Effects of Carvacrol and Volatile Fraction of Winter Savory (Satureja montana L.) on Body Temperature in Humans Who Experience Cold Sensitivity

Ingestion of winter savory extract has been reported to inhibit the decrease in peripheral body temperature in people who experience cold sensitivity. However, the active ingredients underlying this effect are not known. We sought to elucidate the effects of the volatile components of winter savory on body temperature. Carvacrol (the main volatile component and a transient receptor potential channel ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) agonist in winter savory) increased core body temperature, but did not inhibit the decrease in peripheral body temperature after ingestion. In addition, the volatile fraction of winter savory (which contained various components in addition to carvacrol) induced not only an increase in core body temperature, but also inhibited the decrease in peripheral body temperature. These results suggest that the volatile components in winter savory may be effective for alleviating cold sensitivity, and that carvacrol is one of the active ingredients in winter savory.