Satureja hortensis

Savory/Drug Interactions:

  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, extracts or essential oils of Satureja hortensis and Satureja viminea exhibited analgesic activity in some, but not all, experiments (10; 11). In animal study, an extract of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad showed antinociceptive activity that was comparable with morphine (12).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Based on in vitro study, extracts or essential oils of plants from Satureja species are effective against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many drug-resistant strains. Examples include strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella essen, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Chryseomonas luteola, Enterococcus fecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella serovars, and Bacillus cereus (13; 14; 15; 16; 2; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 3; 27; 28; 29). Many of the activities were extract- and plant-specific. Extracts or essential oils of plants from Satureja species exhibited activity against bacteria associated with food spoilage, including Bacillus species, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringen, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fragi, and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (30; 31; 32; 13; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37).
  • Antidiabetic agentsAntidiabetic agents: It is not clear from animal study whether the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica (SKEO) significantly altered blood glucose levels (58; 60; 71). In diabetic rats, SKEO treatment significantly decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and increased hepatic glycogen phosphorylase (71; 72).
  • Antifungal agentsAntifungal agents: Based on in vitro study, extracts, constituents or essential oils from plants from Satureja species were effective against a variety of fungi, such as Aspergillus parasiticus, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria citri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Botrytis species, Pyricularia oryzae, ascospherosis, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria mali Roberts, Botrytis cinerea Pers., and Candida tropicalis (43; 44; 14; 2; 17; 45; 46; 47; 48; 24; 42; 23; 49; 21; 50; 29; 15). In some studies, essential oils from certain Saturjea species did not produce an antifungal effect (93; 24).
  • Anti-inflammatory agentsAnti-inflammatory agents: In animal models, extracts and the essential oil of Satureja hortensis and Satureja khuzestanica exhibited anti-inflammatory effects (10; 12; 51). However, a Satureja viminea leaf extract exhibited proinflammatory effects in one animal model (94).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In humans, Satureja khuzestanica capsules induced a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol, without altering blood triglyceride levels (58). Satureja khuzestanica essential oil caused a significant decrease in triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic rats (60). In animal study, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect with decreased levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, free fatty acids, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (77).
  • Antineoplastic agentsAntineoplastic agents: Satureja spp. and constituents displayed antiproliferative activity in the HeLa cervical cancer cell line, human erythroleukemic K562 cells, and A549 (human non-small cell lung cancer) cells (38; 39; 40). Some Satureja montana extracts, but not others, selectively inhibited the growth of human tumor cell lines, including HeLa (human cervix epidermoid carcinoma), and HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma), but not MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) (41).
  • Antiparasitic agentsAntiparasitic agents: Extracts of Satureja parvifolia showed activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, and two strains of Plasmodium falciparumin vitro (63; 64; 65). Constituents of Satureja atropatana Bonge were effective against Artemia salina larva (66).
  • Antiplatelet agentsAntiplatelet agents: An extract of Satureja hortensis inhibited human platelet adhesion in vitro (67).
  • Antispasmodic agentsAntispasmodic agents: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited contractions of isolated rat ileum in a concentration-dependent manner (68).
  • Antiviral agentsAntiviral agents: Extracts of Satureja species exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex type I (HSV-1), hepatitis B, and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in vitro (69; 70; 76).
  • Cholinesterase inhibitorsCholinesterase inhibitors: There is limited in vitro evidence that Satureja montana extracts and Satureja cuneifolia essential oil inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, which are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (2; 9).
  • CyclophosphamideCyclophosphamide: Satureja khuzestanica essential oil protected rats from hemorrhagic cystitis induced by cyclophosphamide in a rat model (59).
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In animal study, SKEO increased plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, decreased testicular and plasma lipid peroxidation, prevented impairment of spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and fertility, and improved potency, fecundity, fertility index, and litter size (73; 74). The weights of testes, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostate, and the number of spermatogonium, spermatid cords, Leydig cells, and spermatozoids were increased by SKEO. Hypertrophic Sertoli cells were also noted.
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice (68). Satureja khuzestanica essential oil protected mice against inflammatory bowel disease in a manner similar to that of prednisolone by significantly preventing lipid peroxidation and abrogating an increase in myeloperoxidase activity (78). In female rats, Satureja viminea essential oil inhibited intestinal transit and gastric emptying (11).
  • Hepatotoxic agentsHepatotoxic agents: In rats, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. decreased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lipid peroxidative markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (52; 77). These observations were supported by histological studies of rat liver and kidney tissues and a decrease in the serum bilirubin level.
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice (68). In female rats, Satureja viminea essential oil inhibited intestinal transit and gastric emptying (11).
  • PrednisolonePrednisolone: Satureja khuzestanica essential oil protected mice against inflammatory bowel disease in a manner similar to that of prednisolone by significantly preventing lipid peroxidation and abrogating an increase in myeloperoxidase activity (78).
  • Sedatives/hypnotics/anxiolyticsSedatives/hypnotics/anxiolytics: Extracts and the essential oil of Satureja viminea caused a spontaneous motor activity reduction in female rats (11). Exploratory behavior and curiosity as well as grasping strength were diminished.
  • VasodilatorsVasodilators: In animal study, extracts of Satureja parvifolia and Satureja obovata exhibited significant relaxant activity on smooth muscle isolated from guinea pigs and rat thoracic aorta, respectively (81; 82; 83; 84).

    • Savory/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • Acetylcholinesterase inhibitorsAcetylcholinesterase inhibitors: There is limited in vitro evidence that Satureja montana extracts and Satureja cuneifolia essential oil inhibit acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, which are implicated in Alzheimer's disease (2; 9).
  • AnalgesicsAnalgesics: In animal study, extracts or essential oils of Satureja hortensis and Satureja viminea exhibited analgesic activity in some, but not all, experiments (10; 11). In animal study, an extract of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad showed antinociceptive activity that was comparable with morphine (12).
  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Based on in vitro study, extracts or essential oils of plants from Satureja species were effective against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including many drug-resistant strains. Examples include strains of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella essen, Salmonella choleraesuis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Staphylococcus aureus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Chryseomonas luteola, Enterococcus fecalis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori, Salmonella enterica, Salmonella serovars, and Bacillus cereus (13; 14; 15; 16; 2; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 3; 27; 28; 29). Many of the activities were extract- and plant-specific. Extracts or essential oils of plants from Satureja species exhibited activity against bacteria associated with food spoilage, including Bacillus species, Listeria monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringen, Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurium, Yersinia enterocolitica, Shigella flexneri, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas fragi, and Escherichia coli 0157:H7 (30; 31; 32; 13; 33; 34; 35; 36; 37).
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: An extract of Satureja hortensis inhibited human platelet adhesion in vitro (67).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Based on in vitro study, extracts, constituents, or essential oils from plants from Satureja species were effective against a variety of fungi, such as Aspergillus parasiticus, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tulipae, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria citri, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Botrytis species, Pyricularia oryzae, ascospherosis, Aspergillus flavus, Alternaria mali Roberts, Botrytis cinerea Pers., and Candida tropicalis (43; 44; 14; 2; 17; 45; 46; 47; 48; 24; 42; 23; 49; 21; 50; 29; 15). In some studies, essential oils from certain Saturjea species did not produce an antifungal effect (93; 24).
  • Anti-inflammatory herbs and supplementsAnti-inflammatory herbs and supplements: In animal models, extracts and the essential oil of Satureja hortensis and Satureja khuzestanica exhibited anti-inflammatory effects (10; 12; 51). However, a Satureja viminea leaf extract exhibited proinflammatory effects in one animal model (94).
  • Antilipemic agentsAntilipemic agents: In humans, Satureja khuzestanica capsules induced a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol, without altering blood triglyceride levels (58). Satureja khuzestanica essential oil caused a significant decrease in triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic rats (60). In animal study, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect with decreased levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, free fatty acids, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (77).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: Satureja spp. and constituents displayed antiproliferative activity in the HeLa cervical cancer cell line, human erythroleukemic K562 cells, and A549 (human non-small cell lung cancer) cells (38; 39; 40). Some Satureja montana extracts, but not others, selectively inhibited the growth of human tumor cell lines, including HeLa (human cervix epidermoid carcinoma), and HT-29 (human colon adenocarcinoma), but not MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) (41).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: Based on in vitro study, extracts, constituents, or essential oils from plants from Satureja species exhibited antioxidant activity, including inhibiting lipid peroxidation and the formation of free radicals (53; 54; 15; 55; 56; 57; 41). In human study, Satureja khuzestanica capsules induced a significant increase in total antioxidant power but did not alter levels of thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) (58). In animal study, some, but not all, extracts, constituents, and essential oils from Satureja species increased total antioxidant capacity, prevented lipid peroxidation and DNA damage, increased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase, vitamin C, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione levels (5; 52; 59; 60; 61; 62; 23).
  • AntiparasiticsAntiparasitics: Extracts of Satureja parvifolia showed activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, and two strains of Plasmodium falciparumin vitro (63; 64; 65). Constituents of Satureja atropatana Bonge were effective against Artemia salina larva (66).
  • Antispasmodic herbs and supplementsAntispasmodic herbs and supplements: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited contractions of isolated rat ileum in a concentration-dependent manner (68).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: Extracts of Satureja species exhibited antiviral activity against herpes simplex type I (HSV-1), hepatitis B, and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) in vitro (69; 70; 76).
  • Fertility herbs and supplementsFertility herbs and supplements: In animal study, SKEO increased plasma follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone, decreased testicular and plasma lipid peroxidation, prevented impairment of spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and fertility, and improved potency, fecundity, fertility index, and litter size (73; 74). The weights of testes, seminal vesicles, and ventral prostate, and the number of spermatogonium, spermatid cords, Leydig cells, and spermatozoids were increased by SKEO. Hypertrophic Sertoli cells were also noted.
  • Gastrointestinal herbs and supplementsGastrointestinal herbs and supplements: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice (68). Satureja khuzestanica essential oil protected mice against inflammatory bowel disease in a manner similar to that of prednisolone by significantly preventing lipid peroxidation and abrogating an increase in myeloperoxidase activity (78). In female rats, Satureja viminea essential oil inhibited intestinal transit and gastric emptying (11).
  • Hepatotoxic herbs and supplementsHepatotoxic herbs and supplements: In rats, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. decreased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lipid peroxidative markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (52; 77). These observations were supported by histological studies of rat liver and kidney tissues and a decrease in the serum bilirubin level.
  • HypoglycemicsHypoglycemics: It is not clear from animal study whether the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica (SKEO) significantly altered blood glucose levels (58; 60; 71). In diabetic rats, SKEO treatment significantly decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and increased hepatic glycogen phosphorylase (71; 72).
  • LaxativesLaxatives: Satureja hortensis essential oil inhibited castor oil-induced diarrhea in mice (68). In female rats, Satureja viminea essential oil inhibited intestinal transit and gastric emptying (11).
  • ProbioticsProbiotics: Based on in vitro study, extracts or essential oils of plants from Satureja species are effective against a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (13; 14; 15; 16; 2; 17; 18; 19; 20; 21; 22; 23; 24; 25; 26; 3; 27; 28; 29). Many of the activities were extract- and plant-specific.
  • Sedative herbs and supplementsSedative herbs and supplements: Extracts and the essential oil of Satureja viminea caused a spontaneous motor activity reduction in female rats (11). Exploratory behavior and curiosity, as well as grasping strength, were diminished.
  • Vasodilator herbs and supplementsVasodilator herbs and supplements: In animal study, extracts of Satureja parvifolia and Satureja obovata exhibited significant relaxant activity on smooth muscle isolated from guinea pigs and rat thoracic aorta, respectively (81; 82; 83; 84).

    • Savory/Food Interactions:

  • Wheat flour doughWheat flour dough: Satureja hortensis essential oil decreased the stability of wheat flour dough (95).

    • Savory/Lab Interactions:

  • Blood glucose levelsBlood glucose levels: It is not clear from animal study whether the essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil significantly altered blood glucose levels (58; 60; 71).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal study, extracts of Satureja parvifolia and Satureja obovata exhibited significant relaxant activity on smooth muscle isolated from guinea pigs and rat thoracic aorta, respectively (81; 82; 83; 84).
  • Clotting panelClotting panel: An extract of Satureja hortensis inhibited human platelet adhesion in vitro (67).
  • Hepatic markersHepatic markers: In diabetic rats, essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica treatment significantly decreased hepatic phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activity and increased hepatic glycogen phosphorylase (71; 72). In rats, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. decreased the activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, and lipid peroxidative markers such as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (52; 77).
  • Lipid panelLipid panel: In humans, Satureja khuzestanica capsules induced a significant decrease in total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol without altering blood triglyceride levels (58). In rats, carvacrol found in Satureja spp. exhibited a significant hypolipidemic effect with decreased levels of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, and increased HDL cholesterol (77). Carvacrol decreased the levels of total cholesterol, phospholipids, triglycerides, and free fatty acids in the plasma and tissues of liver and kidney of hepatotoxic rats (77). The essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica caused significant decreases in triglyceride levels in hyperlipidemic rats (60).