From the Guidelines
No, oregano oil does not kill all bacteria.
Bactericidal Effects of Oregano Oil
While it has antimicrobial properties and may be effective against certain types of bacteria, its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific type of bacteria, concentration of the oil, and method of application 1.
- The development of resistance to antimicrobial agents is a concern, and not all bacteria are able to develop resistance to all antimicrobials to which they are naturally susceptible 1.
- Some bacteria, such as Gram-negative bacteria, may show reduced permeability to certain antimicrobial agents, making them less effective 1. It is not a substitute for standard medical treatment and should not be relied upon as the sole treatment for bacterial infections.
Importance of Evidence-Based Treatment
If you have a bacterial infection, consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment with evidence-based medications, such as antibiotics, which are specifically designed to target and eliminate bacterial infections.
- The use of antibiotics should be guided by antimicrobial stewardship principles to minimize the development of resistance and ensure effective treatment 1.
- The increasing use of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines can lead to marked shifts in the prevalence of macrolide-resistant S. pneumoniae isolates, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptation of treatment strategies 1.
From the Research
Bactericidal Effects of Oregano Oil
- Oregano oil has been shown to have bactericidal effects against various bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2.
- The oil was active against all clinical strains of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa tested, with Escherichia coli being more sensitive to the oil 2.
- Oregano essential oil also exhibited antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.75 to 3.50 mg/mL 3.
- The oil caused destabilization and rupture of the bacterial cell membrane, resulting in apoptosis of A. baumannii cells 3.
Spectrum of Activity
- Oregano oil has been shown to be effective against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus anthracis, and Helicobacter pylori 4.
- However, the oil was not effective against all bacteria, with Bacillus anthracis Sterne being an exception, where the oil was static rather than cidal 4.
- The oil also exhibited antibacterial activity against 111 Gram-positive bacterial isolates belonging to 23 different species related to 3 genera, including Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Bacillus megaterium 5.
Synergistic Effects
- Oregano essential oil has been shown to have a synergistic effect when combined with polymyxin B against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii 3.
- The combination of oregano essential oil and biological silver nanoparticles also resulted in a synergistic or additive effect against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains, including MRSA and β-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii strains 6.
- The combination of oregano essential oil and biological silver nanoparticles reduced the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values and the time of action compared to using the nanoparticles alone 6.