Origanum vulgare subsp. virens

Origanum vulgare subsp. virens, commonly known as green oregano, is a potent medicinal herb prized for its therapeutic properties. Rich in essential oils like carvacrol, this subspecies offers powerful antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is traditionally used to support digestive health and bolster the body's immune system.

  • Scientific name: Origanum vulgare subsp. virens
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its placement in the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales, it is categorized under the family Lamiaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Origanum as the subspecies virens.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Lamiales WCVP
Family Lamiaceae WCVP
Genus Origanum WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Origanum vulgare subsp. virens, is recognized by various regional common names depending on the linguistic context. In Portuguese, it is frequently referred to as orégãos or manjerico-do-monte, while in Mirandese, it is known as ourieganos.
Language Common Name Source
pt orégãos Wikidata
mwl ourieganos Wikidata
pt manjerico-do-monte Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide distribution across several distinct regions in the Mediterranean and Atlantic areas. Within Southwestern Europe, it can be found inhabiting the territories of Portugal and Spain. Its presence also extends to the Balearic Islands located in the same European region. Moving toward North Africa, the species is documented within the borders of Morocco. Finally, its range reaches into Macaronesia, specifically occurring in the Azores.

Region Area Source
Southwestern Europe Baleares WCVP
Southwestern Europe Portugal WCVP
Southwestern Europe Spain WCVP
Northern Africa Morocco WCVP
Macaronesia Azores WCVP
Macaronesia Canary Is. WCVP
Macaronesia Madeira WCVP

Chemicals

Origanum vulgare subsp. virens has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include carvacrol, linalool, p-cymene, polyphenols, thymol.

Total chemicals
5
Scientific sources
5

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
carvacrol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
linalool 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-cymene 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
thymol 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Origanum vulgare subsp. virens has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antiviral.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
3

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antiviral 1 ★☆☆☆☆