Satureja genus contains over 40 species of the Lamiaceae (labiatae) family and the Nepetoidae subfamily, this genus widely distributed in to southern and southeastern Europe, north Africa, central Asia and west Asia. Satureja species observed in various shapes include perennial, and annual herbs or sub shrubs[1]. 

This genus general morphological features includes quadrangular stems, with verticillate inflorescences. The leaves are whorled or opposite, almost simple, ovate or lanceolate and occasionally pinnately c; stipules are absent; with small, obviate dry fruit.

Satureja khuzistanica is a subshrub with erect branched stem (20- 30 cm) high, densely leafy, broadly ovate-orbicular (2–6 cm long and 2–8 mm wide), green, covered with white hairs. Base of the leaves is attenuate and petioliform. The flowers arranged in two flowered verticillaster 3-5 mm, withe hairy, teeth triangular lanceolate.

Satureja khuzistanica is a very common popular herb which used as herbal tea and for its analgesic and antiseptic effects in the traditional medicine. Additionally, many valuable effects include antifungal, antibacterial, antinociceptive, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, and anti-inflammatory potentials of S. khuzistanica have also been documented[2, 3].

Satureja’s common names include savory (English), segurella (Portuguese), bohnenkraut (Dutch), santoreggia (Italian), and sarriette (French).

Satureja species are very well known for high content of phenolic, flavonoids

and terpenoids[1]. 

According to species and regional condition observed major varieties in components. The major constituents of essential oils of Balkanian winter savory were thymol (20-30%), carvacrol (10-15%), and geraniol (15-20%). This variation was also detected in Turkish savories essential oils which their main compounds were carvacrol (30-60%), β-caryophyllene (5-10%), and caryophyllene oxide (5-10%)[4-6].

**This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal physician.

References

1- B. Tepe and M. Cilkiz, Pharmaceutical biology 2016, 54, 375.

2- F. Jafari, F. Ghavidel and M. M. Zarshenas, Journal of acupuncture and meridian studies 2016, 9, 118.

3- M. Amanlou, F. Dadkhah, A. Salehnia, H. Farsam and A. R. Dehpour, J Pharm Pharm Sci 2005, 8, 102.

4- S. Ćavar, M. Maksimović, M. E. Šolić, A. Jerković-Mujkić and R. Bešta, Food Chemistry 2008, 111, 648.

5- D. Azaz, F. Demirci, F. Satıl, M. Kürkçüoğlu, K. Hüsnü and C. Bașerb, Zeitschrift für Naturforschung C 2002, 57, 817.

6- T. Mihajilov-Krstev, D. Radnović, D. Kitić, V. Jovanović, V. Mitić, Z. Stojanović-Radić and B. Zlatković, Open Life Sciences 2014, 9, 668.