Oregano Oil as an Antidepressant

Oregano oil and its active component, carvacrol, are potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal compounds. Research over the past few years has begun to shed light on their potential application as a mood boosting anti-depressant nutrient, even able to help reduce pain.

The fat-soluble terpenoid structure of oregano oil means that it readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and is active within the brain. Researchers first showed it boosted dopamine. Then they showed it boosted serotonin and noradrenaline. And the most recent study confirms the ability of oregano to boost neurotransmitter function in various brain regions. One mechanism identified so far is that it is a natural compound that reduces reuptake of these neurotransmitters.

Another mechanism of action that is emerging is a potent anti-inflammatory effect within the nerves. I have recently reported that reducing inflammation in the brain may well be the most effective way to boost mood and resolve depression. A variety of new studies show that oregano oil can protect the liver, pancreas, as well as the brain from inflammation. In one animal study, oregano oil was shown to inhibit the cognitive decline caused by diabetes. It does this by acting to boost antioxidant activity, reducing inflammatory TNFa, and reducing the core inflammatory gene signal NF-kappaB.

Extrapolating the doses of carvacrol in these animal studies to relevant human doses gives us a range of oregano oil from 600 mg – 1200 mg per day. The 600 mg per day dose approximates the data from the most recent animal study on mood boosting.