Cuban-oregano
Plectranthus amboinicus
Plectranthus amboinicus, also known as Indian mint or Coleus scutellarioides, is a plant traditionally used in various cultural practices but lacks specific traditional medicinal uses documented. Scientific studies have shown that water deficit increases the essential oil percentage and carvacrol content, while higher irrigation levels enhance growth but reduce carvacrol levels. The essential oil demonstrated low acaricidal activity against tick larvae with an LC99 of 26.2 mg/mL. Additionally, both Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract and Lippia sidoides essential oil showed intermediate antibacterial activity, with a synergistic effect observed in formulated mouthwashes. Essential oil combinations from Plectranthus amboinicus and Myristica fragrans exhibited synergistic larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil showed low acaricidal activity against tick larvae with an LC99 of 26.2 mg/mL.
- Both Plectranthus amboinicus leaf extract and Lippia sidoides essential oil showed intermediate antibacterial activity against tested bacteria, with a synergistic effect in the formulated mouthwash.
- Water deficit increased essential oil percentage and carvacrol concentrations in Plectranthus amboinicus, while higher irrigation levels enhanced growth but reduced carvacrol content.
- The study found that essential oils from Plectranthus amboinicus and Myristica fragrans showed synergistic larvicidal activity against Aedes aegypti larvae.
- Plectranthus amboinicus ethanolic extract and its chitosan nanoformulation showed protective effects against lambda-cyhalothrin-induced toxicity in male mice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cuban-oregano?
Cuban-oregano (Plectranthus amboinicus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cuban-oregano?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Cuban-oregano; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Plectranthus amboinicus essential oil showed low acaricidal activity against tick larvae with an LC99 of 26.2 mg/mL.
How strong is the evidence for Cuban-oregano?
The strongest finding for Cuban-oregano carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cuban-oregano safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cuban-oregano in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cuban-oregano interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cuban-oregano in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Cuban-oregano?
Cuban-oregano is also known as: Плектрантус ароматный, oreille.
Is Cuban-oregano a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Antibacterial Activity of a Mouthwash Containing Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng Extract and Lippia sidoides Cham. Essential Oil. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Acaricidal Effect of Essential Oils in the Control of Rhipicephalus microplus and Amblyomma mixtum Larvae in Mexico. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Water deficit modulates growth, secondary metabolism, and carvacrol biosynthesis gene expression in Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Development of an eco-friendly mosquito larvicide for dengue/chikungunya vector control. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ameliorative Effect of Plectranthus amboinicus Ethanolic Extract and Its Chitosan Nanoformulation Against Lambda-Cyhalothrin-Induced Toxicity in Male Mice. literature abstract metadata