Phytochemical Profiling and Bioactive Properties of Essential Oils from Endemic Palestinian Satureja thymbrifolia

Despite several studies on the Satureja L. genus, the chemical composition and biological activities of the traditional medicinal plant Satureja thymbrifolia (White Thyme), a Palestinian endemic species, are still unknown. It grows in arid regions and is used by Bedouins as a traditional medicinal herb. This study aimed to investigate S. thymbrifolia essential oils (EOs), mainly from its phytochemical pattern and biological properties. The GC-MS study identified p-cymene (48.53 %) and thymol (23.27 %) as the leading EOs components. Compared to Trolox, the EOs showed potential anti-DPPH free radical activity and had broad-spectrum antimicrobial potentials, with MIC values ranging from 0.13±0.05 to 25±0.00 μL/mL. They were most effective against Candida albicans species. The S. thymbrifolia EOs most effectively eliminated cancer cells when tested against CaCo-2 and HeLa cell lines (IC₅₀ values of 192.15±2.47 and 194.80±1.87 μg/mL, respectively). The present investigation is the first documented study of S. thymbrifolia EOs' phytochemical composition and bioactivities. The results revealed that S. thymbrifolia EOs have potential antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic effects. These outcomes emphasized S. thymbrifolia EO's potential dietary, pharmacological, and cosmetic applications.