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Zataria multiflora is employed as an antitussive, anti-spasmodic, analgesic and etc. Agent in traditional medicine. The modern medical studies are also confirmed effects of this plant for treatment of respiratory problems via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. We evaluated efficacy of Z. multiflora on tests of pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use, and hematological factors in COPD patients. Patients (n = 45) were randomly grouped in the following three groups: placebo group (P), groups received Z. multiflora extract 3 and 6 mg/kg/day (Z3 and Z6). FEV 1 and MEF 25 - 75 , respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use and hematological factors were evaluated before and 1–2 months after treatment. Z. multiflora led to significant enhancement of FEV 1 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Respiratory symptoms were also considerably ameliorated following treatment with extracts for 1 and 2 months compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In groups received extract, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use was remarkably declined at the end of study (both, p < 0.05). Reduction of total WBC was observed 1–2 months after treatment in treated groups with extract compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Neutrophils were remarkably declined in Z3 and Z6 groups after 2-monthes compared to 1-month treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). The evidence show therapeutic effect of this herb on COPD patients which could be result from properties that help to decrease inflammation. [Display omitted] • Zataria multiflora treatment leads to following changes in COPD patients: • Improvement of respiratory symptoms and CAT score. • Increase of FEV 1 value. • Reduction of inhaled bronchodilator drugs use. • Reduction of total WBC and neutrophil counts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used in Iranian traditional and folk medicine as an antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic and analgesic herbal medicine. This plant has been also used to relieve cough in common cold and respiratory tract disorders. The previous studies reported the pharmacological effects of Z. multiflora such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in respiratory disorders in animal models and clinical studies. The effects of Z. multiflora extract on inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and respiratory symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients were investigated. COPD patients (41 cases) were divided to three groups including placebo group (P) and groups received 3 and 6 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract (Z3 and Z6) for two months. Inflammatory cytokines, PFT values, and respiratory symptoms were assessed before treatment (stage 0), one (stage I) and two (stage II) months after treatment. Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly decreased after two months treatment compared to baseline values in Z3 and Z6 groups. The PFT values including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly increased during two months treatment with Z3 and Z6. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also significantly increased after one-month treatment with Z6. The respiratory symptoms including cough, chest tightness, modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale were significantly improved after one and two treatments with both doses of Z. multiflora compared to baseline values. The results suggest the potential therapeutic effect of Z. multiflora in COPD patients through reduction of inflammatory cytokines, increasing PFT values and improvement of respiratory symptoms. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological relevance Different therapeutic effects for Zataria multiflora have been described in Iranian traditional medicine. In addition anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of this plant were previously described. The effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora on tracheal responsiveness (TR) and inflammatory mediators of sensitized guinea pigs was examined. Materials and methods Five groups of sensitized guinea pigs to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone, drinking water containing three concentrations of the extract and dexamethasone. TR to methacholine and OA, serum levels of NO, nitrite, PLA2, TP and histamine were measured ( n =6, for each groups). Results TR to methacholine and OA, serum levels of NO, nitrite, PLA2, TP and histamine were increased in sensitized animals compared to control group ( p <0.05 to p <0.001). Treatment of sensitized animals with dexamethasone and most concentration of the extract lead to significantly decrease in all measured parameters compared to sensitized group ( p <0.05 to p <0.001) except TP and histamine levels in treated group with dexamethasone. Conclusion These results showed a preventive effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora on tracheal responsiveness, serum level of NO, nitrite, total protein, PLA2 and histamine in sensitized guinea pigs which was equal or even more potent than dexamethasone at used concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and effect of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 balance were previously described. Different therapeutic effects of this plant have been described in Iranian traditional medicine. To evaluate the immune modulatory effects of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 balance, which may be implicated in inflammatory disorders, in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out. Materials and methods: The effects of three concentrations of the extract, dexamethasone, and saline on interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) gene expression were evaluated in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated and non-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). RNA was extracted from the hPBMCs to make cDNA for real time PCR relative quantification. Furthermore, the effect of the extract on serum level of IL-4 and IFN-γ was assessed in ovalbumin (OA) sensitized guinea pigs (n=6 for each group). Results: Dexamethasone showed significant inhibitory effect on both IFN-γ and IL-4 gene expression and serum level of the cytokines and significantly enhanced IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (p<0.05–p<0.001). The extract inhibited IL-4 and enhance IFN-γ gene expression and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio too (p<0.05–p<0.001). In sensitized animals also serum level of IL-4 were significantly decreased after treatment with both dexamethasone and extract, but serum level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were significantly increased due to extract treatment (p<0.01 for medium and p<0.001 for high concentration). Conclusions: These results indicated consistent in vitro and in vivo data for selective immune modulatory effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora which increased IFN-γ, decreased IL-4, and enhanced the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 (Th1/Th2 balance). Therefore, the extract of Zataria multiflora may have therapeutic value in inflammatory responses such as allergy, autoimmunity and infectious diseases associated with Th1/Th2 imbalance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) is a thyme-like plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family that grows wild only in Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan. This plant with the vernacular name of Avishan-e-Shirazi (Shirazi thyme) in Iran is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant. It has several traditional uses as an antiseptic, carminative, stimulant, diaphoretic, diuretic, anesthetic, anti-spasmodic and analgesic. Aim of the study: This paper reviews the ethnopharmacology, pharmacology, toxicology, modern pharmaceutical uses and phytochemistry of Zataria multiflora, and highlights the gaps in our knowledge deserving further research. Materials and methods: All relevant databases were searched for the terms “Zataria”, “Zataria multiflora”, “Shirazi thyme” and “Iranian thyme” without limitation up to 24th October 2012. Information on Zataria multiflora was collected via electronic search using Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and SID (for articles in Persian language), and local books on ethnopharmacology. Results: ZM has played an important role in Iranian traditional medicine. In light of the modern pharmacological and clinical investigations, ZM is a valuable medicinal and condimental plant that has anti-microbial, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic and anti-nociceptive properties. The oil of ZM contains high percentages of oxygenated monoterpenes, in particular thymol and carvacrol, and exhibits excellent anti-microbial properties. Conclusions: Overall, antimicrobial property appears to be the most interesting studied biological effect of ZM. The lack of a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of ZM is an important limitation that can be noted regarding most of the previous studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Zataria mul tifl ora Boiss (Z. multiflora) were reported in previous studies which is using in traditional and modern medicine. This plant is traditional used as an anti-tussive agent and for the management of respiratory disorders. The preventive effect of the extract of leaves and stems of Z. multiflora on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, hematological indices, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum and supernatant of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and gene expression of IL-10 in these cells in asthmatic patients was studied. 36 asthmatic patients in three groups (randomly divided) of placebo group (P), two groups treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day doses of Z. multiflora (Z5 and Z10) for two months completed the study. Drugs were administered double-blindly and different variables were assessed before and after (one and two months) starting treatment including respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), hematological indices, hs-CRP, serum and supernatant levels as well as gene expression of IL-10. Two months treatment with Z5 and Z10 led to significant reduction of respiratory symptoms (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Pulmonary function test values in treated groups were also significantly increased two months after starting treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Total WBC, monocytes and eosinophils were also decreased in treated groups with the extract at the end of study period (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Hemoglobin and hematocrit in Z10 treated group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in both treated groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) were significantly reduced. In addition, the level of hs-CRP in both treated groups was significantly reduced after two months (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). IL-10 concentration in Z10 treated group in supernatant of PBMC was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.01). All comparisons were made compared to the baseline (beginning of the treatment) values. Z. multiflora improved respiratory symptoms and increased pulmonary function tests in asthmatic patients. In addition, the plant was effective in decrement of inflammatory cells and hs-CRP as well as enhanced IL-10. Therefore, the plant showed possible preventive therapeutic effect on asthma. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has several traditional uses owing to its antiseptic, aesthetic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal properties. We aimed to investigate the effect of Z. multiflora on serum cytokine levels and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients exposed to sulfur mustard (SM) for a long term (27–30 years). Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to the placebo group (P) and two experimental groups treated with Z. multiflora extracts, i.e., 5 and 10 mg/kg/day (Z5 and Z10). Serum levels of cytokines including IL (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) and IFN-γ as well as PFT indices such as maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and maximum expiratory flow at 25, 50, and 75% of vital capacity (VC) (MEF25, 50, and 75) were assessed at the beginning (phase 0) and at the end of 4 and 8 weeks (phases I and II, respectively) after starting the treatment. Serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly decreased, while serum levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the Z5 and Z10 treatment groups in phases I and II as compared to those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). MMEF and MEF25, 50, and 75 values were significantly increased in the Z5 group in phase II and in the Z10 group in phases I and II compared to those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The percent change in serum cytokine levels and the change in MEF25, 50, and 75 during the two-month treatment period were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the placebo group. Two months of treatment with Z. multiflora reduced inflammation, while it enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines and improved PFT indices in SM-exposed patients. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and effect of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 balance were previously described. Different therapeutic effects of this plant have been described in Iranian traditional medicine. To evaluate the immune modulatory effects of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 balance, which may be implicated in inflammatory disorders, in vitro and in vivo studies were carried out., Materials and Methods: The effects of three concentrations of the extract, dexamethasone, and saline on interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) gene expression were evaluated in phytohemagglutinin (PHA) stimulated and non-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). RNA was extracted from the hPBMCs to make cDNA for real time PCR relative quantification. Furthermore, the effect of the extract on serum level of IL-4 and IFN-γ was assessed in ovalbumin (OA) sensitized guinea pigs (n=6 for each group)., Results: Dexamethasone showed significant inhibitory effect on both IFN-γ and IL-4 gene expression and serum level of the cytokines and significantly enhanced IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (p<0.05-p<0.001). The extract inhibited IL-4 and enhance IFN-γ gene expression and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio too (p<0.05-p<0.001). In sensitized animals also serum level of IL-4 were significantly decreased after treatment with both dexamethasone and extract, but serum level of IFN-γ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio were significantly increased due to extract treatment (p<0.01 for medium and p<0.001 for high concentration)., Conclusions: These results indicated consistent in vitro and in vivo data for selective immune modulatory effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora which increased IFN-γ, decreased IL-4, and enhanced the ratio of IFN-γ to IL-4 (Th1/Th2 balance). Therefore, the extract of Zataria multiflora may have therapeutic value in inflammatory responses such as allergy, autoimmunity and infectious diseases associated with Th1/Th2 imbalance., (© 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)