XV. 21 Marjoram

Aphrodite's herb – sabinene hydrate, Central European stuffed cabbage, and the Mediterranean "sweet oregano".

Marjoram in 1 minute

What does it provide? A sweet, Mediterranean essential oil matrix: sabinene hydrate (15–35% – source of the characteristic "sweet oregano" aroma), terpinen-4-ol (20–35% – antimicrobial monoterpene), linalool (5–15% – mild calmative), and small amounts of carvacrol. Traditionally digestive-supporting and bloat-reducing – no controlled clinical trial has confirmed this effect, however; the indication rests on traditional use only. A pilot study (Haj-Husein 2016): 2 cups of marjoram tea daily for 1 month in PCOS women reduced DHEA-S and improved insulin sensitivity.

How much? In the kitchen 1–2 g fresh or dried leaf (1–2 tsp)/day. Tea: 1 g dried leaf / 200 ml hot water, 10 min covered.

When to avoid? During pregnancy with high-dose essential oil or supplement (uterotonic potential); infants/small children given concentrated essential oil internally; Lamiaceae allergy (basil-, oregano-, thyme- cross-reactivity); alongside anticoagulant therapy (warfarin, DOACs) with clinical-dose extract (additive bleeding risk); active gastric ulcer (concentrated essential oil irritates); clinical-dose supplement 2 weeks before planned surgery; severe hypotension tendency.

Scientific Background

Marjoram's essential oil has a different profile than oregano's: the main components are sabinene hydrate (15–35%), terpinen-4-ol (20–35%), linalool (5–15%), and smaller amounts of carvacrol (5–10%). This explains the milder, sweeter flavor profile compared to oregano (which is carvacrol-dominant). [2374]

Terpinen-4-ol and linalool have moderate antimicrobial and calmative effects – the latter explains the classic "calming tea" tradition. [2375]

Clinical evidence is limited. No controlled clinical trial supports the digestive indication; the EMA/HMPC monograph (20 September 2016) recognises the use for mild spasmodic gastrointestinal complaints, bloating and flatulence on the basis of traditional use only. Small pilot studies in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) described hormonal modulation. [2376]

Antimicrobial spectrum: moderately broad in vitro – effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, primarily in food preservation contexts.

Aromatherapy tradition: marjoram essential oil has relaxing-calming effects; a classic "herbal pillow" component for sleep support.

At the microbiome level, small pilots have shown a Lactobacillus-supporting effect of the polyphenol fraction.

Safety: at culinary amounts absolutely safe. High-dose essential oil in pregnancy has uterotonic potential – to be avoided. Concentrated essential oil is not recommended for infants.

References

[2374] Vasudevan A et al. Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Origanum majorana 2012. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012.

Review article on the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Origanum majorana (marjoram).

[2375] Bina F, Rahimi R. Sweet marjoram: a review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities2017;22(1):175–185. J Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Link

Review of the ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and biological activities of sweet marjoram.

[2376] Haj-Husein I et al. The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with PCOS2016;29(1):105–111. J Hum Nutr Diet. Link

BACKGROUND: In traditional medicine, marjoram herb (Origanum majorana) is locally reputed for its ability to restore hormonal balance and to regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were assigned to receive marjoram tea or a placebo tea twice daily for 1 month (intervention group: n = 14; placebo group: n = 11). The hormonal and metabolic parameters measured at baseline, as well as after the intervention, were: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, progesterone, oestradiol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), fasting insulin and glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose to insulin ratio. RESULTS: Marjoram tea significantly reduced DHEA-S and fasting insulin levels (P < 0.05) by a mean (SD) of 1.4 (0.5) μmol L(-1) and 1.9 (0.8) μU mL(-1) , respectively. In comparison to the placebo group, the change was only significant for DHEA-S (P = 0.05) but not for insulin (P = 0.08).

[2378] European Medicines Agency, Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC). Final assessment report on Origanum majorana L., herba (EMA/HMPC/63479/2015). EMA/HMPC. 2016. Link

On 15 November 2016 the EMA Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products, the HMPC, adopted the European Union herbal monograph on marjoram (Origanum majorana L., herba) together with its assessment report, EMA/HMPC/63479/2015. Two preparation types are covered: the comminuted herbal substance taken as a tea, and an extract made with 96 per cent ethanol in white soft paraffin for application to the skin. Both indications rest on traditional use alone, namely symptomatic relief of mild digestive complaints such as bloating and flatulence, and relief of irritated skin around the nostrils. The report states plainly that no clinical pharmacology or efficacy data are available and that the non-clinical findings cannot be extrapolated to therapeutic doses. Terpinen-4-ol and cis-sabinene hydrate are named as the leading essential oil constituents, with rosmarinic acid serving as the analytical marker. Hypersensitivity to Lamiaceae is a contraindication, use in pregnancy and lactation is not recommended, and the ointment is restricted to children from one year of age.