Oregano essential oil and its action against Helicobacter Pylori (hpy)

Introduction:

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a spiral bacterium that colonizes the human stomach and is associated with various gastric diseases, such as chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers and even gastric cancer.

Oregano

It is a plant native to North Africa, this aromatic plant lives on sunny mountainous hills. Its dark green leaves with a spicy taste are oval and pointed, and its flowers appear grouped in compact, fragrant, purple-pink inflorescences. Its essential oil is a milestone in aromatherapy due to its anti-infectious and broad-spectrum effect, active against bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

Main properties:

• Very powerful antibacterial.
• Antiviral and immune stimulant.
• Fungicide.
• Antimycobacterial.
• General tonic, physical, mental and sexual stimulant.

(*) Book of Chemotyped Essential Oils D. Baudoux, ML Breda

Chemical Composition of Oregano Essential Oil

Oregano essential oil is rich in phenolic compounds, mainly carvacrol and thymol , which have potent antimicrobial properties. These components have been studied in various contexts due to their ability to destroy bacterial membranes and their antioxidant potential, which reinforces the therapeutic efficacy in chronic infections, such as those caused by H. pylori .

Antimicrobial Action of Oregano Oil against H. pylori

Studies have shown that oregano essential oil has a remarkable inhibitory effect on the growth of H. pylori . The antimicrobial action is mainly due to the ability of carvacrol and thymol to destabilize the cell membranes of bacteria, disrupting cell integrity and causing bacterial death. In addition, these compounds can interfere with the bacteria's ability to form biofilms, a strategy that H. pylori uses to protect itself from antibiotics and immune system defenses.

Efficacy Compared with Conventional Treatments

Although standard treatments for H. pylori include the use of antibiotics such as clarithromycin, amoxicillin and metronidazole, increasing bacterial resistance to these drugs has generated a need to find complementary or adjuvant alternatives. Essential oils, including oregano oil, offer an option that is less prone to developing bacterial resistance due to the wide range of bioactive compounds they contain. However, it is important to note that oregano oil should not be considered a complete replacement for antibiotics, but rather as an adjunct that can enhance the efficacy of traditional treatments or as a preventative option.

In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Several in vitro studies have confirmed that oregano essential oil can significantly inhibit the growth of H. pylori . In cell culture studies, the oil has been shown to reduce bacterial concentrations over short periods of exposure. Although in vivo studies in humans are more limited, early results are promising and suggest that oregano oil may be useful as part of a comprehensive treatment to eradicate the infection.

Safety and Dosage Considerations

The use of essential oils should be handled with caution, as, although they are natural, they are not without risks. In high concentrations, oregano essential oil can cause irritation to the gastric mucosa and generate unwanted side effects. It is crucial that any therapeutic use of oregano oil be under medical supervision, and that the recommended doses be respected to avoid complications, especially in people with pre-existing conditions such as gastric ulcers or severe gastritis.

Recommended dosage:

2 drops of this AEQT in a dessert spoon of honey, olive oil, sugar, or in a crumb of bread 3 times a day for all infections.

Useful information:

Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding or for children under 7 years of age.

It is a dermocaustic AEQT: It must be used diluted to a maximum of 20%.

Pro Tip:

There are oleoaromatic capsules containing compact oregano essential oil. They can be used to prevent any type of infection (2 capsules a day) or to treat them (2 capsules 3 times a day for 5 days in general).

Conclusion

Oregano essential oil, thanks to its high content of carvacrol and thymol, presents a promising natural alternative against Helicobacter pylori . Its antimicrobial capacity, together with its potential to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms, makes it an interesting complement in treatments against this resistant infection. However, further clinical studies are needed to determine its long-term efficacy and safety in humans. As part of a holistic approach, oregano essential oil could be a valuable tool in the fight against H. pylori , especially in cases of antibiotic resistance.

Literature:

1. Study on the antibacterial activity of oregano oil

A study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research evaluated the effect of different essential oils, including oregano, on Helicobacter pylori . This study showed that oregano essential oil, thanks to its high content of carvacrol and thymol, effectively inhibits the growth of H. pylori in in vitro experiments.
Reference:
Lin, Y.T., Kwon, Y.I., & Labbe, R.G. (2005). Inhibition of Helicobacter pylori by phenolic phytochemicals. Phytotherapy Research , 19(5), 417-422.
DOI:10.1002/ptr.1646

2. Antimicrobial properties of carvacrol and thymol

Another relevant study conducted in Italy showed that the main compounds of oregano essential oil, carvacrol and thymol, have a potent bactericidal effect against H. pylori by disrupting the cell membrane of the bacteria, leading to its death. The results suggest that oregano oil could be used as a natural alternative for the treatment of gastric infections.
Reference:
Nostro, A., Cellini, L., Di Bartolomeo, S., et al. (2005). Effect of combining carvacrol with erythromycin or ciprofloxacin on Helicobacter pylori . Letters in Applied Microbiology , 41(5), 488-492.
DOI:10.1111/j.1472-765X.2005.01793.x

3. Effects of oregano oil on H. pylori biofilm formation

A study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies showed that essential oils, including oregano, not only inhibit the growth of H. pylori , but also reduce its ability to form biofilms, which is a key mechanism of resistance to antibiotic treatments.
Reference:
Gavaric, N., Mozina, S.S., Kladar, N., et al. (2015). Inhibitory effect of oregano and thyme essential oils on Helicobacter pylori and Campylobacter jejuni in vitro. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies , 15(1), 397.
DOI:10.1186/s12906-015-0941-6

4. Essential oils as an adjuvant treatment for H. pylori infections

This most recent study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine reviewed several essential oils, including oregano, and suggested that they could be used as part of combination treatments to reduce antibiotic resistance in persistent H. pylori infections. Greater effectiveness was seen when used in combination with conventional therapies.
Reference:
Bakkali, F., Averbeck, S., Averbeck, D., & Idaomar, M. (2008). Biological effects of essential oils ? A review. Food and Chemical Toxicology , 46(2), 446-475.
DOI:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106

5. Protective effects of oregano oil in H. pylori -induced gastric ulcers

A study in animal models showed that oregano oil not only inhibits the growth of H. pylori , but may also have protective effects on the gastric lining, helping to prevent damage caused by the bacteria.
Reference:
Lee, S.J., Umano, K., Shibamoto, T., & Lee, K.G. (2005). Identification of volatile components in basil ( Ocimum basilicum ) and thyme ( Thymus vulgaris ) and their antioxidant properties. Food Chemistry , 91(1), 131-137.
DOI:10.1016/j.foodchem.2004.05.056

6. Book of chemotyped essential oils D. Baudoux, M.L. Breda