Winter savory (Satureja montana) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to treat various conditions, including male & female sexual dysfunction.

In a study from the University of Modena, the effect of Satureja montana hydroalcoholic extract on the mating behavior of sexually potent male rats was evaluated.

The extract was administered orally for 8 consecutive days, at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. The main parameters of sexual behavior, mount (ML), intromission (IL), ejaculation (EL) latencies, and post-ejaculatory interval (PEI), were evaluated in animals using mating tests and multiple ejaculation tests.

Serum levels of male sex hormone were measured in rats treated with Satureja montana extract at a dose of 50 mg/kg. An open-field test was also conducted to evaluate locomotor behavior. When Satureja montana extract was administered at both doses, the extract could significantly increase latencies (EL) and decrease intromission frequency (IF) compared to controls.

The significant increase in latencies (EL) was also found when the extract was administered less intensively daily for 8 consecutive days, at doses of 25 mg/kg. In the multiple ejaculation test, the latency (EL) values for treated rats significantly increased during the first and second sequences compared to controls; furthermore, only rats treated with the extract reached the 4th ejaculation within 30 min.

Measured testosterone levels in rats that received intensive treatment of Satureja montana (dose 50 mg/kg) increased significantly compared to the control population. Finally, the locomotor activity recorded in the open-field test was not affected by the intensive administration of the plant extract.

These data suggest that Satureja montana could be considered a natural remedy for the treatment of premature ejaculation that delays ejaculation latency without exerting any negative effect on other parameters of sexual behavior and without exerting a sedative effect.

Furthermore, the increased serum level of male sex hormone confirms the positive effect of Satureja montana on male sexual function.

Studies on female rats and estrogen levels have unfortunately not been done, however, Winter Savory has long been used by women as well.

Other studies demonstrate Winter Savory's strong antioxidant properties. The highest capacity was obtained with hot water extracts of Winter Savory, and its essential oil revealed a high phenolic content. The findings indicate that the bioactive extracts of Winter Savory have great potential for use as a natural antimicrobial agent and antioxidant.

Winter savory has a mild and pleasant taste with very little bitterness.

Source:

Manuela Zavatti (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)