RESUMO
Satureja khuzestanica is a native plant of Iran that is widely distributed in the southern part of the country. In traditional medicine, it is used as analgesic and antiseptic. The previous studies showed that Satureja khuzestanica caused weight loss. Then the present study was designed to find the effect of Satureja khuzestanica on food intake, glucose, lipid factors, protein and electrolytes. In three groups, 75, 150 and 250 mg/kg/day of extract of Satureja khuzestanica were orally administered for three weeks. In the fourth group essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica [1000 ppm] was administered in drinking water for three week. The control group received tap water. Animals were weighted and food intake was recorded. After three weeks, plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting blood sugar [FBS], creatinine, potassium, BUN [Blood Urea Nitrogen], urea and alkaline phosphatase [ALP] were measured. Serum triglyceride level [43.15 +/- 3.92 mg/dl] in essential oil group was significantly [P<0.001] lower compared to that [89.99 +/- 8.03mg/dl] of the control group. FBS [117.86 +/- 8.5 mg/dl] of group 3 and essential oil group [97.22 +/- 7.1 mg/dl] were significantly [P<0.001] different from that [165.97 +/- 15.91 mg/dl] of the control group. Food intake in 3 weeks decreased in the group 3 [80.87 +/- 3.5 gr] and increased in the essential oil group [101.45 +/- 7.9 gr] when compared to that [88.91 +/- 3.9 gr, P<0.001] of the control group. Satureja khuzestanica induced a decrease in serum creatinine level in the extract and essential oil groups [P<0.001]. ALP in the essential oil group was significantly [P<0.001] decreased compared to the control group. No significant changes were observed for other factors. The aqueous extract and essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica induced a reduction in the serum glucose and triglyceride levels and improved renal function with lowering serum creatinine. They also improved the liver function via decreasing liver enzyme activity in rat