3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Satureja nepeta, a Moroccan aromatic medicinal plant of the Lamiaceae family, is widely recognized for its traditional use in treating intestinal and respiratory inflammations. This study aims to elucidate the plant's biological activities, focusing on its chemical composition, antibacterial properties, and cytotoxic effects. Using various extraction methods (infusion, decoction, hydroethanolic maceration) and steam distillation for essential oils, we assessed the plant's antioxidant and antibacterial efficacy and its cytotoxicity on human cells. Results indicate significant phytochemical content variations and biological activities across extraction methods, highlighting Satureja nepeta's therapeutic potential.

Introduction

Satureja nepeta is a fragrant medicinal plant native to Morocco, long valued in traditional medicine for treating intestinal issues and upper respiratory infections. Previous research has highlighted its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aims to deepen our understanding of Satureja nepeta by exploring its chemical composition and examining its antibacterial and cytotoxic properties, thereby shedding light on its potential therapeutic applications.

Materials and Methods

Extraction Methods and Phytochemical Content  

Infusion, Decoction, and Hydroethanolic Maceration: We quantified polyphenols and flavonoids.

Steam Distillation: Essential oils were obtained using the Clevenger apparatus. Chemical components were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

Antioxidant, Antibacterial activities, and Cytotoxicity Testing

We assessed antioxidant activity using TAC, DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The evaluation of biological activities focused on infused, decocted, macerated extracts, and essential oil. For antibacterial activity, we evaluated the efficacy against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus, determining both Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). We also examined potential cytotoxic effects on human cells using cancer cell lines, with all tests conducted in triplicate.

Results

Phytochemical Content

Polyphenols: Highest in infusion (20.29 mg/GAE/g), followed by decoction (20.968 mg/GAE/g) and hydroethanolic extract (10.519 mg/GAE/g).

Flavonoids: Highest in infusion (203 mg/GAE/g), followed by decoction (159 mg/GAE/g) and hydroethanolic extract (80 mg/GAE/g).

The GC-MS analysis of the essential oil from the Satureja nepeta plant yielded the following results: Menthol is measured at 6.64%, Isopulegone at 1.58%, Levomenthol at 0.57%, R-Pulegone-oxide at 2.04%, and Pulegone at 68.63%. Furthermore, Piperitone is detected at 1.69%, Isopiperitone at 0.49%, Eucarvone at 7.95%, and Spathulenol at 1.71%.

Antibacterial Activity

The infusion did not affect bacterial strains, while the decoction inhibited Staphylococcus aureus with an inhibition zone of 10 mm (± 1 mm). The maceration extract showed broader antibacterial activity, inhibiting Escherichia coli with an inhibition zone of 13.33 mm (± 0.894 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 7 mm, and Staphylococcus aureus with 10 mm (± 1.488 mm). Essential oils demonstrated substantial inhibition, with zones of 37 mm for Escherichia coli and 27 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, outperforming standard antibiotics, which showed inhibition zones of 25 mm for Escherichia coli and 31 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Cytotoxicity

LC50 Values: Infusion (261 µg/ml), maceration extract (271 µg/ml), and decoction (300 µg/ml). Essential oil LC50 was 127 µg/ml, indicating dose-dependent cytotoxicity against myeloma cells.

Conclusion

Our study extensively explored the bioactivity of Satureja nepeta, revealing significant variations in phytochemical content and biological activities across extraction methods. The findings highlight the plant's potential as a natural remedy against bacterial infections and its complex interactions with human cells. These insights contribute to understanding Satureja nepeta's therapeutic potential and warrant further exploration of its clinical applications.

Keywords

Satureja nepeta has antioxidant potential, antibacterial efficacy, cytotoxicity, and therapeutic properties.