Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Satureja hortensis L.: A Review of the Last Decade

Abstract

Satureja hortensis L. (summer savory) is an annual herbaceous crop, native to Europe and in our days spread and used all over the world. Although its use as spice and medicinal plant is known since ancient times, peer-reviewed studies presenting the scientific data are scarce. The natural products obtained from summer savory (extracts and essential oil) are dominated by polyphenols and flavonoids, responsible for their antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiparasitic, pesticidal, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hepatoprotective and anticancer properties, among others. The current study presents the progress made in the last decade regarding the potential applications of summer savory, being the first review study focused on S. hortensis, in the same time suggesting future research opportunities, as they appear from the properties of other Satureja species. The available data presenting the properties of summer savory represents a scientific support for application in industry, for developing “clean label” food products.

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“…One of the plants used is Satureja hortensis from Asterids clade, Lamiales order, Lamiaceae family, and Satureja genus. S. hortensis is a native plant that grows in tropical regions, especially in Iran, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey . Several studies have mentioned the excellent antibacterial properties of this species due to its biological compounds.…”

“…revealed the S. hortensis collected in Lorestan province in Iran contained antimicrobial compounds such as β‐pinene, α‐thujene, γ‐terpinene, myrcene, p‐cymene, α‐pinene, and carvacrol . The other therapeutic effects of S. hortensis arise from its antioxidant, antiparasitic and pesticidal, antifungal, antiviral, anti‐inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties . In Iranian traditional medicine, especially in Kurdish traditional medicine, people add S. hortensis to food and food products such as meat to increase their shelf life.…”

“…In Iranian traditional medicine, especially in Kurdish traditional medicine, people add S. hortensis to food and food products such as meat to increase their shelf life. It is believed that S. hortensis reduces and removes microbial contamination …”

“…S. hortensis is a native plant that grows in tropical regions, especially in Iran, Syria, Iraq, Pakistan, and Turkey. [12] Several studies have mentioned the excellent antibacterial properties of this species due to its biological compounds. One study reported that S. hortensis was rich in antimicrobial compounds such as β-bisabolene, α-terpinene, γ-terpinene, carvacrol, β-caryophyllene, and p-cymene.…”

“…[15] The other therapeutic effects of S. hortensis arise from its antioxidant, antiparasitic and pesticidal, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antinociceptive properties. [12] In Iranian traditional medicine, especially in Kurdish traditional medicine, people add S. hortensis to food and food products such as meat to increase their shelf life. It is believed that S. hortensis reduces and removes microbial contamination.…”