A Review of the Benefits of Satureja Species on Metabolic Syndrome and Their Possible Mechanisms of Action

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs that may have the potential to improve one or multiple complications of metabolic syndrome. All of them have their own limitations in efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, we reviewed species of Satureja as widespread medicinal herbs and potentially good remedies for metabolic syndrome. We reviewed literature found in PubMed and the ISI Web of Knowledge with the key word Satureja in the title. The influence of any species of Satureja on any disease or syndrome, enzymatic, metabolic, or physiological pathways, in human, animals, or in vitro conditions related to any characteristics of metabolic syndrome were considered. The main outcomes of treatment with Satureja species were categorized, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed in this article.

The Effects of Satureja hortensis L. Dried Leaves on Serum Sugar, Lipid Profiles, hs-CRP, and Blood Pressure in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The study results revealed the effectiveness of using S. hortensis for treating some metabolic syndrome symptoms. Different studies on Satureja species have also shown their efficacy for treatments of metabolic disorders (4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17). The following discussion includes the substantiated mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome's main concomitant disorders.…”

“…Other studies have investigated the impacts of Satureja species on specific symptoms of metabolic syndrome (14). Dorman and Hiltunen (2004) used an in vitro study to find that the dried crude extract of S. hortensis exhibited antioxidant and hydroxyl radical scavenging properties (5).…”

Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Essential Oils from Satureja calamintha Nepeta

“…A work conducted in Morocco on the S. calamintha EO showed the scavenging capacity of DPPH (22.01 ± 3.13%) [31]. Babajafari et al [5] revealed that different species of Satureja exert antioxidant, lipid peroxidation-inhibiting and anti-inflammatory activities. In addition, Bouzidi et al [7] showed that S. calamintha oil has a significant effect on the inhibition of the free radicals produced by DPPH with an IC 50 of 31.25 µg/mL.…”

“…Satureja extracts have been reported to possess various therapeutic effects. In addition, this plant possesses antiseptic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, antidiarrheal, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties [5]. S. calamintha is very popular in Morocco and Algeria, where it is used as an odoriferous agent in perfumes and as a powerful disinfectant [6].…”

Functional properties and anti‐hyperglycaemia capacity of Satureja essential oil: stabilisation of essential oil in gelatin and physico‐chemical properties characterisation

“…Satureja is used in meals for flavouring and as a folk remedy for treating various symptom conditions, for instance, infectious diseases, indigestion, diarrhoea, cramps, nausea, and muscle pains (Sefidkon & Emami‐Bistgani, 2021). Recent phytochemical research found the presence of flavonoids such as apigenin, luteolin, diosmetin, naringenin, taxifolin, aromadendrin, eriodictyol, and phenolic acids such as labiatic acid, carvacrol and thymol in the aerial parts of Satureja (Babajafari et al ., 2015). Carvacrol, cymene, terpinene, pinene, myrcene, thymol, linalool, and caryophyllene are the primary ingredients of Satureja (Maccelli et al ., 2019).…”