Oregano

Oregano/Nutrient Depletion:

  • CopperCopper: Based on the tannin content of oregano, consumption of herbal teas or infusions around meals may inhibit absorption and bioavailability of copper (80).
  • IronIron: In human research, oregano inhibited iron absorption (199). Based on the tannin content of oregano, consumption of herbal teas or infusions around meals may inhibit the absorption and bioavailability of iron (80).
  • GlucoseGlucose: In animal and laboratory research, oregano lowered blood sugar levels and had hypoglycemic effects (78; 43; 44). Other antidiabetic effects, such as inhibition of glycation, amylase, and aldose reductase, have been shown in vitro (2; 46; 44; 48; 49).
  • LipidsLipids: In hepatotoxin-treated animals, carvacrol normalized levels of total cholesterol, VLDL, LDL, and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids, and free fatty acids (164). In human research, an aqueous distillate of Origanum onites resulted in improvements in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, as well as apolipoprotein B and lipoprotein (a) (87).
  • ZincZinc: Based on the tannin content of oregano, consumption of herbal teas or infusions around meals may inhibit the absorption and bioavailability of zinc (80).