Effects of aqueous extracts of Satureja hortensis L. on rhinosinusitis treatment in rabbit

Satureja hortensis L. and Calendula officinalis L., Two Romanian Plants, with In Vivo Antiparasitic Potential against Digestive Parasites of Swine

Internal parasitic diseases of swine constitute a major welfare and health concern in low-input livestock farming. Due to an increase in chemical resistance, phytotherapeutic remedies have become an alternative for the prophylaxis and therapy of digestive parasitosis, albeit few remedies have been subjected to scientific validation. Low-input swine farming in Romania has adopted the traditional use of phytotherapy for controlling pathogens in livestock. The current study aimed to assess the antiparasitic potential of Calendula officinalis and Satureja hortensis against digestive parasites of swine in two low-input farms. The fecal samples were collected from sows, fatteners, and weaners, and were tested using the following coproparasitological methods: centrifugal sedimentation, flotation (Willis, McMaster egg counting technique), Ziehl-Neelsen stain modified by Henricksen, modified Blagg method, and in vitro nematode larvae/protozoan oocyst cultures. Six species of digestive parasites were diagnosed, namely Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Oesophagostomum spp., Balantioides coli, Eimeria spp., and Cryptosporidium spp., in various combinations, dependent on the swine category. A dose of 140 mg/kg bw/day of C. officinalis and 100 mg/kg bw/day of S. hortensis powders administered for 10 consecutive days revealed a strong antiprotozoal and anthelmintic activity on the aforementioned parasites. The curative efficacy can be attributed to the presence of polyphenols, sterols, tocopherols, and methoxylated flavones. In conclusion, our results indicate that S. hortensis and C. officinalis are promising alternatives to the commercially available antiparasitics, enabling their use as natural antiparasitic products against gastrointestinal parasites in pigs.

A comprehensive review of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.): promising ingredient for production of functional foods

This review aims to measure the different aspects of summer savory including biological activity, medicinal properties, nutritional value, food application, prospective health benefits, and its use as an additive in broiler feed. Furthermore, toxicity related to this is also overviewed. Summer savory leaves are abundant in total phenolic compounds (rosmarinic acid and flavonoids) that have a powerful antioxidant impact. Rosmarinic (α-O-caffeoyl-3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl lactic) acid has been identified in summer savory as a main component. According to phytochemical investigations, tannins, volatile oils, sterols, acids, gums, pyrocatechol, phenolic compounds, mucilage, and pyrocatechol are the primary compounds of Satureja species. Summer savory extract shows considerable biological potential in antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antibacterial assays. Regarding antioxidant activity, summer savory extract displays an inhibitory effect on lipid peroxidation. Summer savory also has Fe (III) reductive and free radical scavenging properties and contains minerals and vitamins. Summer savory has important biological properties, including antimicrobial activity and antioxidant activity, and protective effects against Jurkat T Cells, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, infection, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cholesterol. The leaves and stems of this plant are employed in the food, feed, and pharmacological industries due to their antioxidant properties and substantial nutritional content. Conclusively, summer savory is widely considered beneficial for human health due to its versatile properties and medicinal use.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Populus deltoides Leaf Extract via Modulating NF-κB and p38/JNK Pathways

Populus deltoides, known as eastern cottonwood, has been commonly used as a medicinal plant. The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of P. deltoides leaf extract (PLE). PLE effectively inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells, but not that of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2. Proinflammatory tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were also reduced by the extract. PLE inhibited the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibitor of Kappa Bα (IκBα), and blunted LPS-triggered enhanced nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65. In mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, PLE effectively decreased the phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), but not of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Taken together, these results suggest that anti-inflammatory activity of P. deltoides leaf extract might be driven by iNOS and NO inhibition mediated by modulation of the NF-κB and p38/JNK signaling pathways.

Inhibition of LPS-induced inflammatory responses by Satureja hortensis extracts in J774.1 macrophages

Macrophages are among the main cells involved in generation of inflammation. To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of Satureja hortensis (summer savory), lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated J774.1 macrophages were treated with various extracts, and the expression and release of various inflammatory molecules by macrophages were examined. We showed that dichloromethane and hexane extracts reduced nitric oxide (NO) production more efficiently than other extracts. Both extracts decreased gene expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) (<0.44 fold of control), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (<0.29 fold), interleukin (IL)-1β (<0.41 fold), IL-6 (<0.25 fold) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (<0.2 fold). The extracts reduced IL-6 and IL-1β proteins production from macrophages. Surface intensity of expression of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 decreased to 845 ± 28.1 (dichloromethane) and 715 ± 48.6 (hexane) compared to the control (902 ± 73.1). These findings showed that Satureja hortensis, by influencing macrophages and related mediators, could contribute to reduction of inflammation and might be useful as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) extract: Phytochemical profile and modulation of cisplatin-induced liver, renal and testicular toxicity

The aim of our study was to examine the potential ameliorating effect of the methanolic extract of Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) aerial parts against cisplatin-induced oxidative damage in renal, hepatic, and testicular tissues. S. hortensis methanol extract at the doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg of body weight were orally administered to Wistar rats once daily for 10 days. Toxicity was induced by intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg of body weight) on the 5th day of the experiment. Applied treatment with S. hortensis extract restored tissue morphology, ameliorated levels of serum parameters for liver, renal and testes function, tissue oxidative stress parameters, and increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio as an indicator of apoptosis in experimental animals caused by application of cisplatin. UHPLC/DAD/HESI-MS/MS analysis revealed that S. hortensis extract was rich in phenolic compounds with rosmarinic acid (24.9 mg/g) as the main compound, followed by caffeic acid (1.28 mg/g) and naringenin (1.06 mg/g). Our findings suggest that S. hortensis may be a valuable source of dietary and pharmacologically important phenolic compounds, especially rosmarinic acid, in pharmaceutical and functional food formulations in order to maintain normal health conditions or as a remedy in various diseases caused by oxidative damage.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Satureja khuzistanica Jamzad essential oil attenuate the effects of traumatic brain injuries in rats

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major health concern affecting the general public as well as military personnel. However, there is no FDA-approved therapy for the treatment of TBIs. In this work, we investigated the neurotherapeutic effects of the well-known natural Iranian medicine Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) essential oil (SKEO) on the outcomes of diffused experimental TBI, with particular attention paid to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Male Wistar rats were treated with doses of 50, 100 and 200 (mg/kg, i.p) SKEO after induction of diffused TBIs. The results showed that injecting SKEO (200 mg/kg) 30 minutes after TBI significantly reduced brain oedema and damage to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and limited the post-TBI increase in intracranial pressure. The veterinary coma scale (VCS) scores significantly improved in the treatment group. Also, inflammatory marker assays showed reduced levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 and increased IL-10 in the treated groups. Moreover, the immunohistochemical results indicated that SKEO not only reduced neuronal death and BBB permeability but also affected astrocytic activation. Overall, our data indicate potential clinical neurological applications for SKEO.

A Critical Overview on the Pharmacological and Clinical Aspects of Popular Satureja Species

Throughout the world, various parts of most Satureja species are traditionally used to treat patients with various diseases and complications. As for the presence of different classes of metabolites in Satureja and their numerous ethnomedical and ethnopharmacological applications, many species have been pharmacologically evaluated. The current work aimed to compile information from pharmacological studies on this savory for further investigations. The keyword Satureja was searched through Scopus and PubMed up to January 1, 2016. We found nearly 55 papers that dealt with the pharmacology of Satureja. We found that 13 species had been evaluated pharmacologically and that Satureja khuzestanica, Satureja bachtiarica, Satureja montana and Satureja hortensis appeared to be the most active, both clinically and phytopharmacologically. Regarding the content of rich essential oil, most evaluations were concerned with the antimicrobial properties. However, the antioxidant, antidiabetic and anticholesterolemic properties of the studied species were found to be good. In addition to the pharmacological activities that have been indentified for some species, opportunities still exist to assess the effectiveness of other well-known species. If different Satureja species are to have extensive ethnopharmacological applications, comprehensive assessments of the acute and chronic toxicities, as well as the teratogenicity, of those plants are needed.

A pharmacological and phytochemical overview on Satureja

CONTEXT

Satureja (Lamiaceae) species are used as flavoring compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its sweetness and simple cultivation characteristics. They have traditionally been used as muscle pain relievers, tonic, and carminative agents to treat stomach and intestinal disorders such as cramps, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea, due to their considerable phytochemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates some information published since 1989 on Satureja genus from a systematic perspective in terms of its pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to March 2014. "Satureja" was used as a research term without narrowing or limiting research elements. After obtaining all reports from database (a total number is about 637), the papers were carefully analyzed in order to find data related to the topic of this review.

RESULTS

In this review, 453 reports were used which were published between 1989 and 2014. The study was compiled into two sections (Pharmacology and Phytochemistry). In the pharmacology section, more than 50 different activities were studied. In the second section, in addition to other compounds and inorganic substances, volatiles, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were discussed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

According to our contemporary information, Satureja species have been evaluated for their wide range of biological activities. However, a small part of these studies have been carried out on the active principles. Therefore, in the future, more studies should be carried out to identify responsible phytochemicals for the various activities.

The globalization of traditional medicine in northern peru: from shamanism to molecules

Northern Peru represents the center of the Andean "health axis," with roots going back to traditional practices of Cupisnique culture (1000 BC). For more than a decade of research, semistructured interviews were conducted with healers, collectors, and sellers of medicinal plants. In addition, bioassays were carried out to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of plants found. Most of the 510 species encountered were native to Peru (83%). Fifty percent of the plants used in colonial times have disappeared from the pharmacopoeia. Market vendors specialized either on common and exotic plants, plants for common ailments, and plants only used by healers or on plants with magical purposes. Over 974 preparations with up to 29 different ingredients were used to treat 164 health conditions. Almost 65% of the medicinal plants were applied in these mixtures. Antibacterial activity was confirmed in most plants used for infections. Twenty-four percent of the aqueous extracts and 76% of the ethanolic extracts showed toxicity. Traditional preparation methods take this into account when choosing the appropriate solvent for the preparation of a remedy. The increasing demand for medicinal species did not increase the cultivation of medicinal plants. Most species are wild collected, causing doubts about the sustainability of trade.

Rosmarinic acid-rich extracts of summer savory (Satureja hortensis L.) protect Jurkat T cells against oxidative stress

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis L., Lamiaceae) is used in several regions of the world as a spice and folk medicine. Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of S. hortensis and of its rosmarinic acid-rich phenolic fraction have been demonstrated in animal trials. However, previous studies of rosmarinic acid in cell models have yielded controversial results. In this study, we investigated the effects of summer savory extracts on H2O2-challenged human lymphoblastoid Jurkat T cells. LC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of rosmarinic acid and flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin in the phenolic fraction. Adding 25 or 50 µM of H2O2 to the cell culture caused oxidative stress, manifested as generation of superoxide and peroxyl radicals, reduced cell viability, G0/G1 arrest, and enhanced apoptosis. This stress was significantly alleviated by the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of S. hortensis and by the partially purified rosmarinic acid fraction. The application of an aqueous S. hortensis extract doubled the activity of catalase and superoxide dismutase in the cells. The production of IL-2 and IL-10 interleukins was stimulated by H2O2 and was further enhanced by the addition of the S. hortensis extract or rosmarinic acid fraction. The H2O2-challenged Jurkat cells may serve as a model for investigating cellular mechanisms of cytoprotective phytonutrient effects.

Anti-leishmanial and toxicity activities of some selected Iranian medicinal plants

Leishmaniasis is caused by protozoan parasites belonging to the genus Leishmania. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis in Iran. As there is not any vaccine for leishmaniasis, treatment is important to prevent the spreading of parasites. There is, therefore, a need to develop newer drugs from different sources. The aim of this study was to assess anti-leishmanial activity of the ethanolic extracts of 17 different medicinal plants against Leishmania major promastigotes and macrophage cell line J774. The selection of the hereby studied 17 plants was based on the existing information on their local ethnobotanic history. Plants were dried, powdered, and macerated in a hydroalcoholic solution. Resulting extracts have been assessed for in vitro anti-leishmanial and brine shrimp toxicity activities. Four plants, Caesalpinia gilliesii, Satureia hortensis, Carum copticum heirm, and Thymus migricus, displayed high anti-leishmanial activity (IC50, 9.76 ± 1.27, 15.625 ± 3.76, 15.625 ± 5.46, and 31.25 ± 15.44 μM, respectively) and were toxic against the J774 macrophage cell line at higher concentrations than those needed to inhibit the parasite cell growth (IC50, 45.13 ± 3.17, 100.44 ± 17.48, 43.76 ± 0.78, and 39.67 ± 3.29 μM, respectively). Glucantime as positive control inhibited the growth of L. major promastigotes with IC50 = 254 μg/ml on promastigotes (1 × 10(6)/100 μ/well) of a log phase culture, without affecting the growth of J774 macrophages. These data revealed that C. gilliesii, S. hortensis, C. copticum heirm, and T. migricus extracts contain active compounds, which could serve as alternative agents in the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis. The activity of these herbs against L. major promastigotes and macrophage cell line J774 was reported for the first time in our study.

Antimicrobial activity of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil against pathogenic microbial strains

A hydro-distilled oil of Satureja hortensis L. was investigated for its antimicrobial activity against a panel of 11 bacterial and three fungal strains. The antimicrobial activity was determined using the disk-diffusion and broth microdilution methods. The essential oil of S. hortensis L. showed significant activity against a wide spectrum of Gram (-) bacteria (MIC/MBC=0.025-0.78/0.05-0.78 ?l/ml) and Gram (+) bacteria (MIC/MBC=0.05-0.39/0.05-0.78 ?l/ml), as well as against fungal strains (MIC/MBC=0.20/0.78 ?l/ml). The results indicate that this oil can be used in food conservation, treatment of different diseases of humans, and also for the treatment of plants infected by phytopathogens. <br><br><b><font color="red">Detected autoplagiarism. Link to the Editorial Decision <u><a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/ABS1004251U">10.2298/ABS1004251U</a></u></font></b><br>

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of Satureja hortensis L. essential oil

Essential oil of Satureja hortensis L. was analyzed by GC and GC/MS and tested by a broth micro-well dilution method for activity against multiresistant clinical isolates of pathogenic bacteria from 10 different genera: Klebsiella, Escherichia, Proteus, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus, Enterobacter, Citrobacter and Acinetobacter. The main compounds in the oil were carvacrol (67%), γ-terpinene (15.3%) and p-cymene (6.73%). The oil showed activity against all tested strains. MIC/MBC values were in the range of 0.78-25 μl/ml, with the exception of the strain P. aeruginosa. Microbicidal concentration for this particular strain (50 μl/ml) was the highest tested concentration. The oil showed inhibitory and bactericidal effect at the same concentration (MIC=MBC) for all but three strains.

Naturally occurring neuronal NO-synthase inactivators found in Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae) and other plants

NO-synthase (NOS) is a heme-containing enzyme that catalyzes the oxidation of L-arginine to nitric oxide, an important cellular signaling molecule. Recently, it was found that aqueous extracts of tobacco cigarettes cause the inactivation of the neuronal isoform of NOS (nNOS) and that this may explain some of the toxicological effects of smoking. Although the exact identity of the chemical inactivator(s) is not known, we wondered if extracts prepared from other plants, including those closely related to tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum (Solanaceae), would similarly inactivate nNOS. We examined 33 plants, representing diverse members of the plant kingdom ranging from whisk fern, Psilotum nudum (Psilotaceae) to tobacco and discovered 18 plants that contain a chemical inactivator(s) of nNOS. Of these plants, 16 are members of the core asterids flowering plant group. Of these asterids, 6 are members of the Solanaceae family, of which tobacco is a member. Based on the phylogenetic relationship of the plants, it is possible that the same chemical or related chemical inactivator(s) exist. This, in turn, may help elucidate the structure of the chemical(s), as well as provide a source of a potentially novel inactivator of nNOS. The alkaloid nicotine can be excluded as putative nNOS inhibitor.

Research into microscopic structure and essential oils of endemic medicinal plant species Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis. (Lamiaceae)

In this study we looked into the cells and histological organization of leaves (Saturejae folium) as well as a phyto-chemical composition of overground parts (Saturejae herba) of endemic species Satureja subspicata Bartl. ex Vis. (Lamiaceae) collected during year 2003 on south slopes of mountain Velez in Herzegovina. Microscopic organization was analyzed in wet slides using light microscope. Estimation of stomata index was done according to Ph. Yug. IV. Chemical composition of overground material extracts was determined by thin layer chromatography (TLC) using thymol as a reference. In our research we found the following: Leaf structure of the analyzed species Satureja subspicata points at numerous specificities in anatomical and histological sense. In histological sense, leaf is of ventral type, with differentiated upper and lower epidermis and palisade and spongy tissue in between. Stoma index assigned according to Ph. Yug. IV leads to a conclusion that it is the case of diastitic stomata, which is common feature of most species from Lamiaceae family. Comparative qualitative analysis of essential oils in species Satureja subspicata showed similarities with other species from Lamiaceae family such as Thymus L. (thymol). In fact, we found more common substances that are part of the species Satureja montana L. extract, but in different concentrations.

Antigenotoxic effects of Satureja hortensis L. on rat lymphocytes exposed to oxidative stress

The protective properties of Satureja hortensis L. on the rat lymphocytes DNA lesions were tested. Lymphocytes were isolated from blood samples taken from healthy rats. DNA breaks and resistance to H2O2-induced damage were measured with the comet assay. Rat lymphocytes were incubated in S. hortensis ethanolic extract (SHE) (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 mg/ mL), essential oil (SHEO)(0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.5 microL/mL), H2O2 (50, 100, and 200 microM), a combination of H2O2 (200 mM) with either SHE (1.0, 2.5 mg/mL) or SHEO (1.0, 2.5 microL/mL) at 4 degrees C for 30 min, and the extent of DNA migration was measured using a single-cell microgel electrophoresis technique under alkaline conditions. Treatment of rat lymphocytes with SHE or SHEO resulted in significant reduction of H2O2-induced DNA damage compared to controls. SHE exhibited a significant (P < 0.01) inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage at 2.5 mg/mL. SHEO (1.0 and 2.5 microL/mL) also showed significant inhibitory effects (P < 0.01) on H2O2 induced chromosomal damage. In conclusion both the ethanolic extract and the essential oil of the plant reversed the oxidative damage to rat lymphocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Effect of aqueous extracts of Ecballium elaterium rich, in the rabbit model of rhinosinusitis

This study was designated to investigate anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous extract of Ecballium elaterium, which is topically applied for treatment of rhinosinusitis as a traditional folk medicine in Turkey. Therapeutic potential of E. elaterium as an anti-inflammatory agent was examined by measurement of NO* metabolites in a rabbit model of rhinosinusitis. The results showed that both activity of NOS enzyme and concentration of NO* metabolites were significantly reduced by topical administration of E. elaterium extract in therapy group as compared to the control. Thus, the data suggest E. elaterium extract may have the potential to be used as anti-inflammation agent, and can be used in the treatment of rhinosinusitis diseases.