Mode of Sattva

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.

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. 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).

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.

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