Investigation of anti-oxidative and anti-genotoxic effects of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil on human lymphocytes in vitro

Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) is a flavoring herb widely using around the world. Some preparations and extracts from O. vulgare have been used in Turkish traditional medicine to treat several ailments including digestive disorders and menstrual problems. This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and in vitro antigenotoxic and antioxidant activity of the essential oil of O. vulgare (OVE) from Turkey. The essential oil of O. vulgare was analized by using GC. OVEs that were investigated antagonistic effects against oxidative stress and the genotoxic effects of aflatoksin B1 (AFB1). Anti-genotoxic activity was evaluated by sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and micronucleus (MN) tests. In additional to investigating protective role of OVEs against the oxidative stress of AFB1 in vitro, oxidative status was assessed on erythrocytes by measuring following oxidative stress markers like; super oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA).The total of the 25 identified components are accounted for 96.03 % (GC). Major components of the oil were β-caryophyllene (20.40%), and caryophyllene oxide (34.44%). In the SCE and MN tests, it was observed that OVEs suppressed the mutagenic effects of AFB1. OVEs were observed to modulate the adverse effects of AFB1. The results of this experiment clearly reveal that OVEs have strong anti-oxidative and anti-genotoxic effect. These anti-genotoxic effects of O. vulgare essential oils are probably related to its action on the enzymatic activation system. Anti-oxidative and anti-genotoxic effect may be role of these compounds (β-caryophyllene and caryophyllene oxide).