• Antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and efficiency of Satureja fatty acid on the anti-inflammatory parameters in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage
  • Gholamreza Kavoosi,1,*
    1. Gholamreza Kavoosi, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, 7144113131, Iran.


  • Introduction: Introduction: Satureja is a genus in the Lamiaceae family, consisting of approximately 200 species. These plants are well- known for their medicinal and aromatic properties, having been used in traditional medicine across various cultures to treat a range of ailments. Satureja species are rich in essential oils, which include compounds such as carvacrol and thymol, recognized for their antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, Satureja species contain significant amounts of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which contribute to their therapeutic benefits. Furthermore, diverse phytochemicals such as monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and various acids have been identified in different species. Satureja species exhibit a wide array of biological activities, making them important in both traditional and modern medicine, encompassing properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anticancer effects. Satureja has a rich phytochemical profile and a diverse range of biological activities, making it a valuable resource for various applications, including food and beverages (as a spice and flavoring agent due to its aromatic qualities), pharmaceuticals (for developing natural health products), and cosmetics (in formulations for their fragrance and therapeutic benefits). To our knowledge, the anti- amylase and anti- lipase activities, as well as the anti- inflammatoryc capacity of Satureja oil, have not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, to address this knowledge gap, this study aims to explore the capacity of Satureja oil to inhibit biomolecule oxidation and digestive enzyme activity. The anti-inflammatory potential of Satureja oil regarding NOX, NRF 2, and NF- kB modulation in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages was examined. The authors found that Satureja oil could alleviate oxidative stress in cells subjected to hyperglycemia. These findings suggest that Satureja oil may serve as a potential antioxidant therapy in lipopolysaccharide- induced oxidative stress responses.
  • Methods: Methods: This study examined the fatty acid profile, lipid nutritional quality, antioxidant, anti-amylase, and anti-lipase capacities of Satureja. The efficiency of Satureja fatty acid on the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory parameters in LPS-induced macrophage through the Nrf2/NF-kB/NADH oxidase pathway was examined. The whole lipid extract was prepared with a chloroform/methanol/water solution. Fatty acids methyl ester from whole lipid extract were prepared with methanol/sulfuric acid reagent. The fatty acid profile was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total antioxidant was determined by ABTS decolorization. Lipase and amylase activities were determined by monitoring the decomposition of p-nitrophenyl butyrate and starch. The macrophage cell line was grown in DMEM media in the presence of fatty acid. The hydrogen peroxide production in treated cells was monitored using the FOX reagent. NADH oxidase activity was measured by monitoring NADH breakdown. The expression of NOX, NF-kB, and NRF2 was tested in the treated cells by real-time PCR.
  • Results: Results: The main components of the Satureja fatty acid were linolenic acid (24.67%-37.32%), palmitic acid (10.65%-20.29%), linoleic acid (8.31%-13.39%), oleic acid (4.42%-14.35%), stearic acid (2.76%-8.77%) and palmitoleic acid (1.77%-4.95%). Given the nutritional quality, omega-3 PUFA (23.58%-37.32%), SFA (21.53%-26.70%), omega-6 PUFA (10.86%-16.14%), omega-9 MUFA (4.42%-14.35%), and omega-7 MUFA (1.77%-4.95%) comprise the majority of fatty acids. Satureja fatty acid has a promising unsaturation index (120.77-164.27), PUFA/MUFA (2.07-6.41), hypocholesterolemic index (2.44-3.47), health-promoting index (2.03-2.42), PUFA/SFA (1.37-1.94), nutritive value index (0.53-1.71), MUFA/SFA (0.30-0.80) omega-6/omega-3 (0.34-0.65), atherogenicity index (0.41-0.49), and thrombogenicity index (0.17-0.27). Satureja fatty acid displayed strong antioxidant capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), anti-lipase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 354 to 428 µg/mL), and anti-amylase capacity (with IC50 ranging from 370 to 390 µg/mL). LPS induced the expression of NOX, NRF2, and NF-kB and the synthesis of hydrogen peroxide in macrophage cells. In LPS-stimulated macrophages, Satureja fatty acid reduced NOX expression, hydrogen peroxide, and NF-kB expression and increased NRF2 at 0.04 mg/mL. In conclusion, Satureja fatty acids have potent antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, and anti-inflammatory activities. The mechanisms in lowering oxidative stress markers depended on down-regulating superoxide-producing enzymes at the gene and protein levels.
  • Conclusion: Conclusion: Satureja fatty acids have potent antioxidant, anti-amylase, anti-lipase, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities. Satureja polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids could be recommended for healthy products combined with dietary therapy to treat obesity, diabetes, and oxidative stress.
  • Keywords: Keywords: Satureja oil; Lipase; Amylase; NOX; NF-kB; NRF2