From the Guidelines
Oregano oil is not recommended for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) due to its inferior efficacy compared to FDA-approved medications and lack of regulation. According to a 2022 review of evidence for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention treatment guidelines, published in Clinical Infectious Diseases 1, essential oils like oregano oil may have some beneficial impacts, but they are generally equal or inferior to prescribed medications. The review highlights the importance of using FDA-approved alternatives that show higher rates of cure for VVC treatment.
When considering the use of oregano oil, it is essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risks, including digestive upset, allergic reactions, and blood-thinning effects. However, in the context of VVC treatment, the lack of strong evidence supporting its efficacy and the availability of more effective treatments make it a less desirable option.
Key points to consider when evaluating oregano oil for any potential use include:
- Potential antimicrobial and antioxidant properties
- Limited scientific evidence for many claimed benefits
- Risk of side effects, such as digestive upset and allergic reactions
- Importance of choosing products standardized to contain at least 70% carvacrol
- Need for consultation with a healthcare provider before starting use, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions or those taking certain medications, as noted in the context of other treatments 1.
From the Research
Properties and Composition of Oregano Oil
- Oregano oil is composed of various compounds, including carvacrol, thymol, limonene, gamma-cariofilene, rho-cymenene, canfor, linalol, alpha-pinene 2
- The composition of oregano oil depends on the species, climate, altitude, time of recollection, and stage of growth 2
Biological Activity of Oregano Oil
- Oregano oil has been shown to have antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms such as Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus epidermidis 2
- Oregano oil also has antiviral properties, specifically inhibiting lentiviruses such as HIV-1 3
- Additionally, oregano oil has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cancer suppressor properties 4
Potential Uses of Oregano Oil
- Oregano oil may be used as a natural additive in food products to enhance safety and quality 5
- Oregano oil may also have potential as an antidiabetic agent, with phenolic compounds from oregano plant species showing promise in in vitro studies 6
- Carvacrol, a component of oregano oil, has been shown to inhibit HIV-1 fusion into target cells and may be considered as a supplement to current HIV therapeutics 3