Protective Effect of Various Extracts of Allium hirtifolium and Satureja khuzestanica Plants on AAPH-Induced Oxidative Hemolysis

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<0.001). Conclusion: Overall, A. hirtifolium and S. khuzestanica can be used as a herbal supplement in the human diet due to their anti-hemolytic effects.

The Effect of Mycorrhizal Fungi and Organic Fertilizers on Quantitative and Qualitative Traits of Two Important Satureja Species

The quantitative yield and essential oil percentage and composition of two important savory species in response to various fertilizers were explored in a field experiment as a factorial study based on a randomized complete block design with three replications in north Lorestan, Iran, in 2017–2019. The first factor was assigned to three mycorrhizal fungi (Funneliformis mosseae, Rhizophagus irregularis, and Glomus fasciculatum), phosphate biofertilizer (Baravar-2), fish manure (800 kg/ha), cattle manure (20 t/ha), vermicompost (5 t/ha), and a control (no fertilization); the second factor was assigned to two savory species, including Satureja khuzestanica and S. rechingeri. The results of the combined analysis of variance for the second and third years showed that the simple effects of fertilizers and species were significant on all recorded traits, except for some constituents of the essential oil. Among the mycorrhizal fungi, R. irregularis and S. khuzestanica outperformed S. rechingeri in all traits, except for essential oil content and yield. The interaction between year and species was significant for all traits. The essential oil content of S. rechingeri in the third year (5.1%) was 18% higher than that of S. rechingeri in the second year (4.3%) and 41% higher than that of S. khuzestanica in the third year (3.6%). According to the results, the foliar application of vermin compost at a rate of 5 t/ha can contribute to the sustainable production of both savory species, improving their growth and essential oil yield.

The Study of Anticancer Activity of Satureja Khuzestanica Alcoholic Extracts On Expression of Bcl2 And Bax Genes In The Pc3 Cell Line

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after lung cancer. It has grown in Iran in recent years. The use of medicinal plants is one of the most useful ways that causes the least side effects. Due to high levels of antioxidant compounds, Satureja khuzestanica is a good source for drug use to treat and prevent the development and progress of cancers. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-cancer property of Satureja khuzestanica extract on the expression of Bcl2 and Bax genes in prostate cancer cell lines.Methodology: After collecting the plant in spring, the chloroform extract was prepared by rotary device. PC3 cancer cells were incubated at different concentrations of the extract for 24 hours. The inhibitory effect of the extract was evaluated using MTT assay as IC50. To evaluate apoptosis, the level of expression of Bax and BCL-2 genes after RNA extraction and transformation to cDNA were evaluated using Real Time PCR. All data were analyzed using REST software.Results: The results revealed a direct and significant relationship between the two variables of drug composition and rate of PC3 cell death. This composition increased Bax gene expression and decreased BCL-2 gene expression and induced apoptosis (P <0.05).Discussion and Conclusion: Based on the results, Satureja khuzestanica extract is likely to have anticancer properties and seems to be a new drug for killing prostate cancer cells.

Effects of Garlic Powder and Satureja Khuzestanica Essential Oil on Male Ross 308 Chickens Performance, Blood Lipid Profile, Immune Responses, Intestinal Microflora, and Morphology

Background: Herbal antioxidants have beneficial effects on health and performance. Meanwhile, medicinal plants and their derivations are utilized as growth and immunity promoter. Objectives: This research aimed to evaluate the effects of garlic powder and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on broiler performance, blood lipid profile, immune responses, intestinal microflora, and morphology. Methods: In total, 400 male chickens were randomly divided into five groups. Treatments included garlic powder (2 and 4%) and SKEO (400 and 500 mg/kg). Those in the control group received no intervention. On the 35th day of the experiment, the immune system of subjects was investigated, and at the end of the study, performance and blood lipid profile were analyzed. Also, the jejunal and ileal contents were separated to investigate the intestinal morphology and microflora. Results: Administration of herbal extracts was associated with improved performance, such as feed intake, BWG, and FCR (P < 0.05). Treatments could diminish the serum concentrations of lipid profile, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the number of harmful intestinal bacteria was reduced by garlic (4% of diet) and SKEO (500 mg/kg) treatments (P < 0.05). Also, morphological characteristics of the intestine were improved (P < 0.05). Herbal plant supplement remarkably increased the villus length, villus length to crypt depth, and villus area (P < 0.05), but did not affect the immune responses (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of herbal extracts is potentially an effective strategy for improving health and performance in broiler chickens.

Comparison of the effectiveness of Satureja khuzestanica and clotrimazole vaginal creams for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis

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.