Summer Savory vs. Fungal Infections: A Natural Remedy Concept

Spice Up Your Health: Can Summer Savory Fight Fungal Infections?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"Discover the potential of Satureja hortensis (summer savory) in combating Candida and Aspergillus, offering a natural approach to antifungal treatment."

For centuries, Satureja hortensis, commonly known as summer savory, has been a staple in traditional medicine and culinary practices. It's not just a flavorful herb; research indicates it possesses a range of beneficial properties, from easing digestive issues to combating inflammation. Now, scientists are exploring its potential as a natural antifungal agent.

Fungal infections caused by species like Candida and Aspergillus can lead to various health problems. While conventional antifungal treatments exist, the interest in natural alternatives is growing, driven by concerns about side effects and the rise of drug-resistant fungal strains. This has prompted researchers to investigate the antifungal potential of various plant extracts, including summer savory.

A recent study delved into the effectiveness of summer savory extract in inhibiting the growth of Candida and Aspergillus, two common culprits behind fungal infections. The findings offer promising insights into how this herb could become a valuable tool in our fight against these infections.

Unlocking Summer Savory's Antifungal Power

Summer Savory vs. Fungal Infections: A Natural Remedy Concept

The study, conducted by researchers in Iran, focused on the antifungal activity of an alcoholic extract derived from Satureja hortensis against clinical isolates of Candida and Aspergillus. These isolates were collected from patients at Urmia University Hospital, providing a real-world context for the investigation.

The researchers tested the extract against a panel of Candida and Aspergillus species, using methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). MIC indicates the lowest concentration of the extract needed to stop fungal growth, while MFC indicates the lowest concentration required to kill the fungus.

Candida Control: The extract demonstrated activity against Candida isolates, with an inhibitory range of 1/20 to 1/320.
Aspergillus Inhibition: For Aspergillus, the lowest effective concentration was found at a dilution of 1/80 (MIC=12.5 mg/ml).
Time Matters: The study found that a 24-hour incubation period yielded the best results for treating Aspergillus isolates.

The study highlights that Satureja hortensis extract can indeed inhibit the growth of certain Candida and Aspergillus strains in vitro. It also suggests that higher concentrations of the extract can actually kill these fungi. These findings align with previous research indicating summer savory's antimicrobial properties.

Embracing Nature's Pharmacy: The Future of Summer Savory in Antifungal Treatment

The research adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the use of natural compounds in combating fungal infections. Satureja hortensis offers a promising avenue for developing new antifungal strategies, potentially reducing our reliance on conventional drugs and mitigating the risk of resistance.

While these findings are encouraging, it's important to remember that this study was conducted in vitro. More research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and safety of summer savory extract in humans. Clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal dosage, delivery method, and potential interactions with other medications.

If you're considering using summer savory for its potential antifungal benefits, talk to your healthcare provider first. They can help you determine if it's a safe and appropriate option for you, taking into account your individual health history and any other medications you may be taking. As research continues, summer savory may well become a valuable addition to our arsenal of natural remedies for fungal infections. For now, enjoy it in your culinary creations, knowing that you're adding a potentially powerful medicinal herb to your diet.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.5897/jmpr12.659, Alternate LINK

Title: Antifungal Activity Of Satureja Hortensis Alcoholic Extract Against Aspergillus And Candida Species

Subject: Complementary and alternative medicine

Journal: Journal of Medicinal Plants Research

Publisher: Academic Journals

Authors: Diba Kambiz, Ghabaie Kamaleh, Heshmatian Behnam, Sharbatkhori Mitra

Published: 2013-08-10

Everything You Need To Know

What is summer savory, and what are its potential benefits?

Summer savory, scientifically known as Satureja hortensis, is a herb traditionally used in medicine and cooking. This extract has shown the ability to inhibit the growth of, and even kill, certain fungi like Candida and Aspergillus. It has demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the growth of fungal strains such as Candida and Aspergillus in laboratory settings.

Why is there interest in natural alternatives like summer savory for treating fungal infections?

Fungal infections caused by Candida and Aspergillus can lead to a variety of health problems. Conventional treatments sometimes come with side effects, and there's growing concern about drug-resistant strains. Summer savory extract offers a natural alternative with potential benefits, which could reduce the reliance on conventional drugs and the risk of resistance. The study highlighted that Satureja hortensis extract can inhibit the growth of certain Candida and Aspergillus strains in vitro.

How was summer savory extract tested in the study?

The study used an alcoholic extract of Satureja hortensis to test its effect on Candida and Aspergillus. The researchers tested the extract against a panel of Candida and Aspergillus species, using methods to determine the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC). MIC indicates the lowest concentration of the extract needed to stop fungal growth, while MFC indicates the lowest concentration required to kill the fungus. The extract demonstrated activity against Candida isolates, with an inhibitory range of 1/20 to 1/320. For Aspergillus, the lowest effective concentration was found at a dilution of 1/80 (MIC=12.5 mg/ml).

What do Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) mean?

The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) is the lowest concentration of the Satureja hortensis extract needed to stop the growth of the fungus. The Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) is the lowest concentration of the extract required to kill the fungus. The study found that a 24-hour incubation period yielded the best results for treating Aspergillus isolates. This understanding is crucial for determining the correct dosage and treatment duration for using summer savory extract.

Why is this research on Satureja hortensis important?

The research on Satureja hortensis is significant because it suggests a natural approach to combating fungal infections. The study's findings support the use of natural compounds in antifungal treatment, potentially reducing reliance on conventional drugs and the risk of drug resistance. Summer savory extract can be a promising avenue for developing new antifungal strategies. This also aligns with previous research indicating summer savory's antimicrobial properties.