A Long Island University professor who discovered cancer-fighting properties in oregano was fired for trying to patent her work, she claims in a lawsuit.

Supriya Bavadekar, 36, made headlines in 2012 by discovering a compound in the household spice that caused prostate-cancer cells to self-destruct, a revelation that could lead to new treatments.

But when the assistant pharmacology professor wanted to patent her work, a lawyer for the school told her the ownership rights belonged to the college, not her, Bavadekar charges.

Her own patent attorney said the school’s assertion wasn’t true, and when Bavadekar proceeded with her patent application, the school refused to reappoint her. LIU declined to comment on the allegations.