Origanum majorana Tea and Its Benefits for Parkinson's Disease and Depression

Origanum majorana tea is beneficial for Parkinson's disease and depression, according to a study published in the Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Home.

The effect of Origanum majorana tea consumption on motor and non-motor symptoms was investigated in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease, measured by validated tools.

Sixty patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and under conventional medication were enrolled voluntarily in the study. All participants were randomized on a double-blind basis to receive either a placebo or Origanum majorana. Clinical assessment with validated tools (UPDRSIII, NMSS, and BDI) was done before Origanum majorana or placebo consumption (Day 0) and at the end of the experiment (Day 30).

Results of the Study

• The treatment groups were similar at baseline on demographic and clinical variables.
• During the course of the study, nine participants withdrew for reasons of noncompliance and inability to follow-up.
• Fifty-one participants completed the study.
• Upon completion of 30 days of treatment, Origanum majorana tea consumption did not decrease the UPDRSIII score ([UPDRSIII] D0 = 18.76 ± 8.58, D30 = 16.52 ± 7.96, p = 0.069) at the p-value was 0.07.
• However, a statistically significant improvement was noted in NMSS and BDI scores (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.0001, respectively).
• Assessment of the UPDRSIII, NMSS, and BDI scores of the patients did not reflect any improvement with placebo.
• No side effect was detected during the study.

Thus, the researchers concluded that these findings show improvement of depressive and non-motor signs in patients with Parkinson's disease in the group that consumed Origanum majorana tea in combination with conventional therapy. Improvement of motor signs may need an extended treatment period. However, more research with a large number of participants and lasting longer than 1 month is needed to argue these findings.

Reference

The effect of Origanum majorana tea on motor and non-motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease: A randomized controlled pilot study by Chbili Chahra et al, published in the Parkinsonism & Related Disorders Home.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.parkreldis.2021.08.013