Does Oregano Oil Combat Staph Infections?

Thanks to its high levels of carvacrol, oregano oil may help fight certain types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus, which commonly causes staph infections. Some strains of Staphylococcus naturally occur in the human body, but when they grow too quickly, they can lead to bothersome symptoms. Research shows that carvacrol is effective in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, two common causes of infection. This raises the question of whether oregano oil can be used to combat these infections.

Antibacterial Effects of Oregano Oil

Origanum vulgare (oregano) oil contains carvacrol and thymol, which are known for their antimicrobial properties. Carvacrol is particularly effective against Staphylococcus species. Studies have shown that oregano oil supplements or topical applications can help utilize these antibacterial effects to provide relief from infections. Researchers are also exploring the use of oregano oil in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. For instance, a study in Frontiers in Microbiology found that a combination of oregano oil and silver nanoparticles effectively eliminated tested bacteria.

External Applications and Clinical Studies

While oregano extract and oil exhibit antimicrobial activity in petri dishes and animal studies, their effectiveness in humans remains uncertain. One randomized clinical study has shown promise. The study, published in PubMed, evaluated the efficacy of oregano extract ointment for wound healing, comparing it to petrolatum (white petroleum jelly). The study involved 20 patients but, due to its small sample size, further research is needed. However, to establish the definitive effectiveness of oregano oil, additional studies with different comparators are required.

Key Points:

The study compared oregano extract ointment to petrolatum and found significant results in wound healing. Further studies are necessary to confirm the findings and to compare oregano oil against other treatments. Antibiotics are currently the preferred treatment for staph infections, especially when the bacteria are resistant to multiple medications.

While oregano oil may have potential as a complementary treatment, it should not replace medically prescribed antibiotics. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before using it, especially for serious infections.

Conclusion

Although oregano oil exhibits promising antibacterial properties, particularly against Staphylococcus, further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in human treatment. Until more evidence emerges, it is advisable to use antibiotics as the primary treatment for staph infections, unless under professional recommendation.