Oregano - Amylase, Lipase, Protease Interaction

Interaction Details

Pharmacist Analysis

Oregano (and oregano oil) supplements are generally considered safe and there is no indication that there is an interaction between the drug highlighted in this interaction monograph and oregano.

However, as with all supplements, it is important to talk to your doctor before starting anything new, so you can be appropriately monitored.

In terms of drug interactions that have been reported with oregano, below are some examples.

Anticoagulant; Antiplatelet Drugs

Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs work by slowing down or preventing blood clotting. While they are essential medications for individuals with certain conditions, they come with an increased risk of bleeding.

Some studies have reported that oregano oil may also increase the risk of bleeding, as it contains compounds that have antithrombin activity and can inhibit platelet aggregation.

Therefore, taking oregano oil along with anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs may increase the risk of bleeding, bruising, and other adverse effects.

Anti-Diabetic Drugs

Several studies suggest that oregano supplements may help lower blood glucose (i.e., sugar) levels. In vitro and animal research has shown that oregano extracts might stimulate glucose uptake and reduce blood glucose levels.

Therefore, based on the available evidence, combining oregano oil with antidiabetic drugs could potentially cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia.

However, it is important to note that studies reporting that oregano can reduce blood glucose levels have not reported it causing hypoglycemia.

References

• Anti-hyperglycaemic activity of the aqueous extract of Origanum vulgare growing wild in Tafilalet region. PubMed
• Inhibitory effect of clonal oregano extracts against porcine pancreatic amylase in vitro. PubMed
• Antithrombin activity of some constituents from Origanum vulgare. PubMed
• Comparative screening of plant essential oils: phenylpropanoid moiety as basic core for antiplatelet activity. PubMed

Amylase, Lipase, Protease Overview

• Pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon, Pancreaze, Pertzye, Ultresa, Zenpep) are used to improve digestion of food in children and adults who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes (substances needed to break down food so it can be digested) because they have a condition that affects the pancreas (a gland that produces several important substances including enzymes needed to digest food) such as cystic fibrosis (an inborn disease that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that may clog the pancreas, the lungs, and other parts of the body), chronic pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas that does not go away), or a blockage in the passages between the pancreas and the intestine. Pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon, Pancreaze, Zenpep) are also used to improve digestion of food in infants who do not have enough pancreatic enzymes (substances needed to break down food so it can be digested) because they have cystic fibrosis or another condition that affects the pancreas. Pancrelipase delayed-release capsules (Creon) are also used to improve digestion in people who have had surgery to remove all or part of the pancreas or stomach. Pancrelipase tablets (Viokace) are used along with another medication (proton pump inhibitor; PPI) to improve digestion of foods in adults who have chronic pancreatitis or who have had surgery to remove the pancreas. Pancrelipase is in a class of medications called enzymes. Pancrelipase acts in place of the enzymes normally made by the pancreas. It works to decrease fatty bowel movements and to improve nutrition by breaking down fats, proteins, and starches from food into smaller substances that can be absorbed from the intestine.

Oregano - More Interactions

Oregano interacts with 205 drugs

Interaction Rating Key

These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.