Mexican scientists have found that an aqueous infusion of oregano (Lippia graveolens) can slow the growth of breast cancer cells, including the most aggressive, triple-negative subtype, which is considered one of the most difficult to treat. The results of the study are published in the journal Nutrients.
During the experiment, the infusion reduced the metabolic activity of tumor cells while causing almost no damage to healthy cells.
This can be compared to how a sniper hits the target precisely (cancer cells) without harming civilians (healthy cells).
For comparison, the researchers tested carvacrol, one of the main compounds in oregano. It showed stronger anti-cancer effects but was more toxic to normal cells.
That is, it acted like a powerful but inaccurate weapon that struck everyone around it.
Carvacrol is a natural phenolic component of the essential oils of oregano and thyme. It is known for its antiseptic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties and is being actively studied as a possible antitumor agent. However, in its pure form, it acts too sharply, which limits its use. Oregano infusion, on the other hand, contains a whole complex of bioactive substances, due to which its action turned out to be milder and more selective.
Carvacrol is like one very strong soldier who performs the task, but can cause harm. Oregano infusion is a whole squad of specialists, where each one performs their role, so they act in a coordinated, efficient and without unnecessary destruction.
The authors emphasize that oregano infusion can be considered as a promising direction in the development of auxiliary agents for the treatment of breast cancer, especially its difficult-to-treat forms.
It is important to understand that this is not about oregano tea curing cancer. It means that in the future, it could be used to create drugs that will become “helpers” for the main therapy, such as chemotherapy. Such drugs could make the treatment more effective or reduce its negative impact on the body.
