title: The effect of marjoram (Origanum majorana) tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomised controlled pilot study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In traditional medicine, marjoram herb (Origanum majorana) is locally reputed for its ability to restore hormonal balance and to regulate the menstrual cycle. Therefore, this pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-five patients were assigned to receive marjoram tea or a placebo tea twice daily for 1 month (intervention group: n = 14; placebo group: n = 11). The hormonal and metabolic parameters measured at baseline, as well as after the intervention, were: follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinising hormone, progesterone, oestradiol, total testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate (DHEA-S), fasting insulin and glucose, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose to insulin ratio.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Marjoram tea significantly reduced DHEA-S and fasting insulin levels (P < 0.05) by a mean (SD) of 1.4 (0.5) μmol L(-1) and 1.9 (0.8) μU mL(-1) , respectively. In comparison to the placebo group, the change was only significant for DHEA-S (P = 0.05) but not for insulin (P = 0.08). HOMA-IR was not reduced significantly in the intervention group (P = 0.06), although the change was significant compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results obtained in the present study show the beneficial effects of marjoram tea on the hormonal profile of PCOS women because it was found to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the levels of adrenal androgens. Further research is needed to confirm these results and to investigate the active components and mechanisms contributing to such potential beneficial effects of marjoram herb.
authors: Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Haj-Husein
authors: Department of Nutrition and Food Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Tukan
authors: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Alkazaleh
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D031341:Origanum / Q000737:chemistry*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000097:blood; D000069459:Teas, Herbal; D013739:Testosterone / Q000097:blood; D055105:Waist Circumference; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000728:Androgens; D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D000069459:Teas, Herbal; D013739:Testosterone; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone
keywords: Marjoram tea; androgens; insulin resistance; traditional medicine