In vitro Protective Effects of Satureja hortensis L. Essential Oil and Ethanolic Extract on Lymphocytes DNA

Abstract

Background: DNA damage and oxidative stress are widely recognized as major factors in many degenerative diseases and aging. Objectives: The protective properties of Satureja hortensis L. on the rat lymphocytes DNA lesions were tested. Method: Lymphocytes were isolated from blood samples taken from healthy rats. DNA breaks and resistance to H2O2-induced damage were measured with the comet assay. Rat lymphocytes were incubated in S. hortensis ethanolic extract (SHE) (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2.5 mg/ml), essential oil (SHEO) (0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2.5 µl/ml), H2O2 (50, 100 and 200 µM), a combination of H2O2 (200 M) with either SHE (1, 2.5 mg/ml) or SHEO (1, 2.5 µl/ml) at 4oC for 30 minutes. The extent of DNA migration was measured using a single-cell microgel electrophoresis technique under alkaline conditions. Results: Treatment of rat lymphocytes with SHE or SHEO resulted in significant reduction of H2O2-induced DNA damage compared to controls. SHE exhibited a significant (p<0.01) inhibitory effect on oxidative DNA damage at 2.5 mg/ml. SHEO (1 and 2.5 µl/ml) also showed significant inhibitory effects (p <0.01) on H2O2 induced chromosomal damage. Conclusion: Both the ethanolic extract and the essential oil of the plant were able to reverse the oxidative damage on rat lymphocytes induced by hydrogen peroxide.

Keywords

• antioxidant
• dna damage
• satureja hortensis