Because you know how much I love natural solutions to common health problems that have nothing to do with taking a potentially toxic drug, you may be as interested as I am about the combination of oregano and cranberry extract being used as a natural, effective antibacterial agent.
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts tested different amounts of cranberry and oregano extract together on cod fillets and shrimp to determine how much of these disparate ingredients eliminated a seafood-based bacterium (Vibrio parahaemolyticus) that causes food poisoning.
A 50-50 mixture of the two did the trick far better than either extract did on its own, because both compounds work on different parts of bacterial cell, scientists said. And, adding a bit of lactic acid made the cranberry-oregano concoction even more effective.
Just another natural benefit of using oregano, also one of your best sources for antioxidants (with 42 times more antioxidant activity than apples).
Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, Vol. 6, No. 4, December 2005: 453-458
UK News October 5, 2005
New Scientist.com October 7, 2005