There are tons of reports and articles on the internet that state that the chief Oregano herb compound Carvacrol outright "kills prostate cancer cells." Reports on studies about Carvacrol's prostate cancer cell-destroying ability seemed to have first began emerging around 2011 or so and have been constant even up until 2024..
Digging into some of the PubMed Central catalogued reports of studies, it appears that the primary modus operandi of Carvacrol in its cytotoxicity to cancer cells is that of inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokine Interluekin-6's action of inducing the pSTAT3/pAKT/pERK1/2 signaling pathway that's heavily involved in prostate cancer cell survival, proliferation, and spread.
One such report concludes on this note: "Decreased IL-6 protein level by Carvacrol resulting in diminishing of pSTAT3, pERK1/2, and pAKT signaling proteins, which leads to the reduction of cell survival, proliferation, and invasion in PC3 cells." (PubMed Central, 2019)
Does anyone have any further knowledge about or comments on Carvacrol they'd like to share?
Written by
back2health
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I have asked my wife to step up the amount of oregano she uses with our meals. We are Greeks and we can very well cook without salt and/or pepper, but not without oregano and thyme. Many thanks for posting.
Please Re-Read the post. This is not about Oregano, the herb per se. Rather it's about the specific phytocompound Carvacrol that's in the herb. You won't get the therapeutic amounts from the whole herb to impact what we're discussing.
thanks for the report. It easy to make salad dish with one drop of essential oil origan in 1 liter dish. Important is to eat it regularly. If it taste good why not.
Ok, so carvracol is the main active compound in oil of oregano. There are also other compounds in there but this one is effective for bacteria etc.
When you make this essential oil, it is essentially is distilled and concentrated. This concentration is exponentially more potent that with the oregano plant. Try putting a DROP under your tongue if you want to see how strong it is. If too much is applied to your skin (undiluted), it will burn it. So, if you want to use it say topically you should SERIOUSLY consider using it with a carrier oil like coconut oil or olive oil.
You'll see a lot of products that advertise higher concentrations of carvracol, but IMO I think that bigger isn't necessarily better.
I suggest you should look for a product that is as close to a food as opposed to a theraputic as you can get. That way you're not going to run into any issues.
The best product I came across is P73 by a company called North American Herbs and Spice. They do a super strength option where the carvracol is 73%+. This is premixed with olive oil. You can ingest it or apply it topically without any issues. This particular product is food grade. You can actually put it in your food like your chilli since its effectively a spice.
IMPORTANT: wash your hands after application before going to the toilet or touching your eyes. Just trust me. If things get too hot by accidentally applying it to a sensetive area, apply lots of coconut/olive oil.
When I looked into this oil, I always thought that a topical application would be better than ingesting it because it interacts with your liver. So I don't know to what extent or how quick your liver will detox it. A good place to apply it is actually on your feet but you can apply it nearly anywhere assuming you keep it away from sensetive areas.
Yes there are various papers about its effectiveness with killing cancer etc. But like I said, I'm suspicious to how much you liver will detox it. So I was undecided on how effective it would be.
Good point. There may be concern for the liver's ability to process and detox it at extremely high concentrations. This is more of a concern for Essential Oil of oregano that's usually not food grade. I'm actually referring to food grade only and am using a 30:1 extract (gel capsules) by "DEAL."
Yes, I've come cross P73 and am considering it if not satisfied with the DEAL brand. Of the numerous mechanisms that Carvacrol exerts against PCa, (antioxidant/anti-inflammatory/ antihyperglycemic, etc.), according to one study that caught my eye, it inhibited interleukin-6 -induced activation of the STAT3/Akt/pERK1/2 pathway spurring the survival, growth, and proliferation of the condition.
I have heard of Oregano Oil as a naturpoathic treatment, but no connection to PC.
I checked the Moss Report and they have no info on it. The only natural product that has gotten great research for PC that I am aware of is Modified Citrus Pectin (Pectasol) and, of course, things like Lycopene and curcumin, pumpkin seeds and pumkin seed oil, which can be had from food sources. I grew up Greek so have had more than my fair share of oregano and still have PC.
Regular Oregano oil "won't cut the mustard." Doesn't have enough Carvacrol in it. Needs to be something like a 20:1 to 30:1 extract to achieve a therapeutic level of potency.
It's not about Oregano-the whole herb. The action's with its chief compound as worded in the question--Carvacrol. Go to "PubMed Central" and type in "Carvacrol Prostate Cancer!" Scientific studies are not on "whole herbs;" instead they're on specific phytocompounds in them.
Carvacrol is a natural compound found in essential oils of various plants, most notably in oregano (Origanum vulgare) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris). It is known for its distinctive warm, pungent flavor and is widely used for its potential health benefits and antimicrobial properties.
Chemical Structure
Chemical Formula: C10H14O
Molecular Weight: 150.22 g/mol
Structure: Carvacrol is a monoterpenoid phenol with a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring.
Health Benefits and Uses
Antimicrobial Properties:
Bacterial Infections: Carvacrol has been shown to exhibit strong antibacterial activity against a range of pathogenic bacteria, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella.
Fungal Infections: It also has antifungal properties, making it effective against certain types of fungi and yeasts.
Antioxidant Effects:
Carvacrol acts as an antioxidant, helping to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress in the body. This may contribute to overall health and protection against chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Properties:
Studies suggest that carvacrol can reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators. This makes it potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Antiviral Activity:
Research indicates that carvacrol may have antiviral effects, particularly against viruses such as the norovirus and herpes simplex virus.
Digestive Health:
Carvacrol has been used traditionally to support digestive health. It may help to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and bloating, and its antimicrobial properties can aid in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.
Potential Anticancer Properties:
Some preliminary studies suggest that carvacrol might have anticancer properties, as it has been observed to inhibit the growth of cancer cells in vitro. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans.
Uses in Food and Medicine
Food Preservation:
Due to its antimicrobial properties, carvacrol is used as a natural preservative in food products to extend shelf life and prevent spoilage.
Essential Oils and Supplements:
Carvacrol is a key component of oregano oil, which is available as an essential oil and in supplement form. These products are often marketed for their health benefits, including immune support and digestive health.
Flavoring Agent:
Its strong flavor makes carvacrol a popular ingredient in the food industry, especially in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisines, where it is used to flavor meats, sauces, and other dishes.
Safety and Considerations
Dosage: While carvacrol is generally considered safe when used in culinary amounts, high doses or concentrated forms (such as essential oils) should be used with caution. It can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membranes.
Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before using carvacrol or oregano oil supplements.
Drug Interactions: Carvacrol may interact with certain medications, so it is important to consult a healthcare provider if you are taking other drugs.
Conclusion
Carvacrol is a naturally occurring compound with a range of potential health benefits, primarily due to its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in food preservation, supplements, and as a flavoring agent. While it shows promise in various therapeutic applications, it should be used appropriately, and more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses in medicine. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, especially in concentrated forms.
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Study: Cannabidiol Inhibits the Proliferation and Invasiveness of Prostate Cancer Cells 
My dad 65 has stage 4 prostate cancer (HELP)
Stay away from Vitamin B12
