CHEMICAL PROFILING OF ORIGANUM ACUTIDENS: IMPLICATIONS FOR HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

Abstract

Origanum is a genus within the Lamiaceae family that has gained significant attention due to its rich essential oil constituents and diverse applications in culinary, perfumery, and traditional medicine. This study focuses on Origanum acutidens, a member of the Origanum genus, and explores its chemical composition, with a particular emphasis on the isolation and structural elucidation of several bioactive compounds. Origanum species have a long history of utilization in both traditional and contemporary settings. They are renowned for their essential oils, which impart distinctive flavors and aromas to food and alcoholic beverages. Additionally, these plants have been employed in traditional folk medicine for their medicinal properties, including antiseptic, stimulant, stomachic, expectorant, sudorific, and emmenagogic effects. O. acutidens is of particular interest due to its essential oil composition, primarily characterized by carvacrol and p-cymene, known for their various biological activities such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and insecticidal properties. This study delves into the isolation and structural elucidation of key bioactive compounds present in O. acutidens, shedding light on their potential pharmacological significance. The compounds of interest in O. acutidens include rosmarinic acid, lithospermic acid, vicenin-2, betulalbuside A, 8-OH-linaloyl glucoside, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid metabolites. Understanding the chemical constituents of O. acutidens is essential for exploring its potential applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. Furthermore, this research contributes to the broader understanding of the chemistry and pharmacology of Origanum species, highlighting their significance in diverse domains. The findings of this study provide a valuable foundation for future research, emphasizing the potential benefits and uses of O. acutidens and related Origanum species.