Mode of Sattva: April 2025

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

Pharmacological Activities of Marjoram/Sweet Marjoram (Marwa) Herb: Anti-diabetic, Gout, Cancer & Mutagenic Activity along with Anti-Poisonous Activity according to Ayurveda backed by Modern Science (Part-4)

In my previous blog, ayurvedic significance of Marwa herb in Neurological, Psychological, Mental, Skin, Ocular & Oral Health have been explained, which is backed by Modern science (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2025/04/pharmacological-activities-of_30.html).

In this blog, I will explain about the Anti-diabetic, Gout, Cancer & Mutagenic Activity along with Anti-Poisonous Activity according to Ayurveda 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. Pain Relief:

Traditional Usage: Marjoram has found its usage traditionally throughout the world. In old Egypt, its oil was massaged on forehead and in hair (7). Its essential oil was used in headache and rheumatism in Turkey and to relieve toothache, joint and muscular pain in India. Moreover, its leaves were used to treat ear pain and otitis (ear infection) in Iran (1). According to Ayurveda, its essential oil can be used externally in muscular pain, toothache, headache, sprains, bruises, stiffness, painful swelling, joint pain, and rheumatism (8).

Modern Research: A scientific study validated the usage of Marjoram to treat earache (9). A study on cats showed that Marjoram essential oil when massaged for 60s on ear helped to recover cats who were infected from ear mites (10). A clinical case report demonstrated that when a herbal preparation of this herb along with other substance was administered to a patient suffering from periapical abscess (infection around tooth root), she got recovered as the abscess got removed without any surgical intervention and post-treatment complication (11).

2. Animal Poison:

Traditional Usage: Back in times, Aristotle reported it as anti-poison (7). In traditional medicine, its leaves were used as antidote in Iran (1). Ancient people used to keep this herb with them while working in the fields to treat any kind of insects or snake bite (3). Ayurveda also says, it is beneficial as an antidote for Scorpio bite (8, 12). Moreover, it acts as a repellent as reptiles and serpents avoid coming in its vicinity (12).

Modern Research: I could not find any scientific report on it. However, numerous plants claimed to be antidotes in folklore medicine need to be studied.

3. Anti-Diabetic Effect: A study on rat showed that leaf extract loaded therapy, volatile oil and methanolic extract of this herb is beneficial in diabetes at lower doses than the conventional and aqueous extract of this herb (13, 14).

4. Anti-Gout activity: Gout is the disease which is caused due to the accumulation of increased uric acid in joints due to the intake of red meat and alcohol rich diet. It is characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in one or more joints. A study on rats showed the anti-gout activity of both stem and root ethanol extracts of this herb when administrated orally (15).

5. Anti-Cancer Effect: A study showed that the isolated compounds and extract of aerial parts (flower, stem, and leaves) of plant exhibit antioxidant activity and antiproliferative (tend to suppress cell growth, especially the growth of malignant/cancer cells into surrounding tissues) activity (16). Apart from this, it also shows anti-metastatic (inhibiting to spread the diseases cancer from one part to other part) effect (1).

A study on cell line showed the anticancer and antioxidative properties of aqueous extract of aerial part of this herb and indicated that Origanum Majorana could induce apoptosis (killing) of human breast cancer cells (17). In other study, this herb showed the cytotoxic and antitumorigenic effect against breast cancer. However, this study encourages drinking Origanum Majorana tea as a potent, safe anticancer agent in general, especially breast cancer. However, more animal and clinical trials are needed to determine this effect (18). Another study on cell line provides strong evidence that sweet marjoram ethanolic leaf extract possesses strong anti-colon cancer potential as well 19). Further studies revealed that the ethanolic leaf extract of this herb exhibits an anti-proliferative and apoptotic effect on human lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines (20).

6. Anti-Mutagenic Effect: With the help of in-vitro, animal, and cell line study, it has been demonstrated that this herb and its essential oil protect any changes in RNA, DNA, protein content i.e., possess anti-mutagenic effect (5, 21, 22).

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 uses depend 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 (2).

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 (2).

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.

Thus, this is all about the significance of Marjoram Herb according to Ayurveda and Modern Science. I hope, you will be benefitted someway after reading this collected information on Marjoram herb.

Thanks !

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.researchgate.net/publication/292161091_Origanum_majorana_L_-Phyto-pharmacological_review

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

9.https://www.tinnitusjournal.com/articles/a-review-of-medicinal-plants-for-the-treatment-of-earache-and-tinnitus-in-iran.html#:~:text=Origanum%20majorana%20is%20dissolved%20in,infection%20%5B51%2C52%5D.

10. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313400560_Effect_of_some_essential_oils_Allium_sativum_L_Origanum_majorana_L_and_ozonated_olive_oil_on_the_treatment_of_ear_mites_Otodectes_cynotis_in_cats

11. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/327594265_Origanum_majorana_L_as_an_Herbal_Medicine_for_the_Treatment_of_Apical_Abscess_A_Case_Report_and_Literature_Review

12. Ayurvedic Texts

13. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8725878/

14. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2222180812600681

15. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267035915_Antigout_and_Antioxidant_Activity_of_Stem_and_Root_of_Origanum_majorana_Linn

16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25721137/

17. https://journal.waocp.org/article_89769_97d1dfa9278ae90ecdf94d4e826370d9.pdf

18. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373805155_Evaluation_of_the_anticancer_activity_of_Origanum_Marjoram_as_a_safe_natural_drink_for_daily_use

19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6712482/

20. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0145212609004780

21. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22025506

22. https://liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jmf.2013.0006?journalCode=jmf

Other Sites:

1. https://x.com/Bhoomi37716

2. https://www.threads.net/@bhoomiphd832024

3. https://www.instagram.com/

4. https://in.pinterest.com/bhoomiphd83/

5. https://www.youtube.com/@Bhoomicreation9

Pharmacological Activities of Marjoram/Sweet Marjoram (Marwa) Herb: Benefits in Neurological, Psychological, Mental, Skin, Ocular & Oral Health according to Ayurveda backed by Modern Science (Part-3)

In my previous blog, ayurvedic significance of Marwa herb in respiratory, cardiac, urinary & reproductive system have been explained, which is backed by Modern science (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2025/04/pharmacological-activities-of.html).

In this blog, I will explain about ayurvedic significance of this herb in Neurological, Psychological, Mental, Skin, Ocular & Oral Health, which is backed by Modern Science.

1. Neurological/Psychological Disorder:

Traditional Usage: In traditional medicine, this herb was used for insomnia (hard to fall asleep) (1, 3). Its leaves were used to treat epilepsy (mirgee) in Iran (1). According to Ayurveda, it is useful in hysteria and paralysis (7, 8) and acts as a nerve stimulant (drug increase activity of central nervous system). Moreover, its essential oil is used in insomnia (7).

Modern Research: Modern science is getting promising results with marjoram for the treatment of neurotoxicity or neurodegenerative diseases (nervous system related). A study on rats showed that the essential oil of aerial part of this herb as well as ethanolic leaf extract and methanolic extract of aerial part of this herb possess neuroprotective activity (9, 10).

Its essential oil derived from aerial flowering part of plant reduced the brain oxidative stress and showed memory enhancing effect in rat suffering from Alzheimer disease (11). Moreover, a clinical study demonstrated that the consumption of Marjoram tea, prepared by infusion of 5g of dried leaves in 100 ml of boiling water for 15 min and filtered through strainer, leads to improvement in non-motor and depression symptoms in patients with idiopathic (unknown cause) Parkinson’s disease. This too without any side effects or complications (12).

In addition to this, it has anticholinesterase inhibition activity (1). Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter (carry messages between brain and nervous system). Acetylcholinesterase enzyme breaks down acetylcholine into acetate and choline. This plant decreases the activity of acetylcholinesterase enzymes and thus inhibits the breakdown of acetylcholine. So, diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, associated with low level of acetylcholine can be cured by anticholinesterase inhibition activity (1, 13). Moreover, it has anti-convulsant effect (treat seizures by controlling abnormal activity in brain) (5).

2. Mental Health:

Traditional Usage: Some ancient people used this herb to treat anxiety (3).

Modern Research: Stress and anxiety are two main causes that result in several health problems including depression, insomnia, and disturbed mental health. The classical drugs currently available may lead to memory impairment which is most dangerous side effect. A study on rats showed that the oral administration of leaf extract of this herb induced anti-depressant and anxiolytic activity without any side-effects (14). A clinical study proved that inhalation of 3% Marjoram essential oil was effective in lowering the perceived stress and anxiety of nurses caring for patients with COVID-19 (15). Another clinical study showed that the inhalation of essential oil of this herb along with neurofeedback training in Bruxism (a disease in which person grinds or clench his teeth unconsciously while sleep or awake) patients enhance the anti-stress effect in them (16).

3. Skin Problems:

Traditional Usage: Marjoram is known for its benefits against skin problems. Hippocrates (Father of medicine) used this herb as an antiseptic agent (17). In Iran, its leaves are used as antimicrobial and antiseptic (1). According to Ayurveda, it is useful in skin disorder such as leprosy (8) and heal wounds (7). It prevents bad body odor (7, 8). Moreover, it is used in skin cream, body lotion, shaving gel, and bath soap (6).

Modern Research: Modern science also confirmed that dried whole plant, its essential oil, and water extracts of leaves has compounds which have great antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (1, 18). Due to these properties, it used as an effective antiseptic. A study on rats demonstrated the anti-fungal property of its essential oil through oral treatment (19). Another study showed that essential oil of leaves of this herb possess great anti-acne property (20).

4. Ocular Diseases:

Traditional Usage: In Iran, leaves of this herb were used to improve vision and in cataract traditionally (1).

Modern Research: Currently, there is no research backing the impact of marjoram on vision and cataract but there is a strong opinion that it helps in improving vision and can be used to cure cataract without the need of surgery (21).

5. Oral Health:

Traditional Usage: It is believed that this herb was used to treat bad breath.

Modern Research: Halitosis or bad breath can have number of causes. One of the biggest and most common of these is oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by overgrowth of yeast Candida Albicans which causes a large white, yellow or brownish patch on tongue (22). Scientific studies revealed that dried whole plant and its essential oil has high anti-microbial activity (1). Essential oil of this herb alone and in synergy with Origanum. Vulgare (Oregano) showed strong anti-microbial activity to Candida Albicans. Ethanol extracts of leaves of this herb also showed anti-microbial activity to yeast in in-vitro study (23, 24, 25).

Important Note:

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.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10199469/

10. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.2c08295

11. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7600529/

12. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1353802021003072

13. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326638

14. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/10/23/8420

15. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1287282/full

16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6406666/

17.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/292161091_Origanum_majorana_L_-Phyto-pharmacological_review

18. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/3888075

19. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/336633590_In_vivo_protection_of_the_marjoram_Origanum_majorana_Linn_essential_oil_in_the_cutaneous_sporotrichosis_by_Sporothrix_brasiliensis

20. https://applbiolchem.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s13765-024-00859-w

21. https://jbums.org/article-1-6577-en.pdf

22.https://smiledesigndental.com.au/dental-pathology/what-causes-bad-breath-halitosis-and-ways-to-fix-it/#:~:text=Within%20the%20Mouth-,Oral%20Thrush,brownish%20patch%20on%20the%20tongue.

23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8838586/

24. https://ijrsset.org/pdfs/v3-i12/3.pdf

25. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/286944488_Antimicrobial_and_antiprotozoal_effect_of_sweet_marjoram_Origanum_majorana_L

Other Sites:

1. https://x.com/Bhoomi37716

2. https://www.threads.net/@bhoomiphd832024

3. https://www.instagram.com/

4. https://in.pinterest.com/bhoomiphd83/

5. https://www.youtube.com/@Bhoomicreation9

Pharmacological Activities of Marjoram/Sweet Marjoram (Marwa) Herb: Benefits in Respiratory, Cardiac, Urinary & Reproductive System according to Ayurveda backed by Modern Science (Part-2)

In my previous blog, ayurvedic significance of Marwa herb in stomach, intestine and liver diseases have been explained, which is backed by Modern science (https://thepureknowledge.blogspot.com/2025/01/benefits-of-marjoramsweet-marjoram-herb.html).

In this blog, I will explain about ayurvedic significance of this herb in respiratory, cardiac, urinary & reproductive system, which is backed by Modern Science.

1. Respiratory Diseases:

Traditional Usage: In traditional medicine, its essential oil was used in respiratory diseases such as asthma in Turkey and its leaves were used to treat cold, cough, chill, and asthmatic whooping in Egypt, England, and Iran (1). Ayurveda says, this herb is beneficial in sore throat, cough, asthma (6,7) and acts as expectorant (a drug that helps thin and loosen mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up the mucus) (7).

Modern Research: I could not find any scientific report claiming the effect of this herb in curing respiratory disorders, but science has proved that it possesses great anti-microbial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (1, 8).

2. Cardiac Health:

Traditional Usage: In traditional medicine, this herb was used in hypertension and cardiac diseases (1). Ayurveda says, it is cardio protective (6) and good for heart (7).

Modern Research: Leaf extract of this herb was found to induce vasorelaxation (widening of blood vessels) in rat studies. This study supports the use of marjoram in management/treatment of hypertension, but further studies are needed to better determine its effects (3). Another study on rats having heart attack situation showed the positive effect of leaves of this herb in this situation when given orally (9). In addition to this, a study on rat showed the anti-platelet effect of volatile oil of the plant and decreased total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipid, and very low-density lipid level, hence prevents atherosclerosis (disease in which fat, cholesterol build up in and on artery walls) (1, 10).

3. Anti-Nephrotoxic effect:

Traditional Usage: ?

Modern Research: Modern science proved that this herb is beneficial in kidney problems. A study on rats suffering from Diabetic Nephropathy (kidney problems caused by the hyperglycemia) showed the positive effect of the aerial part (flower, stem, and leaves) extract of this herb in diabetic complications such as damage on kidney tissue (12, 13, 15). Moreover, another study on rats also showed the reduction in kidney damage using essential oil of this herb (14). Yet another study on rats revealed that the flower extract of this herb has a potential to reduce nephrotoxicity caused due to adverse effect of cancer drug (16).

A clinical study demonstrated that the mixture of aqueous extracts of aerial part (flower, stem, and leaves) of this herb with Sage plant decreases the oxidative stress and improve kidney health in hemodialysis patients when consumed as drink twice daily for three months (11).

4. Reproductive Health:

Traditional Usage: Ayurveda says it stimulate menstrual flow (6).

Modern Research: On the basis of clinical trial study, sweet marjoram tea when given twice daily for 1 month showed beneficial effect on hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (1, 2). Another scientific study done on rats supports the use of essential oil derived from aerial part (flower, stem, and leaves) of this herb as fertility enhancer and suggests that it could be used to manage pesticide-induced male infertility (17). However, let’s wait for more studies to validate this claim.

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 (2).

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. Ayurvedic Texts

8. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2022/3888075

9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23054890/

10.https://ijpsr.com/bft-article/exploration-of-anti-atherosclerotic-activity-of-origanum-majorana-l-in-experimental-animals-with-high-fat-diet-induced-atherosclerosis/

11. https://ejnh.journals.ekb.eg/article_166689_9b411251dd06e7bdf9ab49376a5128d0.pdf