Integrated Analysis of Volatile and Phenolic Profiles and Biological Activities of Satureja hortensis From Erzincan

Satureja hortensis, widely used in traditional medicine and culinary applications, is a valuable aromatic plant rich in essential oils (Eos) and bioactive compounds. This study comprehensively evaluated the phytochemical composition and biological properties of S. hortensis grown in Erzincan, Turkey. The EO and four solvent-based extracts (ethyl acetate, butanol, water extract (WE), and water fraction) were analyzed. GC–MS/MS identified 34 volatile compounds (98.76%), with thymol (40.83%), carvacrol (19.77%), γ-terpinene (16.71%), and p-cymene (12.06%) as major constituents. LC-ESI-MS/MS revealed phenolic compounds, with hesperidin, rutin, and caffeic acid as major constituents in ethyl acetate and butanol fractions. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), TPC, and TFC assays. The ethyl acetate showed the strongest DPPH scavenging (17.25 ± 2.34 μg/mL), highest TPC (79.24 ± 0.59 mg gallic acid equivalent /g), and moderate FRAP activity (96.86 ± 1.06 mg TE/g), while the WE had the highest flavonoid content (48.21 ± 1.56 mg QE/g). The EO exhibited potent antimicrobial activity (MIC 31.25–250 μg/mL; maximum inhibition zones 50 mm) against A. niger, C. albicans, and A. alternata. HPLC-DAD quantified rosmarinic acid, highest in ethyl acetate extract (580.93 ± 1.12 mg/g). Pearson correlation analyses demonstrated strong positive associations between phenolic content and biological activities, supporting the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial potential of S. hortensis. © 2026 Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi.