Effect of Origanum dubium, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, and Lavandula angustifolia essential oils on lipid profiles and liver biomarkers in athletes
Maral H, Ulupınar S, Türk Baydır A, Özbay S, Altınkaynak K, Şebin E, et al.
Published in Z Naturforsch C J Biosci, Vol. 77 (5-6), pp. 177-187
Methodology
Randomised controlled trial in 34 trained athletes split into four groups: Origanum dubium oil, Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum oil, lavender oil or a control group, for 14 days. Serum lipids and liver enzymes were measured before and after. The oils were 68.0% (O. dubium) and 82.1% (O. hirtum) carvacrol.
Key Findings
HDL cholesterol was higher than control after both oregano oils (O. dubium p = 0.001; O. hirtum p = 0.024). LDL cholesterol fell only with O. dubium (p = 0.023). Total cholesterol, triglycerides and liver markers did not change.
Conclusions
Two weeks of carvacrol-rich oregano oils raised HDL cholesterol in healthy athletes without affecting liver markers.
Limitations
About 8 people per group; healthy athletes, not people with high cholesterol; only 14 days; the oil dose and blinding are not given in the abstract.
Supplements Studied
68.0 and 82.1% carvacrol in DUB and HIR
Outcomes Measured
DUB (p = 0.001) and HIR (p = 0.024) had greater HDL-C values than CON
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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