The genus Origanum comprises of aromatic perennial herbs of high culinary, medicinal, and commercial importance. This genus belongs to the order Lamiales and it has over 50 species, the most famous of them being the one named, Origanum vulgare. The latter is found throughout the Mediterranean basin, Europe, and neighbouring parts of Asia, and have adaptation to temperate climatic zones worldwide.

Phytochemically, the character of the Origanum species is high content of essential oils which are mainly phenolic mono-terpenes like thymol and carvacrol. These volatile compounds have phenolic acids and flavonoids that add to the functional properties. Traditionally the plants have been used as flavouring agents and food preservatives, as well as, a traditional therapeutic agent to treat microbial infections, gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory illness. The international market shares a significant percentage of derivatives of Origanum in form of dried herb preparations, essential oils, dietary supplements, and in cosmetic formulations.