Origanum Dictamnus
Dittany
Origanum Dictamnus
Origanum dictamnus L. an endemic plant of the Greek island of Crete, where it grows wild, from sea level up to the high mountains.
Nowadays, as in the past, dittany is widely used in Crete as a traditional medicine. The aerial parts of the plants are being used in various preparations against almost every illness and for the maintenance of good health.
Dittany of Crete has been associated with several medicinal properties: it is orexigenic (triggers appetite), antioxidant (e.g. Couladis et al., 2003, Kaliora et al., 2014; Kouri et al., 2007; Lagouri and Alexandri, 2013; Lionis et al., 1998; Møller et al., 1999; Skotti et al., 2014 and Tair et al., 2014), diuretic and digestive (e.g. Bazaios, 1982), emmenagogue (e.g. Bazaios, 1982), antispasmodic (e.g. Skoula and Kamenopoulos, 1997), astringent, soothing the nervous system (e.g. Bazaios, 1986).
Additionally, it has antibacterial (Sivropoulou et al., 1996 and Economakis et al., 2002), antifungal (Vokou, et al. 1993, Daferera et al., 2000 and Karanika et al., 2001) and anthelmintic properties (e.g. Skoula and Kamenopoulos, 1997).
Dittany of Crete and its infusion preparation is regarded to date as traditional herbal medicinal product in the following indications (EMA/ HMPC, 2013): (i) for the relief of cough associated with cold, (ii) for the relief of minor skin inflammations and bruises and (iii) for the relief of mild gastrointestinal disorders.
The following data (Table 1) refer to the most common uses of these preparations according to the local villagers and ethnographic literature.
Product Packaging
Table 1 Medicinal uses of Origanum dictamnus derived from ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological studies.
| Traditional/Medicinal use | Pharmaceutical form | Reference |
|---|---|---|
|
Diabetes mellitus, obesity, disorders of lipoprotein metabolism and other lipidaemias, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction (not caused by organic disorder disease), epilepsy, acute nasopharyngitis (common cold), acute pharyngitis (unspecified), acute tonsillitis (unspecified), gingivitis and periodontal diseases, other specified disorders of teeth and supporting structures (toothache NOS), gastric ulcer, gastritis and duodenitis, diseases of liver, xerosis cutis, inflammatory polyarthropathies, pain in joint, acute nephritic syndrome, renal tubule-interstitial diseases, calculus of kidney and ureter, disorder of urinary system (unspecified), absent scanty and rare menstruation, pain and other conditions associated with female genital organs and menstrual cycle, dysmenorrhea unspecified, spontaneous abortion, long labor, cough, headache, convulsions (not elsewhere classified), multiple superficial injuries (unspecified), multiple open wounds (unspecified) |
|
Martinez-Francais et al. 2015 |
|
Diabetes, liver disorders, spasmolytic, stomach ulcer, cholesterol, brain stimulant, headache, antiseptic, sanative, diuretic, dysmenorrhoea, antibacterial activities, aphrodisiac, stimulant |
Infusion, external application (washings, compress) |
Hanlidou et al. 2004 |
|
Oral use |
Infusion: 20-50 g of plant material in 1 l hot water, (or 3-7 g in 150 ml of hot water) 2-3 cups (150- 200 ml each) daily. |
(Plimakis 1997; Skoula & Kamenopoulos 1997; Havakis 1978; Spyrou 1972; Fragaki 1969; Steinmetz 1954). |
|
Against tonsillitis, cold, cough, sore throats, digestive, spasmolytic, against stomach discomfort and mild gastric disorders |
|
(Liolios et al. 2010; Anassis 1959; Bazaios 1982; Platakis 1975). |
|
Against gingivitis and cough and cold as well as against mild gastric disorders |
infusion: 3-7 g in 150 ml of hot water, or chewed crude plant parts |
(Skoula & Kamenopoulos 1997) |
|
- for the relief of cough associated with cold
- for the relief of mild gastrointestinal disorders.
|
Single dose Herbal tea: 3-7 g of the comminuted herbal substance in 150 ml of boiling water as a herbal infusion, 3 times daily. Daily dose 9-21 g
Or
Single dose Herbal tea: 1.5-5 g of the comminuted herbal substance in 150 ml of water as a decoction, 3 times daily. Daily dose 4.5-15 g
*The use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended.
|
|
|
for the relief of minor skin inflammations and bruises |
Comminuted herbal substance for infusion or decoction preparation for cutaneous use: 30-75 g of the comminuted herbal substance in 1 l of water.
*The use in children under 12 years of age is not recommended.
|
|
|
Antirheumatic, oxytocic, stomachic and vulnerary
|
|
Niebuhr. A. D. Herbs of Greece. Herb Society of America. |
SOURCES
ΕΜΑ
The Therapeutical Potential of the Essential Oil of Thrymba capitata (L.) Cav., Origanum Dictamnus L. and Salvia fruticosa Mill. And a Case of Plant-Based Pharmaceutical Development
