What Is Carvacrol in Oregano Oil?
Meet carvacrol — the compound behind oregano oil's reputation.
Key takeaways
- Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene — oregano oil's main active compound.
- It shows antimicrobial, antifungal and antioxidant activity in lab research.
- Human research is still limited.
- Carvacrol content varies between oregano species and products.
Carvacrol is the main active compound in oregano oil — a natural plant phenol responsible for much of oregano's strong aroma and its antimicrobial activity. In many oregano oils, carvacrol makes up the majority of the oil.[1]
What is carvacrol?
Carvacrol is a phenolic monoterpene, a small aromatic molecule made by plants. It's closely related to thymol, found in thyme. Together they give oregano its warm, spicy character.
Why is carvacrol associated with oregano?
Origanum species — especially Mediterranean oregano — produce exceptionally high amounts of carvacrol, often far more than other herbs.[2]
What does research show?
How do researchers study carvacrol?
Mostly through lab (cell and microbe) studies and animal models. A few small human studies have used oregano oil, such as a study on intestinal parasites.[4]
How do oregano preparations differ?
Carvacrol content varies with species, growing conditions and processing. Essential oils are concentrated; supplements dilute oregano oil to a measured amount. See is oil of oregano the same as oregano oil?
Carvacrol and thymoquinone
Pairing oregano oil with black seed oil adds thymoquinone to carvacrol — two different antioxidant compounds. Explore the pair in oil of oregano with black seed oil, and read about black seed oil.
Two popular oils. One convenient softgel formula. Antidote Supplements Ethiopian Black Seed Oil With Oil of Oregano delivers 3,000 mg Ethiopian black seed oil + 100 mg oregano oil extract per three-softgel serving, with up to 4.64% naturally occurring TQ — 240 softgels, 80 servings per pouch.
Frequently asked questions
What is carvacrol in oregano oil?
Carvacrol is oregano oil's main active compound, a plant phenol with antimicrobial and antioxidant activity in research.
Is carvacrol the same as thymol?
No, but they're closely related isomers with similar properties.
The bottom line
Carvacrol is the engine of oregano oil. Paired with black seed oil's thymoquinone, it's one half of today's most popular plant-oil combination.
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Sources
- Suntres ZE, Coccimiglio J, Alipour M. The bioactivity and toxicological actions of carvacrol. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2015;55(3):304-318.
- Leyva-López N, Gutiérrez-Grijalva EP, Vazquez-Olivo G, Heredia JB. Essential oils of oregano: biological activity beyond their antimicrobial properties. Molecules. 2017;22(6):989.
- Manohar V, Ingram C, Gray J, et al. Antifungal activities of origanum oil against Candida albicans. Mol Cell Biochem. 2001;228(1-2):111-117.
- Force M, Sparks WS, Ronzio RA. Inhibition of enteric parasites by emulsified oil of oregano in vivo. Phytother Res. 2000;14(3):213-214.