Biological and biochemical evaluation of wild marjoram subspecies Origanum vulgare L. and Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum

Abstract

Investigations of botanical and biochemical characters of wild marjoram subspecies Origanum vulgare L. and Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum were carried out at the Lithuanian Institute of Horticulture. It is observed that subspecies of wild marjoram Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum, which grows in the South Europe, differs from Origanum vulgare L native in Lithuania by aroma and especially large amount of essential oils. According to the data of investigations the productivity of wild marjoram subspecies (grass yield) was similar in various growth stages. It was established that in various growth stages the grass of wild marjoram subspecies Origanum vulgare L. and Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum had the similar chemical properties. The most significant differences were established when the amount of essential oils in wild marjoram raw material was analyzed. It was found from 0.04 to 0.16% of essential oils in the raw material of Origanum vulgare L. during various stages of growth. From 0.56 to 1.78% of essential oils was found in the raw material of subspecies Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum. Consequently, amount of essential oils was ten times as large. Origanum vulgare subs. hirtum is a valuable subscpecies for use as aromatic and medicinal raw material.