Origanum compactum Benth., from traditional use to biotechnological applications

Origanum compactum Benth., is a Moroccan medicinal plant known by its local name as Zaatar. In Morocco, it has various traditional applications such as the use to treat diabetes, metabolic disorders, digestive, and respiratory problems. In this review, we critically highlighted current investigations on the ethnopharmacological studies, the phytochemistry, pharmacological investigations, biotechnological applications, and future perspective of O. compactum. A bibliometric electronic search in worldwide accepted scientific databases such as ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley Online, and Google Scholar was carried out to gather on O. compactum. Chemical analysis using GC-MS and/or HPLC allowed the identification of several bioactive compounds such as terpenoids and phenolic acids. Furthermore, O. compactum extracts and essential oils have been tested for various biological activities such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antifungal, and anticancer effects. Moreover, an alignment between traditional use and biological effects was demonstrated, in particular for the antimicrobial activity. These properties are related to O. compactum bioactive components, especially the volatile compounds such as thymol and carvacrol. The pharmacological mechanisms involve several cellular and molecular targeted actions. Moreover, the biological potential of this species had led some laboratories to apply the biotechnological tools for its regeneration. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Origanum compactum is applied as traditional drug against different illnesses and for food preservation. Scientific investigations proved the application of O. compactum essential oils in food industries as antioxidants and antimicrobials. These volatile compounds could be applied also in pharmaceutical industries, in particular as antibacterial, antifungal, and antileishmanial drugs. Moreover, further investigations concerning toxicological evidences and pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic mechanistic targets and clinical trials could develop anticancer, antimalaria and anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic drugs. Finally, the results of the findings of these purposes encourage other research groups to carry out further investigations on the pharmacological properties of O. compactum.