Origanum vulgare ssp. vulgare: Chemical Composition and Biological Studies.
Author Information
Oniga I1, Pușcaș C2, Silaghi-Dumitrescu R2, Olah NK3, Sevastre B4, Marica R4, Marcus I4, Sevastre-Berghian AC5, Benedec D1, Pop CE6, Hanganu D1.
1 Department of Pharmacognosy, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 I. Creanga Street, Cluj-Napoca 400010, Romania.
2 Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University, 11 A. Janos Street, Cluj-Napoca 400028, Romania.
3 Faculty of Medicine, Pharmacy and Dental Medicine, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, 86 L. Rebreanu Street, Arad 310414, Romania.
4 Department of Paraclinics, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, 3-5 Mănăştur Street, Cluj-Napoca 400372, Romania.
5 Department of Physiology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 L. Pasteur Street, Cluj-Napoca, 400349, Romania.
6 Department of Drug Industry and Biotechnology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 12 I. Creanga Street, Cluj-Napoca 400010, Romania.
Abstract
The biological properties and main phenolic compounds of the O. vulgare L. ssp. vulgare extract are described in the present paper. The polyphenolic compounds were analyzed by chromatographic and spectrophotometric techniques. The antioxidant potential was evaluated using several methods: CUPRAC (cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity), FRAP (ferric reducing ability of plasma), inhibition of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by cytochrome c, and superoxide (SO) scavenging assays. The antimicrobial activity of the oregano extract was evaluated by means of agar-well diffusion assay. The hepatoprotective effect of the O. vulgare extract on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. Liver injury was estimated by determination of alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT, total protein and albumin concentrations, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). These values were improved by the administration of oregano extract. A specific phenolic profile was evidenced by these data, with large amounts of rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids. The oregano extract showed very strong antioxidant activity in good agreement with the phenolic content. Antimicrobial activity was good, especially against Salmonella enteritidis and Aspergillus niger strains. The high hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, along with polyphenol-rich content, can support the use of O. vulgare in therapy. We also expect our results to open new research directions for designing important new drug products, using indigenous plant material.
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