Use of Satureja khuzestanica Essential Oil (SKEO) in the Treatment of Diarrhea: Modes of Action on Intestinal Function in Animal Model

Background and Aim: Satureja khuzestanica is an annual herb that is used in Iranian traditional medicine to treat intestinal disorders such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) was tested to elucidate the mechanism(s) of its gastrointestinal activity in two animal models. Materials and Methods: The in vitro test of the effect of SKEO on the contractions induced by different spasmogens in isolated rat ileum preparations was carried out. The impacts of SKEO on intestinal transit, diarrhea, and intestinal secretion in mice were investigated with the charcoal meal, castor oil-induced diarrhea, and entropooling assays. Results: Pretreatment with SKEO at doses of (5-20 µg/mL) had a significant and concentration-dependent relaxant effect on contractions induced by acetylcholine, nicotine, histamine and serotonin in isolated rat ileum preparations. Moreover, it had an inhibitory effect on both K + - and Ca 2+ -induced contractions in the same tissue. At doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, SKEO decreased intestinal transit, fecal weight and intestinal secretion. Conclusion: SKEO showed anti-diarrheal, anti-motility and anti-secretory activities that might prove beneficial in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.