HERBAL MONOGRAPHS SWEET ORANGE / 747gamma-terpinene (in volatile oil yielded through steam
distillation, 2 to 12%), alpha-terpinene, limonene and
terpinols, that leads to change of aromaCOMPOUNDS: MARJORAM OIL
Volatile oil (1 to 3%)Flavonoids: including diosmetin, luteolin, apigenin and their
C- and O-glycosides, including vitexin, orientin, thymonineHhydroquinone glycosides: including arbutin (0.15 to
0.45%), methyl arbutinCajfeic acid derivatives: rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acidWater soluble polysaccharides (13%)Triterpenes: including ursolic acid (0.5%), oleanolic acid
(0.2%)EFFECTS: MARJORAM HERB AND OIL
In vitro, Marjoram is antimicrobial, antiviral and insecticidal.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The herb is used for rhinitis and colds in
infants; rhinitis in small children and gastritis. In folk
medicine, Majoram herb and oil are used for cramps,
depression, dizziness, gastrointestinal disorders, migraine,
nervous headaches, neurasthenia, paralysis, paroxysmal
coughs, rhinitis and as a diuretic.Homeopathic Uses: Homeopathy sometimes uses Marjoram
to increase sexual excitability.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards or side effects are known in
conjunction with the proper administration of designated
therapeutic dosages. The drug is not suitable for longer-term
use because of its arbutin content.Pediatric Use: Marjoram salve should not be administered to
infants or small children.DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Marjoram herb is used as an
infusion for teas, mouthwashes and poultices (5% infusion).
The oil is used in ointments and a few compound
preparations.Preparation: To prepare a tea, pour 250 ml boiling water
over 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of Marjoram herb and strain after 5
minutes. An ointment is prepared by leaving 20 parts
Marjoram herb to stand with 1 part ammonia and 10 parts
spirit of wine for a few hours. It is then heated with 100 parts
Vaseline in a water bath until the spirit of wine and ammonia
have evaporated. Then the ointment is filtered (EB6).
Daily Dosage: Sip 1 to 2 cups of tea throughout the day.
Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet or 5 to 10
globules 1 to 3 times a day or 1 ml injection solution sc twice
weekly (HAB1).Storage: Dried Marjoram herb may be stored for up to 2
years in air-tight containers.
LITERATURE
Brosche T, Vostrowsky O. Uber die Komponenten des
atherischen Ols aus Majorana hortensis
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994 (unter Orignum majorana).
Herrmann K, (1962) Lebensm Utters Forsch. 116:224.
Kucera LS, Hermann Jr EC, (1967) Proc Soc Exp Biol Med
124: 865-874.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.
Lossner G, (1968) Planta Med 16:54.
Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1-3.
Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.
Moench, In: Z Naturforsch 36C:23-29. 1981.
Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer
Verlag Heidelberg 1992.
Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
Stuttgart 1997.Sweet Orange
Citrus sinensisDESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the fresh and dried
peel as well as the oil extracted from the peel.Flower and Fruit: The fragrant flowers are arranged singly
or in short, limp racemes. The fruit is depressed-globose to
shortly ovoid, 10- to 13-locular. The peel is thin to rather
thick, nearly smooth, orange to orange-yellow When ripe.
The pulp is sweet. The core remains solid when ripe.Leaves, Stem and Root: Citrus sinensis is an evergreen tree
with rounded crown. The branches are angular when young,
then become terete, with a few slender, rather flexible
axillary spines. The leaves are acute, rounded below; the
petioles are narrowly winged.Habitat: Like other Citrus varieties, the plant is indigenous
to Asia and is cultivated in the Mediterranean and othei
subtropical regions in many parts of the world.