One mouse study found oregano essential oil to be almost as effective as antibiotics against common bacteria
Studies have shown that oregano may help lower cholesterol in people and mice with high cholesterol. This is thought to be the result of the compounds carvacrol and thymol.
Fresh oregano has a very high antioxidant content. In fact, it’s much higher than that of most fruits and vegetables, gram per gram. The antioxidant content is concentrated in oregano oil.
Test-tube studies have shown that oregano essential oil is effective against Candida, the most common form of yeast.
Oregano oil may benefit gut health by killing gut parasites and protecting against leaky gut syndrome.
Oregano oil and its components may help reduce inflammation in mice, though human studies are needed.
Oregano oil may significantly reduce pain in mice and rats, exerting pain-relieving effects similar to those of some commonly used medications.
Preliminary studies have shown that carvacrol — the most abundant compound in oregano oil — inhibits cancer cell growth and causes cell death in lung, liver, and breast cancer cells.
Oregano oil may be beneficial for weight loss through the action of carvacrol, though human studies are needed.