Marjoram: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
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Scientific name(s)
Origanum majorana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Rosmarinic acid
Ursolic acid
Carvacrol
Monoterpenes
Terpinenols
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression, Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram shows interesting potential in managing mood disorders and mental fatigue. The neurological properties of marjoram, particularly its calming and relaxing action, were highlighted in a randomized clinical study. In this study, 98 nursing students inhaled an essential oil combining marjoram and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) for 20 minutes before an exam. The results showed a significant reduction in performance anxiety, stress, and general anxiety scores in the aromatherapy group compared to control groups. These effects, attributed to the ability of marjoram's volatile components to cross the blood-brain barrier, strengthen its appeal for managing stress, mental fatigue, and mild depressive symptoms.
Posologie
Orally: flowering tops
essential oil
Irritable Bowel Syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram is particularly effective in alleviating symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), thanks to its antispasmodic and digestive properties. Its relaxing effect on smooth muscles helps reduce spasmodic colitis and abdominal pain. Traditionally, it is used to treat bloating, flatulence, and slow digestion. In vitro studies have confirmed its action in blocking calcium channels, which reduces intestinal spasms. Its use in infusion or diluted essential oil is particularly suitable for managing IBS symptoms.
Posologie
Orally: flowering tops
2 - 8 g
infusion, essential oil
ENT Infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram essential oil offers powerful antimicrobial action. These properties make it a valuable ally in ENT infections, such as sinusitis or rhinitis. When used in inhalation or diffusion, it also acts as a decongestant and facilitates breathing.
Posologie
Orally: flowering tops
essential oil
Properties
Digestive Effect
Marjoram is known for its benefits on the digestive system. It is traditionally used to relieve spasmodic colitis, gastritis, bloating, belching, and flatulence, as well as to stimulate slow digestion. An ethanolic extract of marjoram has shown a significant reduction in gastric acid secretion and the incidence of gastric ulcers in experimental animal models, suggesting a protective action on the gastric mucosa and a regulatory effect on digestive secretions.
Usages associés
Antispasmodic
Marjoram is recognized for its antispasmodic effects, largely explained by the presence of active compounds such as carvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that these substances work by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, helping to reduce painful spasms associated with colitis and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Usages associés
Neurological
Marjoram displays promising neurological effects thanks to its inhibitory properties on acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine. This activity, demonstrated in vitro, is attributed to compounds such as ursolic acid and α-pinene. Marjoram may enhance cognitive functions and offer interesting prospects in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, research conducted on animal models of depression showed that a polyphenolic extract of marjoram leaves, administered orally at a dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg daily for 21 days, significantly reduced depression scores. These results were comparable to those obtained with paroxetine, a reference antidepressant, at a dose of 11.5 mg/kg per day.
Usages associés
Inhibitory effect of ursolic acid purified from Origanum majorana L on acetylcholinesterase
Subacute Assessment of the Toxicity and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Origanum Majorana L. Polyphenols in Swiss Albino Mice
Antimicrobial
Marjoram has notable antimicrobial properties, mainly attributed to its essential oils rich in monoterpenes like carvacrol, thymol, and sabinene. These compounds work by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. In vitro studies have shown significant activity against pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhimurium. Marjoram essential oil has also demonstrated antifungal action, particularly effective against species like Candida albicans.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult:
For infusion, the recommended dose is 2 to 4 g of dried flowering tops in 150 ml of boiling water, consumed once or twice daily, preferably after meals. The essential oil must always be diluted before skin application (1 drop per 10 drops of vegetable oil) to avoid irritation. Orally, its use should not exceed a few days without medical advice.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cholinergics: weak interaction
Marjoram extract could potentiate the effects of cholinergic medications, increasing the risk of side effects. Examples of cholinergic medications: donepezil (Aricept), bethanechol (Urecholine), pyridostigmine (Mestinon), neostigmine (Prostigmin), and succinylcholine (Anectine).
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
It is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Child up to 6 years old: avoid
It is not recommended for children under 6 years old due to the lack of safety data.
