvacrol, a monoterpenic phenol isomeric with thymol. Turkey is the biggest exporter of oregano herb and oil to the world markets. Oregano is mainly used in food, spice and pharmaceutical industries. Carvacrol is responsible for the biological activities of oregano. Many diverse activities of carvacrol such as antimicrobial, antitumor, antimutagenic, antigenotoxic, analgesic, antispasmodic, antiinflammatory, angiogenic, antiparasitic, antiplatelet, AChe inhibitory, antielastase, insecticidal, antihepatotoxic and hepatoprotective activities and uses such as feed additive, in honeybee breeding and in gastrointestinal ailments have been shown. This paper highlights these activities and attempts to explain the possible in vivo mechanism of action of carvacrol.
3 sources supporting Marjoram for Menstrual cramps. Includes scientific publications, books, monographs and traditional-use references.
Mechanistic basis
This use is associated with the plant's antispasmodic action. Further evidence for that pharmacology:
Marjoram (Origanum majorana) extract relaxed intestinal smooth muscle via calcium-channel inhibition, providing a pharmacological basis for its traditional antispasmodic use in diarrhoea and gut hyperactivity.
This review of marjoram (Origanum majorana) summarises its traditional uses, phytochemistry, toxicology and pharmacology, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, digestive and sedative activities.
Origanum majorana (marjoram) extract exhibited positive cooperative effects on the main mechanisms involved in acute infectious diarrhoea, including antispasmodic, antisecretory and antimicrobial actions, supporting its traditional antidiarrhoeal use.