Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Activities of Oregano Extract

The antioxidant activity of the crude extract prepared from oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and its antiinflammatory activities in mouse models of stress-induced gastritis and contact hypersensitivity were investigated. Oregano extract was a substrate for peroxidase, similar to phenol. Oregano extract exhibited iron-reducing activity, although its strength was approximately one-fifth of that of ascorbic acid. Oral administration of oregano extract significantly prevented mouse gastritis induced by cold-restraint stress. Percutaneous administration of oregano extract also significantly prevented mouse contact hypersensitivity induced by oxazolone. These antiinflammatory activities 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.