Antioxidant, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic,reproduction stimulatory properties and safety of essential oil of Satureja Khuzestanica in rat in vivo: a oxicopharmacological study.

BACKGROUND: Satureja Khuzestanica is an endemic plant of Iran that is widely distributed in the southern part of the country. It is famous for its medical uses as an analgesic and antiseptic in folk medicine. The present study was designed to explore the toxicological and pharmacological effects of essential oil of Satureja Khuzestanica (SKEO) in vivo. MATERIAL/METHODS: The intraperitoneal LD50 of SKEO was determined. Teratogenicity was determined by administration of SKEO at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm to pregnant rats during days 6 to 015 of gestation. FRAP and TBARS assays were used to determine total antioxidant power and lipid peroxidation respectively. Diabetes and hyperlipidemia were induced by administration of streptozocin and lipid regimen in rats. SKEO (1000 ppm) was administered in drinking water for 10 days. RESULTS: SKEO is not lethal up to a dose of 2 g kg-1 in rats. In the teratogenicity test, dams of the treated group were active and did not show any signs of toxicity. A significant increase in the number of implantation and live fetuses were observed with SKEO (500 and 1000 ppm) in comparison to the control group. SKEO treatment decreased the normal blood lipid peroxidation level and increased total antioxidant power. Significant decreases in fasting blood glucose and triglyceride levels were observed with SKEO in diabetic and antihyperlipidemic rats respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study indicates the safety and interesting stimulatory effect of SKEO on reproduction. The antioxidant properties of SKEO may explain its antidiabetic and triglyceride-lowering effects.