Carvacrol is an ingredient that has strong antibacterial properties. It is effective against most bacteria that cause colon and urinary tract infections, typhus, cholera, ulcer and skin infections.
Carvacrol may not be a widely recognized household name, but its source – oregano, probably is. As it turns out, oregano offers more than a pleasant taste; research has shown that carvacrol, its active ingredient, offers a wide range of health benefits; including protective effects for the liver, antioxidant, activity against harmful organisms, allergy and protects against aging.
Origanum vulgare and Origanum onites contain 30-60% carvacrol, while Origanum minutiflorum contains as much as 80-90% of this active ingredient. Due to the high content of carvacrol Origanum minutiflorum is most commonly used for healing oil.
Oregano has been used as a medicinal herb in folk medicine for a long time in history – as a natural antibiotic, an exfoliant and bronchodilator, cramps, sinusitis (especially chronic), sore throat, unspecific ear infections, colds, viroze, flu, nose and urinary bladder inflammation.
Numerous studies have been conducted of oregano on bacteria and other microorganisms. There are over 50 species of oregano. The most popular is wild oregano that can not be cultivated. Of these 50 species of oregano, 30 are growing in Turkey, of which 15 are endemic (only succeed in Turkey). Of all types of oregano, the three species are the most exotic: Origanum vulgare, Origanum onites and Origanum minutiflorum.
Researchers at Arizona University have published new findings that indicate that carvacrol, orange oil phenol, deactivates dangerous microorganisms and pollutants to an extent that can be beneficial to food preparation and safety.
Carvacol is found in essential oils of oregano, thyme, pepper and wild oregano
The leaves of moringa have 20 to 25% protein content and other leaves have 10%.
Carvacrol (CV) is a phenolic monoterpenoid found in essential oils of oregano (Origanum Vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), pepperwort (Lepidium flavum), wild bergamot (Citrus aurantium bergamia), and other plants. Carvacrol possesses a wide range of bioactivities putatively useful for clinical applications such antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities.
Carvacrol antimicrobial activity is higher than that of other volatile compounds present in essential oils due to the presence of the free hydroxyl group, hydrophobicity, and the phenol moiety. The present review illustrates the state-of-the-art studies on the antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties of CV. It is particularly effective against food-borne pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Bacillus cereus.
More Facts About Carvacrol
Cleans as Effectively as Chlorine
Produce is often washed before it’s made available for purchase. That’s great, except for the fact that chemicals like chlorine may be used. One study looked to compare the antimicrobial effect of carvacrol to chlorine as a wash for grape tomatoes. For the experiment, grape tomatoes were contaminated with Salmonella, and then given a chlorine wash or carvacrol. The solution using carvacrol achieved significant reductions in Salmonella. The researchers also noted the natural solution did not affect nutritional value, antioxidant content, look or taste.
Great Against Harmful Organisms
Experiments repeatedly confirm the efficacy of carvacrol against Salmonella, e.g. Coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria. It had so much success, the researchers decided for an even more serious problem – antibiotic-resistant salmonella. In a test with Salmonella-infected celery, carvacrol immediately eliminated the Salmonella colonies. It is believed that this action represents an alternative to keeping food from such harmful organisms.
Effective Against Candida
Experiments repeatedly confirm the efficacy of carvacrol against Salmonella, e.g. Coli, Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria. It had so much success, the researchers decided for an even more serious problem – antibiotic-resistant salmonella. In a test with Salmonella-infected celery, carvacrol immediately eliminated the Salmonella colonies. It is believed that this action represents an alternative to keeping food from such harmful organisms.
Promotes Normal Lipid Levels
The oxidation of LDL cholesterol leads to accumulation along artery walls. The essential oil of oregano was one of several plant oils, which demonstrated protective effects for LDL against copper-induced oxidation. The most pronounced effect was observed with oregano oil and the activity was attributed to carvacrol.
Supports Balanced Blood Sugar
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Social Welfare in the former Soviet bloc country of Georgia approved an herb-based remedy containing carvacrol and other plant compounds as therapeutic support for blood sugar abnormalities. Although the carvacrol used didn’t originate from oregano, trials of this drug reported that it lowered blood sugar without side effects.
Fights Systemic Redness and Swelling
Redness and swelling are present with nearly all forms of injury or irritation. Clinical evidence suggests carvacrol may defend against redness and swelling.Tests have shown that it suppresses COX-2 expression, a primary cause of redness. While many plant-based essential oils have this potential, carvacrol is the best in class; research indicates it offers the greatest effectiveness..
Carvacrol can offer cleansing action outside your body, too. One study examined its effectiveness as a surface-cleansing agent. Concentrations of oregano oil reportedly eliminated Listeria biofilms from plastic and stainless steel surfaces, confirming it as a cleaning agent even in non-organic environments.
The best source of carvacrol, easily, is oregano and oregano oil. While oregano can add to the taste of a meal, oregano oil provides the most potent form to encourage the greatest health benefits.
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