Mode of Sattva: 2025

Benefits of Marjoram/Sweet Marjoram (Marwa) Herb in gastrointestinal and liver disorders according to Ayurveda backed by Modern Science (Part-1)

In my previous blog, I have shared non-pharmacological activities and significance of Marjoram according to Ayurveda along with precautions we need to take while consuming this herb (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2024/09/brief-introduction-of-marjoram-sweet.html). In this blog, ayurvedic significance of this herb in stomach, intestine and liver diseases have been explained, which is backed by Modern science.

Ayurvedic significance of Marjoram backed by Modern Science:

Traditionally, this herb was used in various ailments (1, 2). Various pharmacological activities such as antioxidant activity, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal, protozoal), anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet, antiatherosclerosis, antitumor, antiulcer, anticancer and antimetastatic anticholinesterase inhibition activity have been reported by modern science as well (1).

These pharmacological activities are due to the presence of phytochemicals (chemical compounds which protects plants from environmental stress, microbial toxins and insects) such as terpenes and phenolic compounds. The plant extracts and essential oil obtained from different parts of plant such as aerial parts (flower, stem and leaves) and seeds are the main source of these phytochemicals (1, 3). These phytochemicals not only provide protection to plants but also give protection to us due to their great antioxidant (4), anti-inflammatory and other pharmacological activities (1, 3, 5, 6).

1. Gastrointestinal Disorder:

Traditional Usage: In traditional medicine, its essential oil was used in gastrointestinal diseases such as indigestion in Turkey. Its leaves were used in gastrointestinal infections in Austria and as a carminative herb (prevent and relieve gas in gastrointestinal tract) in Iran (1). Ayurveda says, it is used as a carminative herb. (7,8). Its essential oil was used in flatulence and indigestion (7). It cures colic pain (when healthy babies cry for very long time, no obvious reason) (8).

Modern Research: This herb is considered as one of the best medicines for gastrointestinal ailments, utilized in different forms like herbal tea or as a seasoning. It is believed to enhance the production of the digestive enzymes after a few minutes of consumption, stimulating the appetite and digestion (9). An in vitro scientific study showed that essential oil of aerial part (flower, stem, and leaves) of this herb exhibit an effect on intestinal relaxation (10).

Scientific studies revealed that dried whole plant and its essential oil has high anti-microbial activity (1, 5). An in-vitro study demonstrated the anti-microbial activity of extracts of aerial parts (flower, stem, and leaves) of this herb to multidrug resistant bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii which is a major cause of nosocomial infections and responsible for outbreaks in intensive care unit such as urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia linked to ventilator use and sepsis (11). Moreover, ethanolic ammonium extract of leaves of this herb showed the anti-protozoal activity to Pentatichomonas hominis which infects mammalian digestive tract causes symptoms abdominal symptoms and diarrhea (12).

Studies also confirmed that ethanol extract of aerial parts (of this herb has potential to prevent the ulcer (open sores in stomach and small intestine) (13). Another study showed ulcer healing property of volatile oil and methanolic extracts of leaves of this herb (5, 14). A study on rats showed the beneficial effect of flower extract of this herb on ulcerative colitis (inflammation in large intestine) (15).

In addition to this, this herb shows anti-spasmodic effect in animal study by slowing down the natural movements of gut and by relaxing the muscles in stomach and intestines and control symptoms such as tummy pain and cramp or spasm (16).

2. Liver Health:

Traditional Usage: Ayurveda says, it is beneficial for liver (7).

Modern Research: A study on mice with pesticide induced hepatotoxicity showed the positive effect of essential oil of leaves of this herb when given orally (17). In another studies on rat, aqueous leaf extract of this herb was shown to improve the obesity induce abnormal changes in liver cells and repaired drug induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress, respectively (18, 19). Moreover, another study on rat showed the antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects of aerial part extract (flower, stem, and leaves) of this herb when given orally in liver disorders caused by the accumulation of bile fatty acids and other toxins (20).

3. Worm’s Infestation:

Traditional Usage: According to Ayurveda, this herb has anti-helminthic activity (7,8). Helminths are intestinal worms such as roundworms (nematodes), tapeworms, and flukes.

Modern Research: A study with in-vitro assessment and mice experiment showed that essential oil of fresh leaves and stems of this herb has inhibited 80% fecal egg count and adult worm count in seven days when mice were administrated orally with 8mg/ml dose of essential oil (21). Another in-vitro study demonstrated the paralysis and death of earthworm in less than 50 min with even higher dose (150 mg/ml) of ethanol and aqueous leaf extract of this herb (22).

Clinical studies need to be done for further validation of its beneficial effects.

Important Note:

After this research, I came to know that different parts of this herb such as aerial, leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds have different medicinal uses. These medicinal use depends on the extract formulations of different plant parts using different solvents such as water, oil and alcohol by the process called infusion (steeping) and by making decoction. Different extracts from different parts of plants have specific phytochemical profile (23).

In addition to this, essential oils derived from different parts of plants also have different phytochemical profile. These profiles possess different pharmacological activities and hence act as medicine for respectively. Just like any other medicine the pharmacological activity is dose-dependent (20).

Disclaimer: Please take note that I am not a medical specialist. I do my own academic research by studying various scientific articles and try to share information on various foods. The intention is to just raise awareness among common man about the significance of food we eat from Ayurvedic and Modern science perspective.

Any medicinal formulation of this herb mentioned in this article is mainly for educational & information purpose. In no way this should be considered as a recommendation to use. If you are in doubt whether to consume it or not then just plant it in your garden to feel sweet spicy aroma and to keep pests, insects, and reptiles away.

References:

1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5871212/

2. https://sci-hub.se/downloads/2020-09-28/84/bouyahya2021.pdf

3. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/363923007_Marjoram_Origanum_majorana_An_essential_oil_with_potential_pharmacological_properties_and_health_benefits

4. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/356134230_Review_on_Methods_Used_to_Determine_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Origanum_majorana

5. https://www.iscientific.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/7-IJCBS-16-09-07.pdf

6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343652829_An_Updated_Review_on_Traditional_Uses_Taxonomy_Phytochemistry_Pharmacology_and_Toxicology_of_Origanum_majorana

7. https://www.easyayurveda.com/2019/07/16/marjoram-origanum-majorana/

8. Ayurvedic Texts

9. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327585974_Origanum_majorana_L_extract_exhibit_positive_cooperative_effects_on_the_main_mechanisms_involved_in_acute_infectious_diarrhea

10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874118319160

11. https://fjps.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43094-024-00641-1