Effect of Origanum majorana tea on oxidative stress biomarkers in Parkinson's disease: a randomized placebo-controlled pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the consumption of Origanum majorana tea (Omt) affects oxidative stress biomarkers, potentially alleviating symptoms or slowing disease progression in volunteers with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD).

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PACTR202205801626909) was conducted, including healthy volunteers. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either Omt (experimental group, n = 30) or a placebo tea (control group, n = 25) once daily for 30 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected from each volunteer at two time points: one day before the study (Day1) and one day after its conclusion (Day31). Oxidative stress biomarkers, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, uric acid, and carbonylated proteins, were analyzed.

RESULTS

The two groups were comparable in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. In the experimental group, Day31 measurements showed a significant increase in SOD (19.28 U/mg) and catalase (130.1 µmol/L) compared to Day1, while carbonylated protein levels decreased by 0.18 nmol/mg protein. Additionally, on Day31, the experimental group exhibited significantly higher SOD and catalase levels and lower carbonylated protein levels than the control group. Significant interaction effects between time (Day1 vs. Day31) and group (control vs. experimental) were observed for SOD, catalase, and carbonylated proteins.

CONCLUSION

Origanum majorana infusion may enhance or regulate antioxidant status and reduce oxidative damage in patients with PD. Further studies are warranted to explore its potential therapeutic benefits.