Economic importance and usage fields of oregano species growing in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey is one of the foremost countries on medicinal and aromatic plants with its geographical location, diversity of climate and vegetation, potential agriculture and spacious area. Oregano and thyme species have been used for different aims such as medicine, food, drink, textile, perfumery and cosmetics since ancient times. The use of another field these plants is organic livestock, an important brunch of organic farming, in which some of these plant extract and essential oils can be used as natural antibiotic,-microbial as feeding material. Oregano and thyme species are important export products. In this review, informations are given about the usage fields, classification and origin, essential oil and components, economic importance and quality criteria of oregano and thyme species.