The Oregano, botanically known as Origanum vulgare  hirtum is an unique herb with several properties associated with its antioxidant and antibacterial constituents. 

    As an important member of the Lamiaceae family, it is widely used as an herb that is indispensable to our daily lives, in different geographical regions and among different cultural and religious groups.

    The product has been extremely appreciated by the people and has been considered a valuable medicinal herb since ancient times. However, despite its popularity, Oregano is not approved as a drug in the Philippines. There are several reasons why oregano is not approved as a drug.

One reason is the lack of scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in treating specific diseases. While oregano has been used as a traditional medicine for many years, there is limited research on its therapeutic benefits. The Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires rigorous testing and clinical trials to prove the safety and efficacy of a drug before approving it for use. Without sufficient scientific evidence, oregano cannot be approved as a drug.

    Another reason is the potential risks associated with its use. Oregano contains several active compounds that have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these compounds can also interact with other medications and cause adverse effects. For example, oregano oil can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners. In addition, some people may be allergic to oregano and experience allergic reactions such as hives or swelling. Due to these potential risks, the FDA is cautious about approving oregano as a drug.

    Furthermore, the regulation of herbal medicines in the Philippines is still in its early stages. The FDA is currently developing guidelines for the registration and monitoring of herbal medicines, including Oregano. The process involves assessing the safety, quality, and efficacy of the product. While oregano may eventually be approved as a drug in the future, it will require extensive testing and evaluation to meet the regulatory standards. 

On the other hand, The Food and Drug Administration in the United States (FDA) has approved the use of Oregano as an herbal food ingredient. The FDA’s generally recognized as safe (GRAS) review which allows food manufacturers to use oregano in their products without the FDA’s pre-market approval.

     The research trials conducted at the backyards in four laboratories for its safety and effectiveness  which was chaired by the foremost researcher,  Dr. Daehee Han PhD., Director of Scientific Innovation Division of the Korea Research Institute for Food Safety, she had provided FDA substantial evidence that allows this herb to be consumed.

           The study was supported in the field of food safety which was published in a reputable scientific journal. It involved a comprehensive review of the existing literature on the safety of oregano as a food ingredient, as well as laboratory tests to evaluate its safety.

     The results of the study showed that oregano is not only safe for human consumption, but it also has several health benefits. Oregano is a rich source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body against oxidative stress and inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties, which can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

Also, it can be concluded that oregano is a safe and healthy food ingredient that can be used in a variety of food products. It is also important to note that the safety of Oregano may vary depending on the source and quality of the herb. Therefore, it is important for food manufacturers to source their Oregano from reputable suppliers and to ensure that it has been properly tested and certified for safety. The United States findings are reassuring, and should give consumers and food manufacturers alike confidence in using this herb in their products.

    In today’s food industry, Its leaves are used to add flavour to foods, especially Italian-style dishes. The Oregano in dishes can help protect against some digestive bacterial infections. The most common oregano that is called wild marjoram plant sold in many American food stores as dried herb or ground “leaves”.

        The agribusiness industry and the ingredients contained in it are always transforming. There has been an increase in consumer demand for organic foods, and thus there is a need to bring in new ingredients that can help sustain the health of people who consume these foods.

  Oregano as a plant is not harmful to the environment and its use as an ingredient in food products has been studied with positive results.

 If you want to enjoy the benefits of oregano, why not try growing it in your garden or in a pot on your windowsill? Oregano is a hardy plant that is easy to grow, even for those without a green thumb. It requires minimal care and can thrive in a variety of conditions. By planting oregano, you can have a fresh supply of this flavorful herb at your fingertips whenever you need it.