Multiple studies from around the world indicate that oil of oregano is a potent, all-purpose antibacterial, antifungal agent that can kill infections.

Scientists from Georgetown University Medical Center, led by Dr Harry Preuss, tested the effects of oil of oregano on common Staph bacteria. Staph bacteria are becoming more drug resistant and are responsible for many hospital infections. They found oil of oregano to be as potent as penicillin for destroying Staph bacteria.

Researchers from the University of Thessaloniki in Greece discovered that oil of oregano, even at dilutions as high as 1/50,000, could cause a considerable decrease in bacterial growth rates. Oil of oregano also exhibited high levels of antibacterial activity against four permanent animal cell lines including two derived from human cancers.

Oregano oil has also been tested by researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, who found it able to kill 100% of the 30 species of bacteria it was tested against in vitro. The list included Listeria, Staph and Bacillus anthracis (one type of anthrax species).

Finally, a journal article entitled “Antifungal Activities of Origanum Oil Against Candida albicans” states that the daily oral administration of oil of oreganol may be highly effective in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis, or yeast infection.

Sources: Mol Cell Biochem. 2001 Dec;228(1-2):111-7; J Agric Food Chem 44, 1202-1205; The Cure is In the Cupboard by C Ingram, Knowledge House:2001