Marjoram: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Scientific name(s)
Origanum majorana
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Rosmarinic acid
Ursolic acid
Carvacrol
Monoterpenes
Terpineols
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Depression, Fatigue ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram shows interesting potential in managing mood disorders and mental fatigue. The neurological properties of marjoram, notably its calming and relaxing effects, were demonstrated in a randomized clinical trial. In that study, 98 nursing students inhaled an essential oil combining marjoram and sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) for 20 minutes before an exam. The results showed a significant reduction in performance anxiety, stress, and general anxiety scores in the group that received the aromatherapy, compared with the control groups. These effects, attributed to the ability of marjoram's volatile components to cross the blood-brain barrier, reinforce its potential for managing stress, mental fatigue, and mild depressive symptoms.
Posologie
Orally: flowering tops
essential oil
Irritable bowel syndrome ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram is particularly effective at relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), notably due to its antispasmodic and digestive properties. Its relaxing effect on smooth muscles helps reduce spasmodic colitis and abdominal pain. Traditionally, it is used to treat bloating, flatulence, and slow digestion. In vitro studies have confirmed its action by blocking calcium channels, which alleviates intestinal spasms. Its use as an infusion or as diluted essential oil is particularly suitable for managing IBS symptoms.
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
2 - 8 g
infusion, essential oil
ENT infections ✪✪✪✪✪
Marjoram essential oil offers a powerful antimicrobial action. These properties make it a valuable ally for ENT infections, such as sinusitis or rhinitis. Used by inhalation or diffusion, it also acts as a decongestant and eases breathing.
Posologie
Oral: flowering tops
essential oil
Properties
Digestive effect
Marjoram is recognized for its benefits for the digestive system. It is traditionally used to relieve spasmodic colitis, gastritis, bloating, belching, and flatulence, as well as to stimulate slowed digestion. An ethanolic extract of marjoram has demonstrated a significant reduction in gastric acid secretion and the incidence of gastric ulcers in experimental animal models, suggesting a protective action on the gastric mucosa and a regulatory effect on digestive secretions.
Usages associés
Antispasmodic
Marjoram is recognized for its antispasmodic effects, which are largely explained by the presence of active compounds such as the carvacrol and thymol. Studies have shown that these substances act by relaxing the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, which helps reduce painful spasms associated with colitis and other gastrointestinal disorders.
Usages associés
Neurological
Marjoram shows promising neurological effects thanks to its inhibitory properties on acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of acetylcholine. This activity, demonstrated in vitro, is attributed to compounds such as ursolic acid and α-pinene. Marjoram may improve cognitive functions and offer promising prospects in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Moreover, research conducted on animal models of depression showed that a polyphenolic extract from marjoram leaves, administered orally at a dose of 50 to 100 mg/kg per day for 21 days, significantly reduced depression scores. These results were comparable to those obtained with paroxetine, a reference antidepressant, at a dose of 11.5 mg/kg per day.
Usages associés
Inhibitory effect of ursolic acid purified from Origanum majorana L on the acetylcholinesterase
Subacute Assessment of the Toxicity and Antidepressant-Like Effects of Origanum Majorana L. Polyphenols in Swiss Albino Mice
Antimicrobial
Marjoram has notable antimicrobial properties, mainly attributed to its essential oils rich in monoterpenes such as carvacrol, thymol and sabinene. These compounds act by disrupting the cell membranes of microorganisms, leading to their destruction. In vitro studies have shown significant activity against pathogenic bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. Marjoram essential oil has also shown antifungal activity, particularly effective against species like Candida albicans.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adult:
In an infusion, the recommended dose is 2 to 4 g of dried flowering tops in 150 ml of boiling water, to be taken once or twice a day, preferably after meals. The essential oil should always be diluted before topical application (1 drop per 10 drops of vegetable oil) to avoid irritation. When taken orally, its use should not exceed a few days without medical advice.
Interactions
Médicaments
Cholinergics: weak interaction
Marjoram extract could potentiate the effects of cholinergic medications, thereby increasing the risk of side effects. Examples of cholinergic medications: donepezil (Aricept), bethanechol (Urecholine), pyridostigmine (Mestinon), neostigmine (Prostigmin), and succinylcholine (Anectine).
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
It is not recommended for breastfeeding women.
Children up to 6 years: avoid
It is not recommended for children under 6 years of age due to insufficient safety data.
