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Global threat resulting in heavy metal contamination of medicinal plants is considered a serious concern. The quantitative evaluation of four heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), was investigated frequently sold medicinal plants in the markets of Iran. Two medicinal plants, Mentha piperita L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss. were selected from six different herbalists of six districts of Shiraz, Iran. The dissolution of the sample was performed by a conventional wet acid digestion method, and heavy metal levels were determined using Polarograph. Statistical Analysis was used by SPSS.21. According to the achieved results in M.piperita the levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu were in the range of 2.66 ± 0.76 mg/kg, 0.017 ± 0.009 mg/kg, 0.092 ± 0.069 mg/kg, and 0.237 ± 0.080 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in Z. multiflora samples were 1.46 ± 0.74 mg/kg, 0.019 ± 0.004 mg/kg, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg, and 0.41 ± 0.17 mg/kg, respectively. There was a correlation between Zn with Cu in our finding (r = 0.9). Based on these results, we found that the concentration of heavy metals in these two medicinal plants was not more than the standard concentration reported for similar plants. It appears that these plants are generally safe in usual doses. The finding of this study can be used to determine standard heavy metals limits in M.piperita and Z.multiflora in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The wound healing process involves a complex series of biological events. Skin grafts have several uses as a reconstructive method. There are several dressings for the skin graft donor site, but the optimum dressing agents that provide all the requirements at the same time are unclear. This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Zataria multiflora cream in the wound healing process of partial-thickness skin graft donor sites and compared it with a placebo. Materials and Methods: This clinical trial study was performed on patients who underwent split-thickness skin grafts. Enrolled patients applied Z. multiflora cream and placebo controlled (petrolatum ointment) twice a day, from the day of intervention at the skin graft donor sites in two parts, separately. On 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after surgery, the wound healing process was evaluated, photographed, and scored according to the Bates-Jensen assessment tool. Evidence of infection was evaluated. The main agent and placebo were compared during the wound healing process. Results: Decreases in wound surface area and total score were significantly greater in the Z. multiflora group (p < 0.05). The wounds of 30% of patients in the second week and 90% of patients in the third week were completely epithelialized in the Z. multiflora group. These values were 3.3% and 36.7% for the control group, respectively, and so, the healing rate was ∼9-fold in the second week and 2.45-fold in the third week in the Z. multiflora group compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Wound healing and reepithelialization accelerated significantly in the first, second, third, and fourth week after intervention in the Z. multiflora treatment group, due to modulating the inflammatory phase and improving the proliferative phase. Clinical Trial Registration Number: IRCT20210624051695N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The anti-inflammatory effects of exercise training and zataria multiflora have been proven. In the present study, researcher investigated the effect of eight weeks combined exercise training and Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) supplement on the levels of IL-1β and insulin resistance in overweight and obese men. Materials and Methods: The 40 overweight and obese men with average age of 27.73 ± 2.15 years old and average body mass index (BMI) 28.41 ± 1.75 kg/m² were randomly divided into four groups including the placebo, Z. multiflora, combined training, and training + Z. multiflora. Combined exercise training program conducted for eight weeks and three sessions per week. Z. multiflora supplement was also consumed at 500 mg daily. Blood sampling was performed before and 48 hours after the eight weeks intervention. The levels of IL-1β and insulin were measured by ELISA method. Data were analyzed by analysis of covariance and Bonferroni post hoc test. Results: The levels of IL-1β in training and training + Z. multiflora groups significantly decreased compared to placebo and Z. multiflora groups (P < 0.001). In addition, significant decrease of insulin resistance in training group compared to placebo (P < 0.001) and Z. multiflora (P = 0.003) groups, and also in training + Z. multiflora group compared to placebo and Z. multiflora groups were observed (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Combined training alone or in combination with Z. multiflora supplementation can exert anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, Z. multiflora supplementation cause the relative increase in exercise training effect for decrease in IL-1β and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial effect of Deconex Surface, a common disinfectant, and Zataria multiflora essence on microbial load of Emergency ambulance equipment in Iran. The samples were selected from all the ambulances through convenience sampling. Before the intervention, the cultures were obtained from the contact surfaces and the surfaces were then disinfected with Deconex and Zataria multiflora. Then, repeated cultures were obtained from the same surfaces. Next, the samples were immediately sent to a microbiology lab. The obtained data were entered into SPSS 2016 and analyzed using statistical tests. Results showed that disinfecting effect of Zataria multiflora is better than Deconex in eliminating certain bacterial species such as Staphylococcus and Bacillus. So Zataria multiflora essence can be used as a surface and hospital equipment disinfectant along with other disinfectant compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of natural substances could reduce consumption of synthetic agents in food industry for inhibition the growth of pathogens. Plants attract the main concentration on this topic, on the other hand Iran with special conditions has a good potential for growing the plants that have medical application. Zataria multiflora is growing in different part of Iran has antibacterial and antioxidant activity that could be used in food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of Zataria multiflora on Aeromonas hydrophila and the use of essence as a coat to improve the shelf life of perca filet. Fresh Zataria multiflora harvested essence was prepared by using the Clevenger apparatus. Then antibacterial property of Zataria multiflora was determined by mirobroth dilution method for measuring the minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) at laboratory scale. Finally, chemical composition of essence was assayed by Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-mass), also five different levels of essence (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1 percentage) were used as a food coat in perca filet. Results showed that MIC and MBC were 250 and 125 μg/ml against Aeromonas hydrophila, respectively. Also results showed that the efficacy of essence extraction was 1.84 percent, and the higher compound in Zataria multiflora essence was thymol (40.5 %) and the lower substance was alfa-humolen (0.03 %). Also, results documented that the use of two level of essence (0.1 and 0.5 percent) of essence in perca filet could statistically increase the shelf life than the control, as well as improve the organoleptic properties. It’s should be concluded that the use of Zataria multiflora essence as food coat by inhibition the bacteria increase shelf life of perca filet at refrigerator storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inhaled paraquat induced lung injury and inflammation in rat. • Zataria multiflora improved inflammation induced by paraquat similar to dexamethasone effect. • Pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, also improved inflammation induced by inhaled paraquat. • Zataria multiflora extract showed synergic effects with pioglitazone. The effects of a PPAR-γ agonist, pioglitazone and Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced lung oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological changes and tracheal responsiveness were examined. The study was carried out in control rats exposed to normal aerosol of saline, PQl and PQh groups exposed to aerosols of 27 and 54 mg/m3 PQ, groups exposed to high PQ concentration (PQh) and treated with 200 and 800 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora , 5 and 10 mg/kg/day pioglitazone, low doses of Z. multiflora + pioglitazone, and 0.03 mg/kg/day dexamethasone. Increased tracheal responsiveness, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and lung pathological changes due to PQh were significantly improved by high doses of Z. multiflora and pioglitazone, dexamethasone and extract + pioglitazone, (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In group treated with low doses of the extract + pioglitazone, the improvements of most measured variables were significantly higher than the low dose of two agents alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Z. multiflora improved lung injury induced by inhaled PQ similar to dexamethasone and pioglitazone which could be mediated by PPAR-γ receptor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. belonging to the family Lamiaceae is an important folkloric medicinal plant in Fars province, Southwestern Iran. In this study, essential oil constituents, phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities from the aerial parts of Z. multiflora collected from different natural habitats of Fars province were investigated. The essential oil of all samples was extracted by hydro-distillation using Clevenger type apparatus and analyzed using GC and GC-MS. The main chemical constituents were, thymol (34.41 - 54.35 %), p-cymene (9.49 - 19.85 %), γ-terpinene (7.34 - 16.70 %), carvacrol (5.35 - 15.34 %) and α-pinene (1.63 - 5.25 %). The total phenolic content and the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts were determined with the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and by the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay, respectively. Total phenols varied from 234.66 to 302.28 mg gallic acid equivalents/g dry weight, and IC50 values in the radical scavenging assay ranged from 348.63 to 453.76 mg/mL. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils was individually evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans using disc diffusion and serial dilution methods. The oils obtained from different geographical habitat showed high activity against four medically important pathogens. The results support the traditional usage and also possible use of Z. multiflora essential oil and extracts in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) from Lamiaceae family, is an herb native to Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan with a history of use both as a condiment and a traditional medicine. The herb and/or its preparations have also shown promising effects in modern pharmacological studies. With regard to the importance of reducing synthetic drug administration both as growth promoters and therapeutic agents in poultry industry, this review is a short account of current knowledge about the beneficial effects of this herb on broiler health and performance parameters based on published materials in different databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scientific Information Database, Scopus, etc. It seems that ZM, possibly due to the presence of thymol and carvacrol as its main constituents, can affect broiler's health especially with regard to its antioxidant effects, immunomodulatory properties and proper effects on gut bacterial pathogens and/or microbiota. It should be kept in mind that although major constituents of ZM essential oil (as the most studied preparation of the herb) are relatively similar, their relative content may show a broad range that can subsequently affect the outcome of ZM essential oil administration to broilers. Overall, ZM is a pluripotent herb and its effect on broilers should be more clarified in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable Bowel syndrome (IBS), the most common chronic functional gastrointestinal disorder, is categorized as IBS-C and IBS-D, which are equivalent to Ghoolenj Rihi and Maghs Rihi in Iranian traditional medicine. One of the main applications of Zataria multiflora Boiss in traditional medicine is its efficacy in the gastrointestinal tract with symptoms such as IBS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Zataria multiflora essential oil in management of IBS. We used all the accessible references (electronic and published books, theses, and reports) to write this article. The results of our investigation show that the majority of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses exhibited carvacrol and thymol as the main components of Zataria multiflora essential oil, and 60 drops oral daily dose of Z. multiflora essential oil (2%) can relieve the symptoms of IBS without any adverse effects. The pharmacological studies confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasm and antiulcer effects of Z. multiflora essential oils and main components. According to the results of studies, oral Z. multiflora essential oil (2%) is a good candidate for management of IBS, but more studies are required to better understand its efficacies. [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]

• Due to changes in environmental factors, Zataria multiflora is endangered. Therefore, spatial modeling was used to protect its habitat. • Required spheres include ecology, spatial modeling, ecological modeling, machine learning. • Using of machine-learning model for habitat suitability mapping and determining the effective factor by PLS algorithm. • The MDA model was the best model for determining habitat suitability. • Habitat suitability maps prevent Z. multiflora. extinction. Understanding the relationships between environmental factors that influence the distribution of medicinal plants is crucial to identifying suitable habitats for them. Studies have shown that the responses of such species to environmental influences is unclear. A region known as one of the most important areas for Zataria multiflora is Fars Province in southwestern Iran. This study determines the importance of 13 environmental factors (elevation, distance from rivers, distance from roads, pH, electrical conductivity, mean annual temperature, mean annual rainfall, slope angle, slope aspect, plan curvature, and soil properties) to the distribution of Zataria multiflora. The suitable habitats for Zataria multiflora are distinguished by the species-variable relationships and the application of five machine-learning techniques (MLTs): generalized linear model (GLM), generalized boosting model (GBM), boosted regression tree (BRT), functional discrimination analysis (FDA), and mixture discriminant analysis (MDA). The partial least-squares algorithm was used to determine the rank of importance of each variable. The results reveal that the most important factors influencing Zataria multiflora distribution are slope, elevation, EC, and mean annual temperature. The MLTs were applied, and the predictions were classified into four classes (very high, high, moderate, and low). Results indicate that the region of low habitat suitability is in the central portion of the study area and the percentages of the study area classified as having low potential are: 62.01% for GLM, 74.51% for MDA, 63.56% for FDA, 70.14% for GBM, and 23.19% for BRT. The models accuracies as indicated by AUC are MDA (93.6%), GBM (90.3%), GLM (89.1%), FDM (88.1%), and (83.4%). Modeling of habitat suitability can improve farmers' and managers' decisions regarding the protection of medicinal plants. [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]

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: 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., Aim of the Study: 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., Materials and Methods: 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., Results: 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., Conclusion: 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., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial properties of herbal plant essential oils (EOs) from selected Iranian plant species such as Ferulago angulata, Zataria multiflora, Cuminum cyminum, and Mentha longifolia against antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. For this purpose, the Escherichia coli strains, isolated from raw cow's milk and local dairy products (yogurt, cream, whey, cheese, and confectionery products) collected from different areas of Hamedan province, Iran, were investigated for their resistance to antibiotics (i.e., streptomycin, tetracycline, gentamicin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, and cefixime). Thus, the E. coli strains were tested for their susceptibility to the above-mentioned essential oils. Regarding antibiotics, the E. coli strains were highly sensitive to ciprofloxacin. In relation to essential oils, the most effective antibacterial activity was observed with Zataria multiflora; also, the bacteria were semi-sensitive to Cuminum cyminum and Mentha longifolia essential oils. All strains were resistant to Ferulago angulata essential oil. According to the results, the essential oil of Zataria multiflora can be considered as a practical and alternative antibacterial strategy to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli of dairy origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of water stress, salinity, and defoliation on growth of four medicinal plants--Shiraz thyme (Zataria mulliflora), kakooti (Ziziphora clinopodioides), garden thyme (Thynius vulgaris), and cat thyme (Teucrium polium)--were evaluated in greenhouse experiments. Water stress and defoliation were studied using a completely randomized factorial design with three replications and four levels of water potential (-0.03, -0.5, -1.0, and -1.5 megapascals) and three levels of defoliation (0%, 25%, 50%). Salinity and defoliation were studied in a split plot with a completely randomized block design and three replications using three levels of salinity (0, 5, 10 ds.m-1) in the main plots and a combination of three levels of defoliation (0%, 25%, 50%) for four plant species allocated in subplots. Measurements on relative chlorophyll content (SPAD readings), stomatal resistance, temperature within the plant community, leaf-to-stem ratio, specific leaf weight, and root-to-top ratio indicated drought stress increased chlorophyll content in kakooti, specific leaf weight in Shiraz thyme, and kakooti and temperature in Shiraz thyme and cat thyme as compared with controls. Defoliation, however, reduced chlorophyll in Shiraz thyme, kakooti, and cat thyme, specific leaf weight in Shiraz thyme, kakooti and garden thyme, and leaf-to-stem ratio in Shiraz thyme as compared with controls. Increased salinity levels reduced chlorophyll content and increased stornatal resistance in all species. A significant negative correlation was noted between salinity and leaf-to-stem ratio and between drought stress and leaf-to-stem ratio for all species. With increased defoliation intensity, the root-to-top ratio for Shiraz thyme and garden thyme decreased but was increased in kakooti and cat thyme. A significant positive correlation was observed between the root-to-top ratio and drought levels. Kakooti was the most drought-resistant, and garden thyme had lowest resistance to drought and defoliation stresses but was the most resistant to salinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the protective effect of Zataria multiflora extract, an antioxidative medicinal plant, against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced oxidative lung damage in mice., Methods: Mice were intraperitoneally pre-treated with various doses of Zataria multiflora extract (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Animals were then injected with a single 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of CP 1 h after the last administration of O. vulgare. Twenty-four hours later, mice were euthanized, the lungs were immediately removed, and biochemical and histological studies were conducted., Results: A single dose of CP markedly altered the levels of several biomarkers associated with oxidative stress in lung homogenates. Pretreatment with Zataria multiflora significantly inhibited the elevation of lipid peroxidation level and the depletion in glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities induced by CP in lung. In addition, Zataria multiflora effectively alleviated CP-induced histopathological abnormality and pulmonary damages in mice lung tissues., Conclusions: The results reveal that Zataria multiflora protects lung tissues from CP-induced toxicity and suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of lung toxicity produced by CP in mice. Because Zataria multiflora has been extensively used as an additive agent and is regarded as safe, it may be used concomitantly as a good supplement for reducing organ toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy, besides their consolidated ethnopharmacological uses.

Background: Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel (ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied., Objective: This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance., Design, Setting, Participants and Interventions: In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment; group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment and group C (control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment., Main Outcome Measures: Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × FBS (mg/dL)/405., Results: The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference (P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS. No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups., Conclusion: In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size., Trial Registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976N1., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: To investigate the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on endothelin level, total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count of sensitized guinea pigs., Methods: Five groups of guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three concentrations of Z. multiflora (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL as groups S+Z1, S+Z2 and S+Z3) and dexamethasone (group S+D), n=6 for each group. The endothelin levels as well as total and differential WBC count in blood of sensitized and control guinea pigs were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and hemocytometer and Wright-Giemsa's staining of blood sample smear respectively., Results: Blood endothelin levels, total and most differential WBC count were increased but lymphocytes decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (allP <0.01). In groups S+D, S+Z2 and S+Z3 endothelin level, total and differential WBC counts were significantly improved compared with group S (P <0.01). Although, all measured parameters in group S+Z1 was lower than group S+D (P <0.01), some parameters in group S+Z3 were greater than in group S+D (P <0.05 toP <0.01)., Conclusion: The results showed an anti-inflammatory effect of Z. multiflora extract in sensitized guinea pigs, which may suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant on asthma.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has several traditional uses owing to its antiseptic, aesthetic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal properties., Aim of the Study: 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)., Materials and Methods: 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., Results: 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., Conclusions: Two months of treatment with Z. multiflora reduced inflammation, while it enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines and improved PFT indices in SM-exposed patients., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Mycobacterium tuberculosis as an intracellular pathogen causes Tuberculosis (TB). Due to the long time required for treatment, hepatotoxicity of drugs and also emergence of Multidrug-Resistant (MDR) and Extremely Drug Resistant (XDR) strains, TB is currently a major public health problem. Some medicinal plants possess remarkable activity against Mycobacterium. Among them, Lamiaceae family are of pharmaceutical interest because of their potential antimicrobial properties. The aim of the study was to evaluate the in vitro activities of Satureja rechingeri, Satureja khuzestanica and Zataria multiflora against MDR M. tuberculosis and two Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM)., Methods: The essential oils were prepared by the standard method. The confirmed strains were obtained from the microbial collection of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of essential oils of plants against mycobacterial strains were determined using standard broth microdilution method., Results: MDR M. tuberculosis was completely inhibited by Z. multiflora at 78µg/ml concentration. S. rechingeri and S. khuzestanica also showed same anti-mycobacterial activity against MDR M. tuberculosis with MICs of 156 µg/ml. The MICs of the essential oils against M. tuberculosis H37Rv, M. kansasii and M. fortuitum were in the range from 39 to 156 µg/ml., Conclusion: The studied medicinal plants showed notable effects against mycobacterial strains. Our results indicated that utilization of Lamiaceae family can be helpful for treatment of mycobacterial infections., (Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.net.)