Oil of Oregano in Heart Disease

Natural health advocates promote oil of oregano as a curative for infections in the human body. This property leads to claims that oil of oregano can also prevent heart disease.

Background

• The Science News section of ScienceDaily, entitled, ̶0;Bacterial Infection May Contribute to Cardiovascular Disease,̶1; reports that a medical study in Sweden indicates a causal relationship between a respiratory bacterium known as Chlamydia pneumoniae and the hardening of coronary arteries. A report on the eMedicine website, entitled, ̶0;Bacterial Mouth Infections,̶1; discusses clinical studies pointing to a relation between bacterial infections in the mouth and the hardening of coronary arteries.

Carvacrol

• Oil of oregano contains the substance carvacrol. An article in the International Journal of Food Microbiology, entitled, ̶0;Influence of Carvacrol on Growth and Toxin Production by Bacillus cerus,̶1; reports on the antibacterial properties of carvocral.

Claims

• Because of its antibacterial properties, some natural health advocates claim oil of oregano can help prevent infection-related heart disease.

Evidence

• No clinical evidence exists to support oil of oregano̵7;s heart disease prevention claims, according to Drug Information Online's oregano listing.

Caution

• Before taking oil of oregano to prevent heart disease, consult first with a qualified health professional.