Origanum syriacum L. (Za’atar), from Raw to Go: A Review

Abstract

The interest in za’atar has increased in recent years due to its economic, cultural, and functional importance. The traditional za’atar mix made from dried Origanum syriacum is now a demanded product nationally and internationally. Air-drying at low temperatures can preserve za’atar quality traits better than other techniques such as oven-drying. The Palestinian za’atar market has the potential to develop and increase its value. However, it is facing many challenges. Another valuable product of za’atar is essential oil. Za’atar essential oil quantity and quality are affected by many factors including geographical location, cultivation, harvesting season, soil, extraction method, temperature, and others. These factors interact with za’atar and with each other; therefore, some factors are more effective than others and further research is needed to determine the optimum condition for producing and obtaining za’atar essential oil. Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities are the main functionalities of za’atar essential oil that are behind its medicinal importance. One hundred and twenty-one compounds have been identified in za’atar essential oil. The most common compounds are thymol, γ–terpinene, carvacrol, and α-pinene. The variation in the composition among za’atar essential oil samples results from the different conditions of the studies during za’atar growth as well as essential oil extraction.

Challenges in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants DNA Barcoding—Lessons from the Lamiaceae

“…Oregano EO is composed of different compounds. The majority is thymol and carvacrol, but other compounds include p-cymene, thymoquinone, and γ-terpinene [ 228 , 229 , 230 ]…”

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic properties of Origanum vulgare essential oil, rich with β-caryophyllene and β-caryophyllene oxide

“…Interest in the raw materials of natural herbs, already great, is increasing day by day [ 1 ]. The flora of Armenia is rich in its variety of herbal raw materials [ 2 ].…”

Ethanolic extract of Origanum syriacum L. leaves exhibits potent anti-breast cancer potential and robust antioxidant properties

“…Origanum syriacum L. is an aromatic perennial shrub native to the Mediterranean region and widely used in culinary practices. It has also been traditionally used in folk medicine to relieve stomach pain and in the treatment of colds and toothaches ( Alwafa et al, 2021 ). In recent years, it has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and phenols ( Mesmar et al, 2022 ).…”

“…In recent years, it has been reported to be rich in bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenes, and phenols ( Mesmar et al, 2022 ). These bioactive compounds bestow the plant with various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective effects, among others ( Alwafa et al, 2021 ). Importantly, its extracts have been documented to inhibit the proliferation of human BC MCF-7 cells ( Al-Kalaldeh et al, 2010 ; Husein et al, 2014 ) and leukemic TH-1 cells ( Ayesh et al, 2014 ).…”