Chemical Composition, Cholinesterase Inhibitory Effect and Cytotoxic Activity Study of Essential Oils Extracted from Different Parts of Satureja isophylla Rech.f

Abstract

Background: Based on available literature, no study has yet considered the phytochemical profile and pharmacological activities of essential oils extracted from different parts of Satureja isophylla. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the chemical composition, cholinesterase (ChE) inhibitory effects, and cytotoxic activities of essential oils extracted from different parts of Satureja isophylla. Methods: Essential oils extracted from the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of Satureja isophylla, which is endemic to Iran, were separately analyzed using GC-MS. The ChE inhibitory activities of these extracts were tested on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). The growth-inhibitory effects of the extracts were assessed against four cancer cell lines: MCF-7, ACHN, AsPC-1, and PC-12. Results: GC-MS analysis identified a total of 51 compounds from different parts of the plant, with α-eudesmol, camphor, elemol, and γ-eudesmol being the main components. The ChE inhibitory activity results indicated significant inhibition of BChE compared to AChE. The essential oils exhibited greater toxicity against AsPC-1 cells compared to other cancer cell lines in the MTT assay. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine the chemical composition and therapeutic effects of essential oils extracted from various parts of Satureja isophylla. Further research is needed to explore additional pharmacological activities and to provide a more comprehensive phytochemical profile of this plant.