Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activities of Oregano Extract

Abstract

The antioxidant activity of the crude extract pre- pared from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and its an- tiinflammatory activities in mouse models of stress- induced gastritis and contact hypersensitivity were investigated. Oregano extract was a substrate for per- oxidase, similar to phenol. Oregano extract exhibited iron-reducing activity, although its strength was ap- proximately one-fifth of that of ascorbic acid. Oral administration of oregano extract significantly pre- vented mouse gastritis induced by cold-restraint stress. Percutaneous administration of oregano extract also significantly prevented mouse contact hypersensitiv- ity induced by oxazolone. These antiinflammatory ac- tivities of oregano extract tended to be weaker than those of hydrocortisone. The antioxidant activities of oregano extract appear to contribute to its preventive effects against inflammatory diseases, such as stress- induced gastritis and contact hypersensitivity in mice.