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Introduction: Epilepsy is a group of chronic neurological disorders characterized by seizures. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Satureja bachtiarica essential oil in preventing epilepsy. Methods: In this experimental study, 50 mice were randomly assigned to five groups of 10 each. The control group received normal saline plus tween-80 and after 30 min pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Groups 2 and 3 were treated first with S. bachtiarica essential oil at 50 and 100 mg/kg , respectively and then after 30 min received PTZ. Group 4 received diazepam and 30 min later PTZ. Group 5 received flumazenil and 30 min later PTZ. After the last injection of PTZ, the time of seizure onset, seizure severity and score, the completion time of each seizure (attack episode), and mortality rate in different groups were recorded and compared. Results: The administration of S. bachtiarica essential oil at 50 and 100 mg/kg to PTZ-treated mice caused a significant increase in latency to the first seizure and survival of mice, as well as a significant decrease in the frequency of the head and upper limbs seizure, total body seizures, tonic seizures, and jumping. S. bachtiarica essential oil at 100 mg/kg caused a significant decrease in the head tic frequency. The administration of flumazenil significantly inhibited S. bachtiarica essential oil-induced effects and increased the head and upper limbs seizures, tonic seizures, and jumping. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that S. bachtiarica essential oil could prevent PTZ-induced seizure and these findings authenticate the traditional claims about the use of S. bachtiarica in treating epilepsy.

In this paper a survey on the garrigue vegetation dominated by Satureja montana subsp. montana occurring in the Alta Murgia National Park is presented. These communities were compared with those of the Ionian Arc ravines. Syntaxonomic, structural, chorological and ecological analyses were performed in order to achieve a proper classification of this vegetation. A new association is here described, the Rhamno saxatilis-Saturejetum montanae, with two new subassociations, typicum and fumanetosum procumbentis. It is a garrigue vegetation dominated by Satureja montana subsp. montana occurring in the Murgian area, in sites characterized by rocky and stony soils and by a Mediterranean Pluviseasonal oceanic weak semicontinental phytoclimate, with thermotype upper meso-Mediterranean and ombrotype lower subhumid, and is here framed in the Cytiso spinescentis-Saturejion montanae alliance (order Cisto cretici-Ericetalia manipuliflorae, class Cisto cretici-Micromerietea julianae). The results contribute to add a further piece to the knowledge of the natural plant landscape of the territory of the Alta Murgia National Park.

Nowadays, the essential oil has received a special position for the treatment of diseases. Although Satureja rechingeri Jamzad is an endemic species of Iran, unfortunately few studies have been conducted on its biological properties. In this study, along with the analysis of the compounds of Satureja rechingeri essential oil, cytotoxic, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the essential oil of this species were investigated. The compounds of prepared essential oil were analyzed by GC-FID and GC–MS using Clevenger. Disc diffusion and MTT methods were used to determine the antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of the essential oil, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the essential oil was measured by two methods of reducing power assay and DPPH free radical scavenging. p-Cymene (46.5%) was the most identified compound in the essential oil. The essential oil showed higher inhibitory effect on seven bacterial strains relative to the standard antibiotics. The studied essential oil showed significant concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on four cancer cells of Vero, SW480, MCF7 and JET3 with 50% lethal effect of 15.6, 125, 15.6 and 250 µg/mL for each line, respectively. The highest adsorption (2.6 nM) was at 500 µg/mL for reducing power assay and 50% free radical inhibition at a concentration of 375 µg/mL for DPPH antioxidant assay. In general, the essential oil of Satureja rechingeri with high antioxidant, antibacterial and anticancer activity can be used as a cheap and affordable natural product in clinical and pharmaceutical fields.

The objective of the present work is comparison between various extraction methods for evaluation of the chemical composition and also extraction yield of theSatureja rechingeri. Efficient paramete...

Satureja bachtiarica Bunge. from the Lamiaceae family is an endemic plant that is widely distributed in southwestern Iran. In this study, The aerial parts of six wild populations of S. bachtiarica....

Considering the importance of spice plants and their shelf life, as affected by various factors, the current study considered Summer savory plants (Satureja hortensis cv. Saturn) for evaluation under the application of different concentrations of ammonium sulfate (0, 40, 60, 80, and 100 kg/ha) as primary treatments. Based on the plant response, the control group and 100 kg/ha ammonium sulfate were selected as suitable treatments for storage experiments (i.e., storage at ambient, refrigerator, and freezer temperatures for 8 months). Based on the results, the highest percentage and yield of S. hortensis essential oil and biomass occurred in response to 100 kg ammonium sulfate, whereas the lowest amounts were observed in the control group (i.e., in the absence of ammonium sulfate). During the storage period, the essential oil content decreased, but the carvacrol content of the essential oil increased. During the different durations and conditions of storage, the stability of secondary metabolites varied. Essential oil, rosmarinic acid, and carvacrol contents maintained greater stability in plants treated with ammonium sulfate (100 kg/ha), compared with the control group during the storage period. It can be concluded that the preharvest application of ammonium sulfate on S. hortensis improved plant growth and quality indices at preharvest time, while also maintaining the stability of its active ingredients at the postharvest stage and storage time. It also led results to recommend storing Summer savory in the freezer to better preserve its secondary metabolites., During the storage period, essential oil content was reduced but carvacrol content in the essential oil was increased. Ammonium sulfate causes essential oil, Rosmarinic acid, and carvacrol stability during storage. Keeping in a freezer is a good way to summer savory storage.

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal which causes environmental pollution and affects physiological and morphological characters of plants. Sodium nitroprusside is generally used as Nitric Oxide (NO) donor in plants. A glasshouse pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of exogenous NO on physiological, biochemical and enzyme activity of savory plants under Cd stress. Experimental factors included soil contamination with cadmium chloride (0 control, 75, 100 and 150 µM) and NO foliar application in four concentrations (0 control, 50, 100 and 200 µM). The results showed that Cd stress decreased growth parameters including plant height, number of leaves and lateral branch, 25.97%, 19.18% and 22.39%, respectively. In contrast, proline accumulation, membrane cell leakage, carbohydrates and antioxidant enzymes activity were increased. While NO application improved savory plant growth under Cd stress. NO application improved growth of plants under all Cd concentration for example under highest Cd concentration (150 μM) foliar application of 200 μM NO, proline, chlorophyll (a , b and carotenoid), carbohydrates and peroxidase activity were 116.48%, 56.25%, 38.38%, 48%, 140% and 85.78% compared to relative control increased, respectively. Also, NO application (200 µM) reduced the Cd accumulation in the shoot and roots of plants.

An application of natural antioxidants remains the focus of research groups. The effect of Satureja montana L. essential oil in various doses on the main biological characteristics of Wistar rats was the main aim of the study. The intensification of protein metabolism in the blood plasma of rats on the background of the use of Satureja montana L. essential oil was noted. Total protein increases by 17.9 – 19.7%, and albumin by 27.6% in rats of the experimental group received the essential oil at a dose of 0.6 ml per kg of feed. A significant increase in the AST level in control group rats to 207.3 U.L-1 was revealed. Its one to a certain extent indicates the hepatoprotective effect of mountain savory oil and a decrease in inflammatory processes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract in the conditions of cell maintenance of rats of the experimental groups. Gastric epithelium thickness of rats of both experimental groups was lower than the control animals. But it did not bear any signs of atrophy. The difference of this indicator in comparison with control was 12.75 μm (p ≤0.05) in the second group and it was reliable. The number of chief stomach cells increases in animals of the experimental groups, which may indicate a greater enzymatic activity. An increased dose of mountain savory oil contributes to the formation of more damage to hepatocytes on the periphery of the liver lobule. Thus, the relationship between liver enzymes and the state of peripheral hepatocytes was noted.

Background: Allium hirtifolium and Satureja khuzestanica are the Iranian endemic plants and proper candidates for antioxidant studies. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-hemolytic properties, and phytochemical composition in different extracts of A. hirtifolium and S. khuzestanica. Methods: Hydroalcoholic, methanolic, and n-hexane extracts of A. hirtifolium and S. khuzestanica plants were prepared using soaking and ultrasonic methods. Different plant extracts were evaluated for the presence of secondary metabolites using standard methods based on colorimetric analysis. The antioxidant properties of the compounds were measured by the ferric reducing ability of power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Finally, the anti-hemolytic effects of the extracts were investigated using the 2,2’-Azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) methods. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, glycosides, steroids, and terpenoids in S. khuzestanica, as well as amino acid compounds, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and phenols in A. hirtifolium. FRAP assay showed that the methanolic extract of S. khuzestanica and the n-hexane extract of A. hirtifolium have the highest total antioxidant activity. The results of the DPPH assay also demonstrated that the minimum IC50 was related to the hydroalcoholic extract of S. khuzestanica (18.58 µg/mL) and the n-hexane extract of A. hirtifolium (87.95 µg/mL). In general, the extracts of both plants could reduce the percentage of AAPH-induced hemolysis while being significant only in some concentrations (P

Background and Aim: Medicinal plants contain various biological compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and terpenoids, with anti-radical and anti-inflammatory activities that affect human health and improve life. Considering the numerous beneficial effects of Tanacetum Parthenium and Satureja Montana and the lack of full antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory effects of their combination, we decided to combine these two plants’ anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on induced acute inflammation in BALB/c mice. Methods & Materials: In the present study, mice received the extracts of T. Parthenium and S. Montana and their combination by gavage for 14 consecutive days. Then, to induce acute inflammation, thioglycollate was injected intraperitoneally to all groups. FRAP and Grease tests were used to evaluate the total antioxidant capacity and serum nitric oxide concentration, respectively. One-way ANOVA analyzed the results. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Code: REC.1398.021). Results: The results showed that the combination of the extracts (P=0.006) and Satureja Montana (P=0.021) led to a significant increase in total antioxidant activity compared to the control group. Also, according to the results of grease test, Satureja montana (P=0.04), Tanacetum parthenium (P=0.034), and their combination (P=0.003) significantly reduced serum nitric oxide production compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present study shows the synergistic effect of the combined extracts to increase their total antioxidant capacity and anti-inflammatory.

The use of nanofertilizers is a promising method for enhancing plant productivity and mitigating environmental pollution. The aim of this study was to show the silicon nanoparticles (Si-NPs) effects on growth, water content, phenolic and flavonoid content, and essential oil (EO) profile in aerial parts of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) in cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. The pot experiment was conducted with Cd concentration (0, 10, and 20 mg Cd kg−1 soil) and foliar application of Si-NPs (0, 0.75, 1.5 and 2.25 mM of SiO2). The results revealed severe Cd stress (20 mg Cd kg−1 soil) significantly decreased root and shoot weight, relative water content (RWC) but increased Cd accumulation in roots and shoots and proline concentration. Moderate Cd level (10 mg Cd kg−1 soil) improved total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and EO content. Under Cd stress, the 1.5 or 2.25 mM Si-NPs were highly effective concentrations to improve the growth and EO yield. The main EO constitutes were carvacrol (43.12–57.6%), γ-terpinene (20.56–25.6%), p-cymene (5.53–11.3%), and thymol (1.65–8.2%) with changes in their concentrations under Cd and Si-NPs. Heat map analysis (HMA) showed fresh weight, dry weight, and EO yield with a higher variation during these treatments had the most significant impact on distinguishing the clusters. The present study recommended 1.5–2.25 mM Si-NPs in improving the physio-biochemical status of summer savory plants to cope with Cd stress.

The brown dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, is one of the principal tick species of medical-veterinary interest because of its large capacity for transmitting pathogens. This study sought to evaluate the potential for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and the repellent activity of volatile oils of Satureja montana L., Lamiaceae; Myristica fragrans Houtt., Myristicaceae; and Cymbopogon flexuosus (Nees ex Steud.) W.Watson, Poaceae. The inhibition of AChE was evaluated by spectrophotometry, and the repellent effect was determined by a test of choice in assays with unfed R. sanguineus adults. The principal components found were borneol, γ-terpineol, carvacrol, and p-cymene in the oils of S. montana; sabinene, α-pinene, and β-pinene in the volatile oil of M. fragrans; and geranial in C. flexuosus. The greatest inhibition of acetylcholinesterase was observed with the oils of S. montana and M. fragrans, with an average inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 0.024 and 0.023 µg/ml, respectively. The greatest repellent action against the tick was observed for the oil of S. montana, which exhibited a percentage of repellency (%R) greater than 80% at 14 µl/ml. This activity remained effective for up to 3 h at the highest concentration tested (56 µl/ml), with a %R higher than 60% at these conditions.

Introduction: Propolis is a natural composite balsam. In the past decade, propolis has been extensively investigated as an adjuvant for the treatment of periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate antimicrobial activities of propolis solutions and plant essential oils against some oral cariogenic (Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, Lactobacillus acidophilus) and periodontopathic bacteria (Actinomyces odontolyticus, Eikenella corrodens, Fusobacterium nucleatum). Methodology: Determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): The antimicrobial activity of propolis and essential oils was investigated by the agar dilution method. Serial dilutions of essential oils were prepared in plates, and the assay plates were estimated to contain 100, 50, 25 and 12.5 µg/mL of active essential oils. Dilutions for propolis were 50, 25, 12.5 and 6.3 µg/mL of active propolis solutions. Results: Propolis solutions dissolved in benzene, diethyl ether and methyl chloride, demonstrated equal effectiveness against all investigated oral bacteria (MIC=12.5 µg/mL). Propolis solution dissolved in acetone displayed MIC of 6.3 µg/mL only for Lactobacillus acidophilus. At the MIC of 12.5 µg/mL, essential oils of Salvia officinalis and Satureja kitaibelii were effective against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, respectively. For the latter, the MIC value of Salvia officinalis was twice higher. Conclusions: The results indicate that propolis and plant essential oils appear to be a promising source of antimicrobial agents that may prevent dental caries and other oral infectious diseases.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common disease without definite and exact treatment. Interventions such as chemical drugs, physiotherapy, and even surgery are suggested for treatment. Herbal medicine, which is currently very popular, has also been suggested for treatment because of fewer side effects, low cost, and the possibility to use it topically home. Satureja khuzestanica jamzad, the native plant of Lorestan and Khuzestan, is known for its analgesic effects. Objective: We aimed to compare the effect of Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% ointment with piroxicam gel for pain relief in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: 70 patients with mild to moderate knee OA were randomly divided into experimental groups (essential oil extract of Satureja khuzestanica jamzad 3% or piroxicam gel). The severity of pain was recorded at baseline, and after one and two weeks by visual analogue scale. ANOVA was used for data analysis and the effect size was computed by Cohen’s d. Results: Reduction of pain was seen in both groups and group comparisons also showed a significant difference (P

Gene engineering is a convenient way of solving basic and applied tasks related to the system of secondary metabolism of medicinal and aromatic plants, such as a large and economically important plant family Lamiaceae Martinov (Labiatae Juss.) that includes such major species, as Agastache, Dracocephalum, Lavandula, Mentha, Ocimum, Salvia, Satureja, Thymus, etc. The basic value of this method consists in studying the genetic mechanism of secondary metabolism, which includes key enzyme genes, transcription factors, etc. Applied research consists in producing valuable secondary metabolites with biological activity, including active pharmaceutical ingredients in both, the familyʹs plants proper and the heterologous systems using relevant plant genes. This overview considers a set of diverse gene engineering studies.

In this study, investigation on the essential oils and ethanol extracts of naturally grown and cultivatedSatureja macrantha samples were reported. The essential oil, flavour and terpenoid-steroid-flavonoid contents of S.macrantha samples were determined by GC-MS and their phenolic contents by LC-MS/MS. Besides, the biologicalactivities of the samples were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-Alzheimer, antimicrobial, cytotoxic,antityrosinase, antiurease, antielastase and anticollagenase properties. The phenolic content and antioxidant capacityof the cultivated sample were higher than those of the naturally grown sample. According to the GC-MS results,terpinene-4-ol (30.9%) and p-cymene (56.7%) were determined as the major components in the essential oils of thenaturally grown and cultivated S. macrantha, respectively. The flavour analysis results showed that cis-sabinenehydrate (20.7%) and carvacrol (42.2%) were found to be the major components in the naturally grown and cultivatedsamples, respectively. While the naturally grown sample was rich in abietane diterpenoids (ferruginol (17.5 mganalyte/g extract) and sugiol (4.2 mg analyte/g extract)), these components were not detected in the cultivatedsample. The rosmarinic acid content (0.20 and 24.87 mg analyte/g extract, respectively) of the cultivated samplewas found to be significantly higher than that of the natural sample. The biological activities of the samples weredetermined to be changed in parallel with their chemical contents that are due to factors such as climatic conditions,and soil structure.

Araştırma, Isparta koşullarında Satureja hortensis L.’nin herba verimi ve uçucu yağ oranına sıvı solucan gübresi uygulamasının etkisini araştırmak amacıyla 2019 ve 2020 yıllarında yürütülmüştür. Deneme, tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre üç tekerrürlü olarak, geleneksel üretim (kontrol-G.Ü), yalın solucan gübresi (S.G) ve G.Ü+S.G’nin birlikte uygulanması şeklinde kurulmuştur. Satureja hortensis’in yaş herba uçucu yağ oranı dışında birinci ve ikinci biçimleri arasındaki farklar istatistiksel olarak önemli çıkmış ve birinci biçim ortalamaları önemli oranda daha yüksek olmuştur. Yalın solucan gübresi uygulamasından elde edilen bitki boyu, yaş herba, drog herba ve drog yaprak verimi ile uçucu yağ oranı, geleneksel üretim ve G.Ü+S.G’nin birlikte uygulanmasına göre daha düşük olmuştur. İncelenen karakterlerin en yüksek değerleri G.Ü+S.G’nin birlikte uygulanmasında belirlenmiştir. Geleneksel üretim+solucan gübresinin birlikte uygulamasından elde edilen drog yaprak verimi yalın solucan gübresine göre birinci yıl %62.8, ikinci yıl %35.7 ve geleneksel üretimden ise birinci yıl %30.4, ikinci yıl %21.5 oranında daha fazla olmuştur. Sonuç olarak, üretici tercihine göre, organik ürün yetiştirmek amacıyla yalın sıvı solucan gübresi uygulanabilir olduğu, ancak daha yüksek yaş/drog herba ve

This study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds of for Lamiaceae: Salvia officinalis, Satureja calamintha, Mentha pulegium and Marubium vulgare using ferric reducing power (FRAP) and radical scavenging method (DPPH). Preliminary phytochemical analysis shows that the major constituents of crude extracts (Hydromethanolic, hydroacetonic) are tannins, saponins, quinones, flavonoids, terpenoids and reducing compounds in the four plants. In quantitative analysis, variable polyphenols, flavonoids and condensed tannins content are recorded. The highest polyphenols content is that of the aqueous/methanol crude extract of Salvia officinalis (188.92 ± 1.19 mg GAE/ gE), followed by aqueous/acetone crude extract of Mentha pulegium (176.55 ± 2.49 mg GAE/gE). Flavonoids and condensed tannins content of crude extract showing a high content in aqueous/methanol extract of Mentha pulegium and Satureja calamintha (93.64 ± 0.26mg EQC/gE and 25.44 ± 0.71 mg EQC/gE), respectively. Scavenging activity of the free radical DPPH, revealed that the aqueous/methanol extract of Salvia officinalis shown a relatively high antioxidant activity (IC50 = 1.07 μg/ml) compared with ascorbic acid (IC50 = 0.91 μg/ml). FRAP method revealed that the extracts of Mentha pulegium showed the highest power to reduce iron (EC50 = 0.147 mg/ml), but lower than that of ascorbic acid (EC50 = 0.057 mg/mL).

This research aimed to analyse the chemical composition, as well as the antimicrobial and antioxidative abilities of the Satureja montana L. essential oil. Essential oils were obtained from raw pla...

Satureja khuzitanica, due to having phenolic compounds such as carvacrol in its essential oil and rosmarinic acid in its extract has strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and remarkable effects for treating several diseases. In this study, polyploidy induction was performed using 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, and 0.20% (w/v) colchicine and three treatment duration of 6, 12, and 24 h on one-week-old seedlings. Treated seedlings were transplanted to the medium culture and were regenerated. After three regenerations, tetraploid clones were identified by flow cytometry technique and chromosome counting. 2C DNA values in diploid (2n = 2x = 30) and induced tetraploid (2n = 4x = 60) were 1.43 ± 0.02 pg and 2.61 ± 03 pg, respectively. The highest tetraploid induction efficiency was 30%, obtained by colchicine concentration of 0.05% and the treatment duration of 6 h. The morphological, physiological, and phytochemical characteristics were measured in diploid and autotetraploid plants. Most of the studied traits in tetraploid plants including leaf length and width, stem diameter, stomata size, area, density, leaf guard cell size, flavonoid, phenol, soluble sugar, and essential oil yield increased significantly but stomata density decreased. In conclusion application of tetraploid induction in S. khuzistanica could be used to increase the quantity of secondary metabolites. It also can be promising to introduce a new genotype with higher phenolic compounds and drug effectiveness. The successful tetraploid induction of Khuzistan savory led to an increase in morphological parameters, biomass, essential oil yield, and phenolic compounds.

Satureja is one of the important medicinal and aromatic genus of the Lamiaceae family due to the high valuable phenolic compounds, such as carvacrol and thymol, which is produced by the plants. It ...

Introduction: Free radicals are capable of inducing oxidative damage, which causes various human diseases. However, antioxidants reduce the risk of diseases related to reactive oxygen species. Medicinal plants such as Achyranthes aspera leaves, Satureja punctata aerial parts, Aloe pulcherrima gel, Gomphocarpus fruticosus leaves and Commiphora myrrha resins were claimed to treat various ailments including urolithiasis in Ethiopia. Objectives: This study was intended to determine phytochemicals and antioxidant activities of the aforementioned plants. Materials and Methods: Plants were collected and the aqueous crude extracts were prepared. Phytochemicals were screened qualitatively and DPPH(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay was measured at 517nm using UV-Vis spectrophotometry. Data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA, Dunnett’s comparison test of the Graph Pad Prism version 6. Results: The plant extracts exhibited various phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids and tannins, while these were absent in C. myrrha. Steroids and terpenoides were absent in A. pulcherrima and G. fruticosus extracts, respectively. DPPH scavenging capacities of S. punctata, G. fruticosus, A. pulcherrima and A. aspera aqueous extracts were 92.3%, 81.6%, 72.3% and 54.9%, respectively compared to control (Ascorbic acid) showed 87.6%, 94.5%, 92.3% and 95.6%, respectively at inhibitory concentrations of 0.20 mg/ml, 0.78 mg/ ml, 3.13 mg/ml and 12.5 mg/ml, respectively. The IC50 antioxidant values of S. punctata, A. pulcherrima, G. fruticosus, and A. aspera extracts were 0.01 ±0.003 mg/ml, 0.42 ±0.047 mg/ml, 1.64 ±0.147 mg/ml, and 13.51 ±1.08 mg/ml, respectively compared to Ascorbic acid (0.03 ±0.007 mg/ml). Conclusion: The phytoconstituents in S. punctata aqueous extract has the best capability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Future characterizations of compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities will be required.

Background: In response to consumer demand for novel and healthy foods, the presence in the market of olive oils (OOs) flavored with different plants, spices, herbs or fruits is increasingly common. All these flavoring agents have been used over the years due to its content in compounds with biological activities. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of the addition of S. montana EO at 100 ppm (0.01%, v/v), known for its high content of bioactive compounds, good flavor, and aroma in improving oxidative stability and quality profile of EVOO subjected to conditions causing accelerated oxidation (Light storage at 900 lux). Materials and methods: The S. montana EO chemical components were identified using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS). Enriched and non-enriched EVOO samples were examined as function of time (30, 60 and 9 days) of display for different quality indices. Results: Using GC/MS analysis of S. montana EO: thymol (28.36%), carvacrol (17.45%), p-cymene (10.91%), trans-caryophyllene (5.54%), ɤ-terpinene (5.03%) and geraniol (4.50%) were identified. The results highlighted that the enrichment with S. montana EO led to lower values of lipid oxidation indicators (K232, K270, peroxide value) and higher concentration of antioxidants (total phenols and pigments). In sum, the use of bioenrichment methods could be a sustainable solution for the promotion of the quality characteristics of EVOO in Algeria.

In addition to pesticidal activity, the capacity of natural compounds to inhibit the reproduction of parasites emerge as an important alternative tick control method. In this context, Satureja spp. stand out due to their recognized pesticidal properties. Among parasites of veterinary importance, the cattle tick, Rhipicephalus microplus, is responsible for great economic losses in livestock and transmission of relevant pathogens. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of the essential oil of Satureja montana L. on the ovary morphology of R. microplus engorged females through histological and histochemical techniques. The most remarkable morphological changes found were: cytoplasmic vacuolation of germ cells, irregular and thicker chorion, irregular oocyte shape, ring-shaped nucleolus, decrease in protein and carbohydrate content in oocytes, in addition to cellular changes in the oviduct and pedicel. All morphological changes were assessed using a semiquantitative method already established in the literature. Ticks exposed to 5.0 μl/ml of essential oil showed the most significant changes when compared to control groups. Thus, the essential oil of S. montana L. damaged the reproductive system of R. microplus, which may impair ticks' offspring production and promote a long-term control of this species. HIGHLIGHTS: The essential oil of Satureja montana L. affects the ovary morphology of the cattle tick. The main morphological alterations found were cytoplasmic vacuolation, irregular and thicker chorion and irregular oocyte shape. These alterations may impair the development of eggs.

Background and Objectives: Escherichia coli and some Salmonella serovars cause various disease manifestations in poultry leading to significant economic losses. The widespread and imprudent use of antibacterial agents in poultry flocks have increased resistant to many antibacterial agents which has become a major public health concern. Some medicinal plants may be alternative to antibacterial agents. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of summer savory essential oil against E. coli and Salmonella isolated from poultry. Materials and Methods: The essential oil was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus and subsequently its compounds were determined using GC-MS. Antibacterial properties of essential oil were determined by disc diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). To evaluate the anti-biofilm properties the Microtiter plate test was used. Herbal essential oil was extracted and its compounds were identified correctly. Results: The major components of Satureja hortensis essential oil were thymol (41.28%), γ-terpinene (37.63%), p-cymene (12.2%) and α-terpinene (3.52%). The inhibition zone diameter in the disc diffusion test for E. coli and Salmonella were 32 ± 3 and 38 ± 4 mm, respectively, which was confirmed by MIC and MBC values. Regarding anti-biofilm activity, the MIC/2 concentration of S. hortensis significantly inhibited biofilm formation of E. coli. However, inhibition of biofilm formation of Salmonella was shown at concentration of MIC/2 and MIC/4. Conclusion: Based on our results, S. hortensis essential oil showed the growth inhibition and bactericidal activity against E. coli and Salmonella. Moreover, this study demonstrated anti-biofilm activity of S. hortensis essential against both tested bacteria.

Candidal vaginitis has a relatively high prevalence, and its resistance to treatment is on the rise. Considering the complications of chemical drugs, the use of herbal medicines has now been favored due to the lack of changes in the normal vaginal flora. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of Satureja khuzestanica and clotrimazole vaginal creams for the treatment of candidal vulvovaginitis. A randomized clinical trial was conducted on 84 reproductive-aged women in the city of Ahvaz, Iran. Individuals were randomly divided into two treatment groups: 1% Satureja khuzestanica vaginal creams (n=42) and 1% clotrimazole vaginal cream (n=42) who used a one-full applicator daily for one week. About 4–7 days after the end of treatment, a clinical examination and laboratory re-tests were performed to determine the level of treatment. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U, t-test and Chi-square tests, with SPSS version 22. After the treatment, no significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of vaginal discharge (p = 0.32), vaginal itching (p = 0.26), dysuria (p = 0.99) and dyspareunia (p = 0.60). Moreover, the results of culture (p = 0.62) and smear (p = 0.58) were not statistically significant in the two groups. Also, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of complete recovery after the treatment (p = 0.35). Satureja khuzestanica seems to have the same effect as clotrimazole in improving the symptoms of vaginal candidiasis, the negative results of culture and smear, as well as complete treatment.

Bu çalışma, Diyarbakır ili ekolojik koşullarında Thymbra spicata var. Spicata, Satureja hortensis L. ve Origanum spp. kekik türlerinin agronomik ve uçucu yağ değerlerinin belirlenmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Deneme 2017-2020 yılları arasında Dicle Üniversitesi Tıbbi ve Aromatik bitkiler Araştırma ve Uygulama Merkezi Müdürlüğü uygulama alanında yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada bitki boyu (cm), bitki çapı (cm), yeşil herba verimi (kg da-1), drog herba verimi (kg da-1), drog yaprak verimi (kg da-1), drog yaprak/sap oranı (%), uçucu yağ oranı (%) ve uçucu yağ miktarı (l da-1) özellikleri incelenmiştir. Diyarbakır ekolojik koşullarında Satureja hortensis L. türünün, Origanum spp. türüne göre daha küçük habitus sahip olmasına rağmen daha yüksek drog, yaprak verimleri, yağ oranı ve yağ verimlerine sahip olması, bu türün Diyarbakır ekolojik koşullarında yetiştirilmesinin önemli olduğunu göstermiştir. Uçucu yağ verim ve agronomik özellikler arasındaki korelasyonların önemli olduğu ancak korelasyon sonuçları ile doğrudan ve dolaylı etkiler arasında farklılıklar olmadığı bulunmuştur. Bu durumla, korelasyon çalışmalarında doğrudan ve dolaylı etkilerin dikkate alınması gerektiği önerilmektedir., This study was carried out to determine the agronomic and essential oil values of Thymbra spicata var. spicata, Satureja hortensis L. and Origanum sp. species in Diyarbakır ecological conditions. The experiment was carried out in the field of application area Dicle University Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research and Application Center between 2017-2020. The plant height (cm), plant diameter (cm), green herbal yield (kg da-1), drug herbal yield (kg da-1), drug leaf yield (kg da-1), drug leaf / stem ratio (%), essential oil ratio (%) and essential oil yield (l da-1) properties were examined in the study. Although Satureja hortensis L. has smaller habitus than Origanum sp., it has higher drug, leaf yields, essential oil ratio, and essential oil yields in Diyarbakır ecological conditions. This showed that it is important to grow this species in Diyarbakır ecological conditions. Correlations between essential oil yield and agronomic properties are important, but there were no differences between correlation results and direct and indirect effects. For this reason, it is suggested that direct and indirect effects should be taken into consideration in correlation studies.

Plastic waste is one of the major threats to the environment, and an urgent need to replace synthetic plastics with sustainable materials is progressively growing. Herein, sustainable films based on chitosan, Satureja, and Thyme essential oils (EOs), and chitosan nanofibers (NF) were developed for the first time. To this end, 1% (w/w) of EOs and 2 wt% of NF were incorporated into the chitosan solution. Despite the very similar chemical structure of carvacrol and thymol, which are the major constituents of Satureja and Thyme EOs, respectively, they imposed notably different effects on the physicochemical properties of chitosan films. Thyme EO was more efficient at establishing hydrogen bonds with chitosan. The disruptive effect of EOs on the crystalline network of chitosan was demonstrated through X-ray diffraction analysis. Satureja and Thyme EOs decreased and increased the barrier property of the chitosan films against water vapor, respectively. However, the barrier property was greatly improved in the presence of chitosan nanofibers. Satureja EO exhibited a more efficient antibacterial property against E. coli rather than Thyme EO. The fruits and vegetables, coated by the chitosan/EO/NF system, were less perished as compared with the control and chitosan-coated samples indicating the promising potential of the developed system to be used as edible and sustainable films and coatings due to their enhanced antibacterial and barrier properties.

Background: Studies have shown that organophosphorus pesticides such as malathion induces oxidative stress injury and tissue damage. Objectives: This research aimed to determine the effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Satureja Avromanica (SA) on the liver function of malathion-poisoned animals. Methods: Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups of the control, SA (20 mg/kg), malathion+SA, and malathion. Animals received malathion 150 mg/kg and SA 20 mg/kg for one week through intraperitoneal injection. Then, their liver and blood samples were extracted, and alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in serum as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as Lipid Peroxidation (LPO), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total Thiol Groups (TTG) in the liver tissue were measured. Results: The results showed that the SA administration reduced the level of liver LPO compared with that in the malathion group. Also, receiving SA increased liver TAC and TTG levels in rats, which this difference was significant compared with the malathion group. Besides, the SA group showed a significant decrease in liver enzyme levels, compared with the malathion-treated group. Conclusion: According to the results, SA exerted protective effects against malathion poisoning, through reduction of oxidative stress. Therefore, SA may be an antioxidant to counteract the harmful effects of malathion poising in liver tissue.

The essential oils (EOs) from Marzeh khuzestani (Satureja Khuzestanica Jamzad) and Marzeh bakhtiari (Satureja bachtiarica Bunge) were analyzed and their antibacterial activities on Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli in probiotic table cream containing Lactobacillus plantarum LU5 were evaluated. Carvacrol (86.5%) was the main component of Marzeh khuzestani, but thymol (33.5%), carvacrol (14.2%), borneol (13.4%), and linalool (11.5%) were the major constituents of Marzeh Bakhtiari EOs. Marzeh khuzestani exhibited the highest antibacterial/bactericidal activity on the tested bacteria. EOs combination showed no interaction on the L. plantarum but a synergism effect to inhibit the pathogen strains observed. Agar diffusion assay showed the highest inhibitory effect on S. flexneri (32.7 mm), E. coli (28.4 mm), and L. plantarum (24.7 mm) for the combination 2:1 Marzeh khuzestani:Marzeh Bakhtiari (p ≤ .05). The antibacterial activity of mixture of EOs in creams was evaluated and the sample contained of 1%k + 1%b showed the highest antibacterial activity after day 10 of storage (by lowering the number of E. coli, S. flexneri, and L. plantarum to 2.3, 1.9, and 1.4 log CFU/g compared to control sample). Overall acceptability of creams slightly decreased by the increase in EOs addition and the highest acceptability score of 7.9 observed for the sample contained 0.5%k + 0.5%b EOs. However, all treatments exhibited a high acceptance level that it confirms that the addition of EOs mixture had no effect on the sensorial attributes of the creams. The combination of tested EOs can be used as an antimicrobial agent in probiotic food products containing L. plantarum.

Satureja montana L. has several biological properties related to its diverse composition of secondary metabolites. Nevertheless, it has been mainly studied for its essential oil, with only a few studies on the profile and bioactivities of the bioactive compounds from its leaf extracts being reported. This work aimed to study the antioxidant activity (by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay), antimicrobial minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC and MBC) determination, antibiofilm (by colorimetry), impact upon DNA (anti- and pro-oxidant assay), and cytotoxicity (by cell metabolism viability assays) of S. montana extracts obtained by high-pressure-assisted extraction (HPE). The extract obtained at 348 MPa, 35% (v/v) ethanol presented the highest concentration of individual phenolic compounds, and a minimum bactericidal concentration of 20 mg/mL against Listeria monocytogenes. HPE extracts showed antioxidant activity not only in ORAC but they were also able to prevent/attenuate peroxide-induced damage upon DNA. Moreover, on its own, HPE extract induced less oxidative damage than the control extract. Concerning the cytotoxicity, HPE extracts (at 0.5 and 1.0 mg/mL) were not harmful to HT29 cell lines, while control extracts (obtained at atmospheric pressure) at higher concentrations (&gt, 1.0 mg/mL) slightly reduced the metabolism of the cells. Finally, all extracts showed inhibition of the viability of 3 cancerous cell lines (&gt, 2.0 mg/mL for Caco-2, HeLa, and TR146) to below 15%.

Satureja brevicalyx Epling crece en la parte sur andina del Perú (Ayacucho, Apurimac, Cuzco y Puno), entre las altitudes de 3300-3800 msnm, dentro de la composición química del aceite e s e n c i a l d e S a t u r e j a b r e v i c a l y x p o d e m o s encontrar varios constituyentes como mentonas, pulegonas, linalol. Tradicionalmente se ha usado como digestivo, contra la gastritis, flatulencia y antiespasmódica.OBJETIVO:Identificar la composición química del extracto etanólico,Hexano/etanol y acuoso de la Satureja brevicalyx Epling para conocer los metabolitos secundarios que sean de interés biológico en la terapeútica. MÉTODOS:Las hojas fueron exudadas y deshidratadas a temperatura ambiente, obteniéndose un polvo seco de color verdoso al cual se sometieron a extracciones sucessivas com solventes de polaridad creciente. A los extractos obtenidos se realizaron ensayos fitoquímicos de identificación. RESULTADOS:El tamizaje fitoquímico ,efectuado a los extractos etanólico, hexano/etanol y acuoso de la hojas,demostró la existencia de varias familias de meta bolitos secundarios de interés biológico y farmacológico, entre los que se destacan, por su significativa presencia las, quinonas, flavonoides, alcaloides ,fenoles , taninos. CONCLUSIONES : De acuerdo a la presencia de los metabolitos secundarios presentes en las hojas de la Satureja brevicalyx Epling , así como los efec tos farmacológicos reportados para el aceite esencial de la especie, sería importante efectuar nuevos estudios que sirvan como evidencias para avalar su empleo tradicional teniendo en cuenta la eficacia y seguridad de esta planta.

In the scope of this study, we have investigated fumigant and contact toxicity effects of Satureja boissieri Hausskn. ex Boiss. essential oil against Sitophilus granarius L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The fumigant and contact toxicity experiments were carried out with the adults of Sitophilus granarius whereas the contact toxicity experiment was carried out with the 3rd, 4th and 5th larvae of S. littoralis. Also, various fractions of S. boissieri essential oil were investigated for fumigant activity against S. granarius. In fumigant toxicity studies, the highest activity was obtained at 36 hours with a dose of 0.1 μl/ml with a 100% mortality rate. Fractions of the essential oil had significant fumigant activity on S. granarius (100% fumigant activity at 0.1 μl/ml). Contact toxicity of 100 μl/ml essential oil on the 3rd and 4th larval stage of S. littoralis, was determined to be 100%, however, on the 5th larval stage it was 90.17%. The activity at 25 μl/ml dose was 71.12% in the 3rd larval stage whereas the activity remained very low (6.39- 22.20%) in other larval stages. These results indicated that essential oil of S. boissieri have significant potential which merits to be studied further in possible applications as fumigant and contact insecticide in the control of S. granarius and S. littoralis.

Introduction: Satureja khozestanica grows mainly in the southwest part of Iran as a native plant. This edible herb contains various compounds including the S. Khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) and monoterpene known as Carvacrol. Previous studies have shown the anti-inflammatory effects of S. Khuzestanica without mentioning the exact mechanism of its function. Given that prostaglandin synthesis, which is one of the main mediators of inflammation, is regulated by the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) gene, the present study investigated the effects of SKEO and Carvacrol on the expression of the COX2 gene in the stimulated-J774A.1 macrophage cell line. Methods: To this end, fresh aerial parts of the plant were processed to prepare SKEO. Then, different doses of SKEO and Carvacrol (i.e., 0.004%, 0.008%, and 0.016% v/v) were used to treat with the lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated cell line for eight hours. After RNA extraction, the real-time polymerase chain reaction technique was applied for gene expression analysis. Results: In the LPS-stimulated J774A.1 macrophage cell line, COX2 gene expression reduced significantly in a dose-dependent manner (0.004%, 0.008%, and 0.016%, P = 0.024, P = 0.021, and P = 0.013 v/v of SKEO, respectively) by SKEO, and the effect of Carvacrol was less powerful (0.008% and 0.016%, P = 0.027 and P = 0.038 v/v, respectively) compared to SKEO. Finally, the comparison between SKEO and Carvacrol showed higher significant inhibitory effects of SKEO on COX2 gene expression in comparison with Carvacrol in 0.004% v/v concentration (P = 0.037). Conclusion: In general, SKEO significantly reduced COX2 gene expression, thus it can be suggested that its anti-inflammatory effect may result from the inhibition of the synthesis of this pro-inflammatory gene.

Volatile constituents of Satureja montana L. collected from a natural habitat in the southern region of Bosnia and Herzegovina were isolated by steam distillation and headspace sampling. The relative abundance of volatile compounds from the air-dried fragrant plant was analysed by GC-MS using two columns of different polarity. A total of 28 compounds were identified, constituting 93.5% of the essential oil composition. The GC pattern of headspace was different from that prepared by steam distillation. The former consisted of 14 compounds that made up 84.1% of the components identified. Both samples were dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes ranging from 55.2% for headspace of the plant material to 75.5% for the steam-distilled oil. Eleven alcohols represented the most diverse chemical class in the volatile oil (71.8%), as well as seven alcohols detected in the headspace (57.3%). GC-MS analysis of the volatiles indicates that S. montana belongs to linalool chemotype with its relative content of 38.7% for the essential oil and 23.7% for the headspace. With linalool as the most abundant constituent, the other major components were -terpineol (14.7%) in the essential oil, and cis-sabinene hydrate (21.8%) and p-cymene (17.9%) in the headspace sample. The results prove that the combined approach in the extraction of volatile compounds is reliable for the analysis of the aroma of complex herbal samples.

Background Antioxidants and antimicrobials are increasingly becoming important additives in meat industry to extent shelf life and increase acceptability. Oxidative changes and microbiological activities have negative effects on the sensory, stability, nutritional and acceptability properties of the meat products. Mediterranean plant extracts and essential oils (EOs) have been studied as potential natural antimicrobials and antioxidant activity added to meat and meat products, as well as medicinal and functional properties. In recent years, plant derivatives are fairly becoming important in minimal processed products because of the high phenolic content, what allows to enhance the color stability and decrease off-flavors. Scope and approach This review provides recent information of phytochemical components, advanced extraction technologies and phenolic composition of Mediterranean plant extracts and EOs, as well as their antioxidant, antimicrobial, health promotion and sensory properties as natural preservatives in meat and meat products. Key findings and conclusions: A high concentration of phenolic and flavonoid content was observed in microwave assisted extraction (MAE), followed by ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE), conventional solvent extraction, and CO2 extraction. Phenolic acids and terpenoids were usually among the major components of common Mediterranean plant extracts and essential oils, respectively. Rosemary, garlic, lavender, leek, olive leaf, onion, oregano, pepper, peppermint, sage and Satureja montana are most important aromatic Mediterranean plant species used in meat industry and have exhibited similar or better antimicrobial and antioxidant properties than chemical preservatives. Flavonoids have beneficial effects on human and have been linked with the prevention of atherosclerosis, hypertension, dementia, diabetes and thrombosis.

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition and nutritional value of the dominant species and subspecies of the grassland community Scorzoneretalia villosae. The research was carried out on the grasslands of the Cicarija plateau. In the collected samples of 17 dominant plants, the content of the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ash, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), in vitro digestibility of DM (IVDMD) and net energy for lactation (NEL) were determined. According to the spring content of CP and IVDMD, Hippocrepis comosa (CP 181 g/kg DM, IVDMD 63.5%), Scorzonera villosa (CP 121 g/kg DM, IVDMD 61.5%) and Satureja montana ssp. variegata (CP 83 g/kg DM, IVDMD 60.4%) were the most nutritious and very palatable for sheep while the most unfavorable chemical composition had Stipa pennata ssp. eriocaulis (NDF 790, ADF 396 and ADL 112 g/kg DM) and Brachypodium pinnatum ssp. rupestre (NDF 789, ADF 483 and ADL 86 g/kg DM). A high IVDMD was determined for Salvia pratensis (up to 70.6%) and Teucrium chamaedrys (67.1%), generally hepatotoxic species, but not toxic for the local herd. In this paper, nutrition indicators of collected species and subspecies are presented for the first time.

Traditional morphometric and multivariate analyses on relevant traits were carried out on populations identified as S. bachtiarica throughout the distribution range in Iran. This was complemented by molecular phylogenetic analysis of nuclear rDNA sequences (ITS). Based on these results the SE populations are described as a new species, Satureja kermanica sp. nov. The new taxon is illustrated and compared to its close relatives. The new species is distinguished from S. bachtiarica by several qualitative and quantitative characters: the length of internodes, the state of stem indumentum, the color of corolla, the shape and the length of calyx, the ratio of the length of lower to the length of upper calyx teeth, the ratio of calyx length to the lower teeth length, the length of stamens and the style. The new species is geographically isolated and restricted to the Irano-Turanian floristic region of Kerman Province. It preferably grows on the gravelly sediments of seasonal streams. Due to its restricted occurrence, the species is considered endangered (EN) according to IUCN criteria.

Satureja punctata Benth. Briq. (Lamiaceae) is a small shrub known by its vernacular name “Lomishet”. It is used in Ethiopian traditional medicine for the treatment of hypertension, diabetes, liver disease, headache and febrile illness. Mean Arterial Blood Pressure (MABP) lowering effect and vasorelaxant activity of the aqueous extract of aerial parts of the plant were studied. Intravenous administration of the aqueous extract at different doses brought a fall in MABP in normotensive guinea pigs and also in renovascular hypertensive guinea pigs. The extract also caused a dose-dependent relaxation of precontracted aorta; with a maximum relaxation of 98.19% achieved at 40 mg/ml. Preparative reversed-phase HPLC analyses of the extract resulted in the isolation of two phenolic compounds, namely, rosmarinic acid and linarin. The structures of these compounds were elucidated using UV, IR, MS, and NMR (1D and 2D) techniques. Furthermore, rosmarinic acid showed significant (p < 0.01) reduction of MABP in normotensive guinea pigs at doses of 0.75, 1.50 and 3.00 mg/kg. The findings of this study suggest that the aerial parts of S. punctata have genuine antihypertensive activity.

Among natural remedies, aromatic and medicinal plants constitute an essential source that deserves scientific attention. Thus, our study aims to promote the virtues of two aromatic and medicinal plants found in the wild in the region of Ouazzane (Morocco). The phytochemical tests of these species have shown the presence of flavonoids, gallic and catechic tannins, cyanidin, sterols and triterpenes. However, alkaloids, carotenoids, saponosides and reducing compounds were not detected. Then, extraction of total polyphenols from Origanum compactum and Satureja calamintha nepeta was conducted for 48 hours by maceration with a mixture of methanol/water (80/20) used as a solvent. Extractions yielded 35.2% crude extracts for Origanum compactum and 34.4% for Satureja calamintha nepeta. The fractionation of these crude methanol extracts was performed with three organic solvents of increasing polarity (chloroform, ethyl acetate then, n-butanol). Total phenol content of the extracts and fractions was assessed by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu. This revealed that the phenol-rich fractions were the crude extract for Origanum compactum and the butanol fraction for Satureja calamintha nepeta. Finally, the evaluation of the antioxidant power which was carried out using the method of trapping the free radical DPPH• and the reduction of iron by the method of FRAP. The DPPH• test showed a high antioxidant activity of the samples: 53.1 µg/ml of crude extract of Origanum compactum was needed to reduce 50% of DPPH•. The same IC50 was obtained for ascorbic acid (standard antioxidant). For Satureja calamintha nepeta, the IC50 was 67.5 µg/ml. On the other hand, the FRAP test revealed that the methanolic extract of origanum compactum has higher reducing power than that of n-buthanolic extract of satureja calamintha nepeta. Still, it remains relatively low compared to ascorbic acid. The high antioxidant activity of these two species could justify their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases.

Failure of apoptosis contributes to leukemia progression. We investigated extracts of a native Iranian plant, Satureja bachtiarica, for possible anti-leukemia activity by induction of apoptosis and...

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most important bacteria that cause nosocomial infections. This opportunistic pathogen has a high potential for antibiotic resistance and can generate a thick layer of biofilm. Nowadays, antibiotic resistant strains are emerging and widely spreading worldwide. Thus, it is necessary to combat drug-resistant strains through the use of novel drugs (such as medicinal plants). Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of Satureja rechingeri Jamzad, S. khuzestanica Jamzad, S. bachtiarica Bunge, and S. mutica Fisch. & C.A.Mey. essential oils against K. pneumonia ATCC 700603. Methods: For evaluation of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of essential oils, broth microdilution method was used. The microtiter plate assay method was used for the assessment of anti-biofilm activities of sub-MIC value of essential oils. Colorimetric and Iodometric assays were used for determination of urease and beta-lactamase activity. Results: According to data collected, the MIC value of essential oils was 4096 µg/mL. sub-MIC value of essential oils inhibited biofilm formation and urease activity of K. pneumoniae. However, S. khuzestanica had more activity. None of the essential oils caused a significant decrease in beta-lactamase activity of K. pneumoniae. Conclusion: Based on our analysis S. khuzestanica had a good antibacterial, anti-biofilm activities and urease inhibitory effects against K. pneumoniae, but additional studies are required to investigate the exact mechanisms of the antibacterial action and functions of this phytocompound.

The studies were conducted with participation of 290 people (145 people were divided into 3 experimental groups and 145 people represented 3 control groups) aged 55 to 90 years. During the study, the testees were in darkened rooms at rest (sitting position) in groups of 10-12 people. For the experimental group the essential oil of winter savory was sprayed in the room for 10, 20 or 30 minutes in a concentration of I mg / m3, alongside with psychorelaxation recording. The main components of the essential oil are: carvacrol (45.22%) and n-cymene (31.26%), in much smaller quantities - karyophyllenoxide (3.33%), l-octene-3-ol (2.44%), karyophyllene (1.66%), sabinenhydrate (1.20%), the remaining components are in a concentration not higher than I %. Participants in the control group were played only psychorelaxation recording lasting 10, 20 or 30 minutes. The condition of the testees before and after treatments in control and experimental groups was assessed using hospital scale of anxiety and depression test, word recognition testing with missing letters, correction task, well-being questionnaire according to the method Dembo-Rubinstein in the modification of A. M. Prikhozhan. The obtained data were statistically processed using Student's t-test for bound and unbound series. It was found that inhalation of vapors of winter savory essential oil ( Satureja montana L.) in a concentration of I mg / m3 at all durations of the procedure (10, 20 and 30 minutes) has a pronounced positive effect on the psycho-emotional state of the elderly, but weakly and rather negatively affects the performance of both simple and complex mental work.

Background: Antibiotic resistance is today one of the most serious threats to global health, food security and development. Due to the growing number of infections, treatment becomes more difficult, if not impossible, because of the loss of antibiotic efficacy. Objective: In the present investigation, the chemical composition of essential oils of Ammoides verticillata and Satureja candidissima and their synergistic effects on antimicrobial activities were investigated. Methods: The chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by Gas Chromatography (GC) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was investigated using dilution-agar method against nine bacterial strains three Gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Salmonella typhi (ATCC 14028), and six Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 43300,) Clostridium sporogenes (ATCC 19404), Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 7314), Lactobacillus rhamnosus (ATCC 53103) and Bacillus cereus (ATCC 14579). Results: The essential oil of A. verticillata was characterized principally by carvacrol (44,3%), Limonene (19,3%) and p-cymene (19,2%). The constituents identified of S. candidissima essential oil were principally oxygenated monoterpenes represented by pulegone (70,4%). The essential oil of A. verticillata had a good antimicrobial activity against four bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bacillus cereus) with MIC and MBC values between 0.2-0.4 µl/ml and 0.2-6.2 µl/ml, respectively. While, S. candidissima essential oil had moderate antimicrobial activities against all strains with MIC and MBC values between 1.5-6.2 µl/ml and 6.2-12.5 µl/ml, respectively. The results of antimicrobial activity of essential oils blend presented higher antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria with MIC and MBC values between 0.3-1.5 µl/ml and 0.4-6.2 µl/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The essential oils blend presented high antimicrobial activity compared to virgin oils. This activity can be due to the association of active compounds such as carvacrol and pulegone. These findings provide a new source of drugs that may help in therapy to lead to the development of a new treatment based on a combination of these essential oils against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria that continue to pose a threat to public health.

The emergence of resistance for antipedicular agents and the need of potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) therapeutics for the treatment of a neurodegenerative disorder such as Alzheimer disease has led researchers to the exploration of new therapeutic alternatives such as natural volatile oils. Therefore, the current investigation aimed to identify the components of Satureja capitata L. volatile oil (VO), and examine the VO anticholinesterase, and antipedicular activities. The plant phytoconstituents were identified using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method, while the anticholinesterase activity was determined against butyryl- and acetyl-cholinesterase using Ellman’s method. In addition, antipedicular activity was established using the diffusion method. The obtained GC-MS results identified 16 compounds in S. capitata VO with the major constituents being carvacrol, γ-terpinene, and p-cymene. Anticholinesterase analysis showed a marked inhibition potential against acetyl- and butyryl-cholinesterase enzymes with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of 28.24±0.97 μg/ml and 92.31±1.22 μg/ml, respectively in comparison with the reference compound galantamine, which has IC50 values against the same enzymes of 5.21±0.07 μg/ml and 10.33±0.37 μg/ml, respectively. In addition, the VO, at a concentration of 20%, was effective against head lice, similar to benzyl benzoate, which resulted in 100% mortality. In addition, the VO completely inhibited the emergence of lice nits after 6 and 14 days. On the basis of the obtained results, S. capitata VO is a promising natural alternative to synthetic antipedicular and anticholinesterase drugs, which can be employed in drug development, and may lead to new candidates against head lice and neurodegenerative diseases.

This work presents the results of a study of 7 cоenopopulations of the endemic and rare for the Crimea taxon Satureja montana L. subsp. taurica (Velen.) P.W. Ball. The studies were carried out in 3 types of ecotope: gravelly-marl slopes, limestone plateaus, structural scarps and limestone boulder in the Crimean Foothills. Determined the ontogenetic, vitality, spatial structures and calculated the ontogenetic indices. A population age and efficiency indices were calculated for each population. The ontogenetic structure of cоenopopulations was analyzed by the method of L. A. Zhukova and according to the L. Zhivotovsky classification “delta omega”. The study of the vitality structure was carried out according to the Zlobin Yu. A. method. The type of spatial distribution of individuals in the population was defined on the Odum index. As a result, we revealed that cоenopopulations of S. montana L. subsp. taurica are characterized by a single-peak ontogenetic spectrum with a peak on mature generative individuals (g2). However, the populations of limestone boulder have a tendency towards left-sided shift of ontogenetic spectra but gravelly-marl ecotopes toward a right-sided shift of ontogenetic spectra. S. montana L. subsp. taurica cоenopopulations, according to the classification “delta omega” refers to the transitional, mature and aging types. This is due to the high participation of generative and senile individuals in the composition of the majority populations. Individuals S. montana L. subsp. taurica reach maximum realization of vital status in phytocоenosis growing on gravelly-marl ecotopes. Individuals of S. montana L. subsp. taurica in the studied communities have aggregated (contagious) distributions. When negative factors that change the environment (ecotope) appear or intensify, the type of spatial structure changes to a random distribution. In general, the studied cоenopopulations showed a complex heterogeneous structure that allows the species to grow in various habitats. The results indicate a high ecological adaptability of the species and a potentially high ability of S. montana L. subsp. taurica survive even in the most extreme natural ecotopes.

Bioactive properties, as well as chemical composition and sensory characteristics of traditional and alternative kombucha broths were examined. Samples were produced by adding 10% of kombucha starter to sweetened (7% sucrose) decocts of black and green teas (traditional substrates) and infusions of winter savory (Satureja montana), peppermint (MenthaЧpiperita), stinging nettle (Urtica dioica), wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum), elderberry (Sambucus nigra) and quince (Cydonia oblonga), at 25°C. Fermentation lasted the shortest with elderberry (3 days) and the longest with quince (10 days). The samples with black tea and peppermint had the best sensory quality. In general, alternative products had better antioxidant activity to hydroxyl radicals than the traditional ones, reducing power and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory activity. The most pronounced acetic acid content was obtained with elderberry substrate. Moreover, peppermint substrate showed the highest values both for total phenols and total flavonoids contents. Taken together, the samples produced with the alternative substrates highlighted a higher phenolic and flavonoid contents, compared to the ones obtained with the traditional substrates. [Project of the Serbian Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development, Grant no. III46009]

In this work phytochemical characterization of two medicinal plants from Lamiaceae family, Mentha rotundifolia and Satureja calamintha, has been carried out. Extracts obtained with different solvents were screened for different plant secondary metabolites and were biologically characterized by defining their antiradical and antibacterial activities. Phytochemical screening of M. rotundifolia and S. calamintha confirmed their richness in different secondary metabolites. The determination of phenolic compounds revealed high polyphenols contents in water: methanol (30:70) extracts with concentrations of 20.64?1.74 mg EAG/g DW and 13.45?0.91 mg EAG/g DW for M. rotundifolia and S. calamintha, respectively. These extracts were also characterized by high concentrations of flavonoids (Mentha rotundifolia 12.33?1.58 mg EQ/g DW, Satureja calamintha 7.11?0.02 mg EQ/g DW). Furthermore, the water: methanol (30:70) extract of M. rotundifolia was the most effective in inhibiting free radicals. Recorded inhibition diameters for both plant samples and tested microbial strains ranged from 6.66 mm to 13.66 mm. Presented results confirmed that tested indigenous Algerian plants are favorable sources of polyphenols with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Introduction: Achyranthes aspera, Chenopodium murale, Satureja punctata, Rumex abyssinicus and Aloe pulcherrima are traditionally used to treat urolithiasis in Ethiopia. However, there are limited reports on toxicity studies. Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the acute and sub-acute toxicity effects of plants. Materials and Methods: The crude extracts of A. aspera and C. murale leaves, S. punctata aerial parts, R. abyssinicus rhizomes, and A. Pulcherrima gel were prepared using 70 % ethanol. In acute toxicity, 125, 500 and 2000 mg/kg were tested in a stepwise manner; whereas 2000 mg/kg administrated to female rats using gavage during sub-acute toxicity. On day 14 and 28, blood samples were collected from retro-orbital sinus; liver and kidneys of each animal were collected under anaesthesia. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, Dunnett's comparison test of the Graph Pad Prism. Results: No mortality and significant weight loss for all extracts in both toxicity tests. In acute toxicity, C. murale extract significantly reduced hemoglobin and platelets (P < 0.01) compared with the control. Likewise, S. punctata (P < 0.05) and R. abyssinicus (P < 0.01) extracts revealed significant reduction in platelet count. An exposure to C. murale and R. abyssinicus extracts reduced the concentrations of platelet distribution width and platelet larger cell ratio (p < 0.05) during sub-acute toxicity test. The level of creatinine reduced due to A. aspera extract administrations(P < 0.05). Liver histopathological examinations revealed focal periportal hepatitis following sub-acute toxicity test of C. murale. Histopathological studies of liver demonstrated that R. abyssinicus, A. aspera and S. punctata extracts showed mild acute liver injury. A. pulcherrima was not associated with any toxicity. Conclusion: C. murale extract showed hematological, and histopathological toxicity profiles in rats. Furthermore, chronic toxicity studies of A. aspera, S. punctata and R. abyssinicus extracts would be beneficial to ensure safety.