Ethnobotanical Uses of Satureja Species in Western Iran: A Review

The genus Satureja (Lamiaceae) comprises several species used in traditional medicine and culinary practices, with some also reported in ethnoveterinary contexts. Given the diversity of indigenous knowledge associated with these plants across Iran, this review aimed to identify, synthesis, and critically compare published reports on the ethnobotanical uses of Satureja species in western Iran. A literature review was conducted covering publications from 1990 to May.2026. Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, the Islamic World Science Citation Center (ISC), and the Scientific Information Database (SID) were searched using relevant English and Persian keywords related to Satureja species, medicinal plants, traditional medicine, and ethnobotany. Of the 42 articles identified, 11 met the inclusion criteria. Data on plant species, study locations, plant parts used, and reported traditional applications were extracted and descriptively compared. Ethnobotanical uses of Satureja species were documented in six provinces of western and northwestern Iran: Ilam, Kurdistan, Khuzestan, Lorestan, West Azerbaijan, and Ardabil. The reported study areas included Dehloran, Abdanan, Darreh Shahr, and Ilam; Marivan and Sarvabad; northeastern Khuzestan; Khorramabad; Khoy and Urmia; and Meshgin Shahr. The reviewed literature identified four species: Satureja khuzestanica, Satureja hortensis, Satureja avromanica, and Satureja montana. Reported traditional applications primarily involved gastrointestinal complaints, including flatulence and abdominal pain, as well as common colds, coughs, rheumatism, prostate-related disorders, and certain infections. The plant materials used included aerial parts, leaves, stems, flowers, and flowering shoots. Reported preparation and administration methods included infusions, decoctions, distillation, and culinary use as a seasoning. This review highlights the diversity of traditional medicinal and culinary uses attributed to Satureja species in western Iran and emphasizes the value of documenting indigenous knowledge. The findings provide a foundation for further research into these plants' phytochemical composition, safety, and pharmacological properties. Nevertheless, ethnobotanical reports document traditional practices rather than establish therapeutic efficacy or safety, which require independent scientific evaluation.