LAUSR

Abstract Oregano synonymous with marjoram is a culinary and medicinal herb. Oregano is generally rich in the phenolic monoterpenoids (mainly carvacrol) while marjoram is generally rich in bicyclic monoterpenoids (mainly cis- and trans-sabinen hydrate). In this study, traditional oil production and ethnomedical utilization of plant products are presented from the Antalya region in southern Turkey. The native people harvest species from wild populations and air-dry them under the sun. They consume and sell mainly air-dried Origanum onites (Turkish oregano) leaves. They obtain essential oil traditionally by steam distillation from Origanum majorana (white marjoram) due to its high oil yield. The native people use dried plant material and essential oil to cure various diseases such as cough, chronic cold, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders and skin problems in humans as well as in domestic animals. Wild-crafting of populations may cause genetic erosion of the species. The sustainability of these species should be maintained by genetic resource conservation programs by in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.