Hyssop is an antioxidant that may kill cancer cells and prevent the spread of viruses, including HIV. It may also treat asthma and ulcers. Learn more about its health benefits.
Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity
A team of researchers in Romania published an article in a 2014 edition of the journal Molecules that explored the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of hyssop.6
Their work revealed high levels of polyphenols (a type of antioxidant) and good antioxidant activity. On top of that, extracts and oils from the plant showed moderate antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
However, these were results in a laboratory setting, not in the human body. We'll need further research to confirm the possible benefits of hyssop in these and most areas.
A paper from the same journal in 2009 had similar results, showing that hyssop essential oil had some antibacterial and antifungal properties. Later work has supported the theory.7
A 2012 study published in the journal Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica also found nitric oxide scavenging activity, which supports the theory that hyssop is an antioxidant. A growing body of literature supports this contention.8