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Introduction: Zataria multiflora Boiss. is an indigenous herbal plant found in many parts of Iran. This herb is traditionally used as a remedy for treating gastrointestinal disorders including diarrhea. Despite the existence of few pharmacological evidences which support the antispasmodic action of Z. multiflora in vitro, there is no scientific report about therapeutic efficacy of Z. multiflora in animal models. The objective of this research was to investigate the antispasmodic activity of hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of Z. multiflora on intestinal peristaltic movement as well as assessment of its antidiarrheal action in mice. Methods: Dried leafy branches of Z. multiflora were coarsely powdered and subjected to extraction by ethanol or hexane in a percolator apparatus. Antispasmodic activity of Z. multiflora in vivo was assessed by investigating effect of the extracts on intestinal charcoal meal transit. The antidiarrheal activity of Z. multiflora extracts was evaluated by castor oil and magnesium sulfate‑induced diarrhea. The inhibitory effects of the extracts were compared with the standard drug loperamide. Results: The antispasmodic activity of Z. multiflora (20 & 40 mg/kg) hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts was confirmed by a reduction in the distance traveled by charcoal meal alongside the small intestine. Z. multiflora extracts (20 & 40 mg/kg) also significantly attenuated the castor oil and magnesium sulfate‑induced diarrhea. Loperamide was more efficacious in reducing number of total stools in both models of diarrhea. Conclusion: The obtained results have established a pharmacological evidence for the folkloric use of the Z. multiflora as an antidiarrhoeal and spasmodic agent.

Poultry meat is a kind of perishable food. The growth of pathogenic microorganisms may occur in chicken meat during storage in the refrigerator. Microbial growth causes a serious hazard to the safety of the food consumer. The aim of this study was to compare antimicrobial properties of Thymus vulgaris (TEO) and Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) and the effect of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) films containing essential oil on shelf life of chicken meat during 9 days at 4° C. Essential oil was extracted by distillation. At first, antimicrobial activities of CMC film containing essential oil and control films were analyzed by disc diffusion assay. After that, three treatments of chicken fillets including untreated-control (C), coating carboxymetyl cellulose (CMC), and CMC with 2.4% Zataria multiflora essential oil (CMC-Z) were prepared. The microbial shelf life of treatment were determined in 3 days interval at 4 ̊° C. The results showed that antimicrobial properties of Thymus vulgaris and Zataria multiflura essential oil, ZEO containing film had efficient inhibitory effect compared to TEO, thus film incorporated with ZEO was selected for shelf life studies. Also the results revealed that total viable count (TVC) population of fillets increased during shelf life and exceeded 6.81 log cfu g -1 for CMC sample on day 8. For CMC-Z treatments, this deadline was achieved after 9 days. Coating chicken meat sample with CMC film could decrease TVC population compared to the control sample (p

Antifungal activity of essential oils (EOs) of Zataria multiflora (thyme) and Syzygium aromaticum (clove) against Aspergillus flavus growth and aflatoxin B1 production was studied in potato dextrose agar (PDA) and potato dextrose broth (PDB), as well as in Iranian white cheese as a food model. The results showed that the inhibitory potential of EOs in the PDB medium is more than PDA medium. Clove EO on PDB medium prevented fungal growth and aflatoxin B1 production at 300 and 100 ppm, respectively. However, the thyme EO was not able to inhibit fungal growth completely and showed the strongest inhibition effect at 400 ppm. EOs also had more inhibitory activity in laboratory culture media than the food environments. EOs in all concentrations reduced aflatoxin B1 production and fungal growth in cheese, but only the clove EO at 150 ppm was able to prevent the fungal growth and aflatoxin B1 production completely. Thyme EO reduced aflatoxin B1 value to below detection threshold (2 ppb) at 10 μl. Our findings propose EOs as a natural inhibitor to control fungal contamination of foodstuffs such as Iranian white cheese.

Albendazole is the drug of choice for chemotherapy of cystic echinococcosis (CE) but 40% of patients do not respond to it satisfactorily. With regard to the previously reported scolicidal activity of Zataria multiflora, this study was done to evaluate the efficacy of the co-administration of albendazole and Z. multiflora aromatic water (AW) on hydatid cysts in a murine model.Laboratory mice were infected with 1,500 viable protoscoleces. After development of hydatid cysts, the infected mice were allocated into four treatment and one control group. The mice of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were treated orally with albendazole (100 mg/kg), Z. multiform AW (100 ml/l), albendazole (100 mg/kg) - Z. multiform AW and albendazole ((50 mg/kg) - Z. multiform AW respectively. Two months later, all the mice were euthanized and necropsied and the number, size and weight of hydatid cysts were compared between different groups.The size of the largest cysts, as well as the total weight of cysts, were significantly lower (p.05) in the mice treated with albendazole (50 mg/kg) - Z. multiflora AW in comparison to those treated with albendazole (100 mg/kg) alone.The results of this study revealed the superiority of co-administration of albendazole and Z. multiflora AW to albendazole alone in the treatment of CE in laboratory mice. Since Z. multiflora AW is a safe and useful drink, it may be used successfully to enhance the therapeutic effect of albendazole in the patients infected with hydatid disease.

In in vitro process of this study, protoscoleces of the hydatid cysts were exposed to two concentrations of nano emulsion (NE) of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) (1 and 2mg/mL) for 10 and 20min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using 0.1% eosin staining. For in vivo studies, sixteen laboratory mice were infected intraperitoneally by 1500 live protoscoleces. Five months after infection, the infected mice were divided into treatment and control groups. The mice of treatment group received the NE of ZMEO (20mg/kg) orally via their drinking water while the mice of control group received no treatment. Two months after the start of treatment, all of the mice were necropsied and the hydatid cysts were collected. Subsequently, the numbers, sizes and weights of the collected cysts were compared between the mice of two groups. The results of in vitro scolicidal assays showed that the scolicidal power of NE of a ZMEO at concentration of 1mg/mL was 88.01%, and 100% after 10 and 20min respectively. NE of ZMEO showed 100% scolicidal power at a concentration of 2mg/mL after 10min (comparing to 4.46% for the control group). The results of in vivo studies revealed that the size of the largest cysts as well as the total number of the cysts were significantly lower in the mice treated with NE of ZMEO (P

Objective: The preventive effect of Zataria multiflora in animal models of asthma has been reported. In the present study, its effect on wheezing, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, and plasma nitrite (NO2-) in asthmatic patients was studied. Materials and Methods: In this study, forty asthmatic patients including 15 males and 25 females (aged 45.8±6.21 years) were randomly allocated in four groups including placebo group (P), and three treatment groups which received two doses of Z. multiflora (groups Z low and Z high that received 5 and 10 mg/kg/day, respectively) and carvacrol (group C treated with 1.2 mg/kg/day). All patients were treated for two months in a double-blind manner. At three time points (before starting the treatment (pretreatment), and one and two month after treatment), wheezing during day and exercise, forced expiratory volume in 1 second and NO2- were measured. Results: Day wheeze and exercise wheeze were significantly reduced in treated groups with carvacrol and both doses of Z. multiflora compared to pretreatment (p1% was significantly increased in treated groups with carvacrol and both doses of Z. multiflora (p2- was also significantly decreased in Z high and carvacrol groups after two months of treatment (p Conclusion: Z. multiflora and its constituent, carvacrol, improved FEV1% while reduced wheezing and plasma level of NO2- in asthmatic patients. Therefore, a possible therapeutic potential for this plant and its constituent, carvacrol could be suggested to be used against asthma.

The present study was conducted to investigate the inhibitory effect of alginate coating incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and lactoperoxidase system (LPOS), individual...

Summary Introduction: In Iranian traditional medicine, Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae family) is reputed due to its antiseptic effects. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and biofilm killing effects of Z. multiflora essential oil and main components against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: The main components of essential oil were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antibacterial properties of Z. multiflora oil and main components were determined by assessing the MIC and MBC values, and their inhibition percent of biofilm killing effects were determined by the evaluation of optical density. The role of each main component in these activities was determined according to the chemical profiles of essential oil. Results: Thymol (38.7%), carvacrol (30.6%), and p-cymene (8.3%) were main components of twenty five components of essential oil. Carvacrol had the higher role in antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, followed by thymol. P-cymene enhanced the antibacterial activities of thymol and carvacrol against P. aeruginosa. Carvacrol showed the weak role in biofilm killing effect. In spite of the low antibacterial activity of p-cymene against P. aeruginosa, it can enhance the antibacterial activity of thymol or carvacrol. Conclusion: Z. multiflora essential oil can be used for the management of P. aeruginosa infections. Determining the precise role of each components needs investigating in their behavior in different media.

Zein films loaded with 5 or 10% of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (ZEO) were successfully obtained. Migration of antimicrobial carvacrol and thymol, major components of ZEO, was monitored at different temperatures and with different food simulants, and apparent diffusion was calculated. Antimicrobial properties of the films were assayed in vapour phase and liquid medium. The results showed that films containing 5% ZEO achieved reductions of 1.18 log and 1.14 log against L. monocytogenes and E. coli , respectively, and the log reduction value increased to 2.16 log and 2.65 log for films with 10% ZEO. However, the films lacked antimicrobial activity when tested in vapour phase. Finally, thin zein films loaded with 10% ZEO were successfully applied as a coating on PP bags. The effectiveness of the active bags was tested in a more complex medium than liquid bacterial growth media, that is cow's milk inoculated with the above microorganisms. This work offers a successful approach on the use of zein proteins for active food packaging.

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate antimicrobial effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (EO) against six fish spoilage bacteria for evaluation of its potential utilization in the preservation of minimally processed fish products. Methods: Firstly, GC-MS analysis of the EO was performed to determine its chemical composition. Then, antibacterial effect of the EO in a range of 0.031 to 4 mg/ml was tested against different fish spoilage bacteria such as Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Shewanella putrefaciens, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis by broth microdilution method to determine minimum inhibitory (MIC) and minimum bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Results: GC-MS results showed that phenolic components such as carvacrol (51.55%) and thymol (25.49%) were predominant constituents of the EO. Zataria multiflora Boiss EO exhibited strong antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria. Shewanella Putrefaciens was the most sensitive bacteria with MBC value of 0. 5 mg/ml. Conclusion: According to the results, this EO could be used as an important natural alternative to prevent bacterial growth in food specially seafood products to preserve them against bacterial spoilage.

Background: Zataria multiflora boiss is a member of Lamiaceae family with antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate chemical composition and antibacterial effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil against two foodborne pathogens in meat. Methods: The inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil (Minimum inhibitory concentration and Minimum bactericidal concentration) was evaluated against Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes, inoculated in ground beef meat after 3, 5, 7 and 9 days of storage. Results: Result revealed 26 various compounds, representing 96.27% of total oil. Thymol was the most abundant compound among all constituents (29.2%). A significant reduction was observed in Salmonella typhimurium when adding 1 and 2% Zataria multiflora (p

The use of medicinal plants can be effective in increasing the growth of aquatic organisms and to promote a non-specific immune level to increase resistance to diseases in aquaculture. Zataria multiflora, a plant of the Lamiaceae family, is an example of such medicinal plants containing mainly thymol and carvacrol, with well-known antimicrobial and anti-fungal properties. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of thyme powder (Zataria multflora) on growth performance and serumic parameters of young common carp (Cyprinus carpio). Therefore, two hundred and forty fish, with initial weight of 20/27±5.13 g, were distributed among the treatments. Food was made with adding the powdered thyme in 4 formulations with 0 (control or Group 1), 50 (Group II), 100 (Group III) and eventually 150 ppm (Group IV) with a size of 4.3 mm. It was fed to the fish 3 to 4 times a day at a rate of 3-4% of their body weight, for 8 weeks. Specific growth rate and serumic parameters including total protein, albumin and globulin were measured and one-way ANOVA was used to compare the differences in the values of the variables studied in different treatments. Results showed that the average weight in group 3 (57/11±4/37) was significantly (p

This study evaluated the effects lavandula angustifolia (LAF) and its coadministration with Zataria multiflora (ZM) on the learning and memory of prenatal lead exposed adult male offspring ...

Direct introduction of essential oils (EOs) into biopolymer-based packaging materials faces various challenges such as insolubility and loss of activity. The aim of this study was increasing the bioactivity of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) through first making a nanoemulsion and then immobilizing within basil seed gum (BSG)-based film network. ZMEO (nano)emulsions were prepared using high intensity ultrasound approach at 150W and various sonication times (0, 2.5, 5 and 10min). An increase in the antibacterial activity of ZMEO nanoemulsion was observed by decreasing the nanoemulsion droplet size. Increasing nanoemulsion concentration in BSG film matrix improved the mechanical properties. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the presence of ZMEO nanoemulsions resulted in significant changes in the microstructure of BSG films. Antimicrobial films were effective against potential foodborne pathogens. This innovative incorporation of EOs into biopolymer-based films may have implications in extending the shelf life of food products through retarding the release of volatile constituents.

The effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on IFN-γ, FOXP3, IL-4, TGF-β, and IL-17 gene expression was evaluated in cultured splenocytes obtained from control, nontreated asthma or sensitized mice (group S), Sensetized animals treated with dexamethasone or three concentrations of Z. multiflora extract (200, 400 and 800 μg/ml) (n = 6, for each group). IFN-γ and FOXP3 gene expressions were significantly decreased (P

Introduction Atopic diseases are global concerns in the today’s industrialized world. Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic condition affecting 20% of individuals. This disorder is associated with remarkable morbidity and rising healthcare expenditure. Aim Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of a plant Zataria multiflora (ZM) with the common name of Shirazi thyme, a randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the alleviation of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Material and methods A total of 30 allergic rhinitis patients were randomly and equally assigned to experimental and control groups. Afterwards, the case group was treated with an extract of ZM and the control group with placebo for 2 months. Finally, the clinical signs and symptoms before and after the treatment according to the SNOT22 questionnaire were analysed. Results Comparing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and an average score of SNOT22 questionnaire between the two groups before the intervention provided some difference, which was significantly greater after the treatment. Based on this questionnaire, our patients in the ZM syrup group had lower grades than before the treatment and experienced amelioration. Conclusions Regarding the significant effect of the ZM syrup in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, its use is highly recommended. Since allergic rhinitis is a multifactorial condition, the use of herbal antioxidants along with conventional treatment would result in a more effective improvement of the disease.

Background: Trichomoniasis, due to Trichomonas vaginalis, is one of the most common sexually transmitted parasitic diseases in the world such as Iran. This systematic review aimed to explore the studies evaluating the medicinal herbs with anti- T. vaginalis activity which used in Iran. Methods: Articles published in 4 Persian and 4 English databases were obtained between 2000 and 2015 including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Magiran, Barakatkns (formerly IranMedex), Elm net, and SID (Scientific Information Database). Studies out of Iran, studies on animal models and articles on other parasite species than T. vaginalis were excluded from this review. Results: Twenty-one articles including in vitro experiments, met our eligibility criteria. Thoroughly, 26 types of plants were examined against T. vaginalis. Medicinal herbs such as Artemisia, Zataria multiflora, and Lavandula angustifolia are remarkably effective on T. vaginalis. As such, use of other parts of these plants in different concentrations and timelines is recommended for future in vivo studies. Conclusion: The present systematic review provides comprehensive and useful information about Iranian medicinal plants with anti-T. vaginalis activity, which would be examined in the future experimental and clinical trials and herbal combination therapy.

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), also known as Avishan-e-Shirazi, is a thymelike plant from the Lamiaceae family. The plant is native to Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Dried aerial parts of ZM are routinely used as a popular condiment. Moreover, this plant has a niche in traditional and folk medicine. Along with other beneficial properties, modern pharmacological studies performed in vitro or on animal models and clinical trials suggest positive effects of ZM on gastrointestinal disorders, including stomatitis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal infections, and colon cancer, as well as hepatoprotective effects against an array of noxious agents. Taken together, it seems that this plant has the criteria to be considered as a source for drug candidates with the potential to be used in gastrointestinal tract disorders.

The efficacy of Mentha piperita L, Zataria multiflora Boiss and Thymus vulgaris L essential oils (EOs) was evaluated for controlling the growth of Phytophthora drechsleri, the causative agent of damage to many crops that is consumed directly by humansMATERIALS AND METHODS: The essential oils used in this study was purchased from Magnolia Co, IranThe fungal growth was significantly reduced by increasing concentrations of tested essential oilsThe efficacy of Mentha piperita L, Zataria multiflora Boiss and Thymus vulgaris L essential oils (EOs) was evaluated for controlling the growth of Phytophthora drechsleri, the causative agent of damage to many crops that is consumed directly by humans.Methods: The EOs used in this study was purchased from Magnolia Co, Iran.Results: RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe fungal growth was significantly reduced by increasing concentrations of tested EOs. The complete reduction was obtained with Shirazi thyme at all concentrations, whereas the complete reduction for peppermint and thyme was observed at 0.4% and 0.8% (v/v) concentrations, respectively.The minimum inhibition was observed when 0.1% peppermint (MGI values of 9.37%) was used.The IC50, MIC and MFC values of Shirazi thyme was 0.053, 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively.MIC and MFC values of peppermint and thyme were recorded 0.4% and 0.8%, respectively.The results obtained from this study may contribute to the development of new antifungal agents to protect the crops from this pathogenic fungus and many agricultural plant pathogens causing drastic crop losses

Peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) have been reported to exhibit several biological beneficial activities. However, the biological activities related to anti-ageing have not been reported so far. In this study, we evaluated anti-aging properties of the peppermint and Shirazi thyme extracts in rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from bone marrow and adipose tissue. Beta-galactosidase staining revealed cellular anti-senescence-associated β-galactosidase in the treated stem cells. Significantly higher expression of anti-aging related gene, Nanog, and lower expression of aging-related genes, P53 and NF-kB were detected in the treated cells compared to the controls. Moreover, treatment was found to decrease the number of cells in the G2/M phase's indicating anti-apoptosis effect of the plant extracts. Overall, our finding revealed that peppermint and Shirazi thyme extracts can promote anti-aging process in mesenchymal stem cells.

For the first time, green synthesis of silver nanoparticles was developed by treating Ag+ ions with Zataria multiflora leaf extract. Leaf extract quantity, AgNO3 concentration and reaction temperature were determined as significant factors in the bioreduction reaction. Carbohydrates of the leaf extract were identified as the effective compound for reduction and capping of AgNPs. Also, TEM micrographs illustrated that micro and nano scale carbon-based materials act as structural scaffold for nucleation and growth of particles. Oxygen-bearing functional groups were identified as active groups for reduction of Ag+ ions. The prepared particles were spherical from 16.3 nm to 25.4 nm with mean particles size of 20.3 nm. © 2016 VBRI Press.

This study investigates the effects of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on the quality of catfish burger during storage at 4 °C. For this purpose, fish burgers were produced with 0, 0.2 and 0.4 % ZMEO and the changes in their TBA, PV, FFA, TVB-N, microbiological loads and appeal to consumers during storage were evaluated. The obtained results indicated that the best sensory quality was attained at the highest ZMEO concentration (0.4 %) compared with control samples. The storage time significantly affected the TBA, PV, FFA, TVB-N values, as treated samples with ZMEO showed lower values of lipid oxidation products compared with the control samples. Regarding to microbial load, samples treated with 0.2 and 0.4 % of ZMEO revealed significant reduction at 9th day of storage as compared with the control samples.

Zataria multiflora Boiss. is a rare aromatic species endemic to the southern and southwestern regions of Iran. It is a species that is not under cultivation anywhere else in the world and is only gathered from the wild by amateur collectors. Its cultivation and domestication is very limited. Hence, we investigated the seed germination behaviour and seedling growth of different ecotypes of Z. multiflora collected from 6 sites in Iran (Jam, Ab-garm, Layzangan, Dashte-khak, Kooh-namak, and Chehel-cheshmeh) in late spring. The experiment was carried out at College of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran, in 2012. The statistical differences among the ecotypes were determined through variance analysis (ANOVA). The results of the pot experiment showed that ecotype had a significant difference for the total germination percentage, number of leaves per plant, plant height, fresh mass, dry mass, relative water content, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Differences in growth performance were also noted in relation to the altitude of the six test populations: ecotypes at a higher altitude exhibited lower germination rates and plant height. This study is significant for land managers and conservation agencies with an interest in optimizing the germination of arid-zone seeds for rehabilitation of this threatened species.

Zein films assimilated with 1% monolaurin (ML) and 2 or 3% Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (ZEO) were developed and their antimicrobial effects against Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7 in vitro and in minced beef meat were determined. Zein films were developed using casting method. Films containing 1% ML + 3% ZEO had the highest swelling index (52.3%). Only ZEO containing films had a remarkable phenolic (13.53 mg gallic acid/g film) and plain zein films had no phenolic contents. Similar improvement were obtained for antioxidant activity of films containing ZEO. Antimicrobial activity was significantly increased by adding ZEO and ML which influenced by the concentrations of agents as well as type of bacteria, which L. monocytogenes was more susceptible than E. coli . In minced meat, the growth of L. monocytogenes was significantly inhibited by ML and/or ZEO containing films during 3 days of storage at 4 °C, whereas the growth of E. coli was only inhibited by films containing ZEO. The results showed the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of zein film by addition of ZEO and ML. In the case of combination, ZEO and ML had no additive or synergistic antimicrobial effects.

Three plants namely, Otostegia persica, Salvia mirzayanii and Zataria multiflora are used as antidiabetic agents in the traditional medicine of Hormozgan and Fars provinces, Iran. In this study, the inhibition of α-amylase by the ethanol extracts and fractions of aqueous extracts of these plants was investigated. To measure the enzyme inhibition, 5 and 20 mg/mL of the extracts, and to measure kinetic properties of the enzyme, 5 mg/mL of the extracts, were incubated with 0.5 % of starch (as substrate) and 20 µL of the enzyme. Kinetics studies of α-amylase showed that Km of the enzyme in Otostegia persica and Salvia mirzayanii in comparison with different concentrations of acarbose (0.5, 1 and 2 µM), increased and decreased, respectively. Km of the enzyme in the presence of Zataria multiflora in comparison with 2 µM of acarbose increased and in comparison with the other concentrations of acarbose (0.5 and 1 µM), it decreased. The inhibition of α-amylase by Otostegia persica, Salvia mirzayanii and Zataria multiflora was competitive, mixed and noncompetitive, respectively. The inhibition of α-amylase by acarbose was noncompetitive. Ethanol extracts of Otostegia persica (96.7 ± 1.05 %) and Zataria multiflora (59 ± 6.8 %), and water–methanol fractions of Salvia mirzayanii (94.8 ± 2.5 %) and Zataria multiflora (93.4 ± 2.2 %) had significant inhibitory effects on α-amylase, respectively.

Background and Objective: Considering the increasing tendency of public towards green consumption and the dangers of artificial additives, this study aimed to assess antibacterial activity of essential oils of Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Mentha piperita L., Zataria multiflora Boiss and Thymus vulgaris against three important pathogenic and spoilage bacteria (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Erwinia carotovora and Escherichia coli). After obtaining the essential oils from Magnolia Co., their antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth microdilution method by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50, MIC90) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). All experiments were performed in triplicate and the data were analyzed using the GraphPad software and Duncanchr('39')s new multiple range test. All essential oils showed antimicrobial activity in a concentration-dependent manner. Increasing the concentration of essential oils from 0.01% to 4% (v/v) significantly enhancing the antibacterial activity. The statistical calculations and comparison of data showed that the essential oils of C. zeylanicum and Z. multiflora performed better compared to the other two essential oils, due to having lower values of MIC50 (≤0.1%), MIC90 (≤0.4%) and MBC (≤1%) (P

Background and Objective: The spread of drug resistance in bacteria have prompted researchers to seek suitable alternative for antimicrobial drugs among various medicinal plants and nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of silver nanoparticles alone and in combination with methanol extract of Zataria multiflora on five Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Methods: Different concentrations of the nanoparticles and extract alone or in combination with each other were tested against the bacteria, using well diffusion method. Three concentration levels (lowest, average and highest) were prepared form the nanoparticles and the extract for the combination, and finally nine different combinations were prepared. Results: The extract and nanoparticles showed inhibitory effects against all the tested bacteria. The maximum diameter of growth inhibition zone in the presence of the extract and nanoparticles were observed in Streptococcus pyogenes (35.6mm) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (20.6mm), respectively. The maximum diameter of growth inhibition zone for the combination was measured in S. pyogenes (31mm). Conclusion: The combination of low concentrations of the plant extract and nanoparticles are more effective against bacteria, but the combination of their high concentrations reduce the antibacterial effects in some cases.

The effects of postharvest treatment with chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs = T1) and Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) incorporated in (ZEO@CSNPs = T2), on the shelf-life extension and antioxidant activities of whole cucumbers during storage were evaluated. Coated and control cucumbers were stored at 10 ± 1 °C with 90-95% RH for 21 days. Measurements of physicochemical and microbial growth were accomplished every 3 days. After 15 days, the fruit decay in the T2 coating was 2% vs. 12 and 97.7% in the T1 coated and uncoated fruit, respectively. Significant differences were obtained for weight loss, firmness, respiration rate, DPPH-radical scavenging activity, reducing power and microbial counts (P Industrial relevance Cucumber as a good source of antioxidants is one of the most popular and widely grown vegetable crops in the world. However, it has a short shelf-life ( On the other hand, the nano-/micro-encapsulation of EOs allows protection of their sensitive bioactive compounds from unfavorable environmental conditions and enhances their bioactivity during food processing and storage. So, in this study a new edible coating, consisting of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) incorporated into chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), was introduced to extend the shelf-life of cucumber as well as protect the bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties.

Background: Camellia sinensis and Zataria multiflora as the potent antioxidants and anti-inflammations are crucial in the management of wound therapy. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used for the proliferative potential on fibroblast cells and induction of inflammatory mediators. Objective: We examined the effects of LPS and herbal extracts combination in order to identify their mechanisms of action in fibroblast proliferation and tissue regeneration. Methods: Human foreskin fibroblasts were treated by Salmonella enterica LPS (100μg) and extracts (5%w/w). Tissues of male Balb/c mice were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days for biochemical and histopathological evaluations. Effects of LPS and extracts on cell viability, Nitric oxide (NO), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were examined respectively by XTT assay and related kits. Results: Our pathological investigations for Camellia sinensis and LPS co-treated group indicated inflammatory cells on day 1 and fibroblast proliferation through wound area on day 3. After wound modelling the samples features were the same but with the difference in groups treated by LPS and Camellia sinensis extract which dermis and epidermis were seen. The Camellia sinensis extract and LPS co-treated wounds were showed low levels of H2O2 and higher levels of NO compared to extract treated group (P

Background: Gold Nanoparticles (GNPs) are used in imaging and molecular diagnostic applications. As the development of a novel approach in the green synthesis of metal nanoparticles is of great importance and a necessity, a simple and safe method for the synthesis of GNPs using plant extracts of Zataria multiflora leaves was applied in this study and the results on GNPs’ anticancer activity against HeLa cells were reported. Methods: The GNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, DLS and Zeta-potential measurements. In addition, the cellular up-take of nanoparticles was investigated using Dark Field Microscopy (DFM). Induction of apoptosis by high dose of GNPs in HeLa cells was assessed by MTT assay, Acridin orange, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI double-labeling flow cytometry and caspase activity assay. Results: UV-visible spectroscopy results showed a surface plasmon resonance band for GNPs at 530 nm. FTIR results demonstrated an interaction between plant extract and nanoparticles. TEM images revealed different shapes for GNPs and DLS results indicated that the GNPs range in size from 10 to 42 nm. The Zeta potential values of the synthesized GNPs were between 30 to 50 Mev, indicating the formation of stable particles. As evidenced by MTT assay, GNPs inhibit proliferation of HeLa cells in dose-dependent GNPs and cytotoxicity of GNPs in Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell (BMSCs) was lower than cancerous cells. At nontoxic concentrations, the cellular up-take of the nanoparticles took place. Acridin orange and DAPI staining showed morphological changes in the cell’s nucleus due to apoptosis. Finally, caspase activity assay demonstrated HeLa cell’s apoptosis through caspase activation. Conclusion: The results showed that GNPs have the ability to induce apoptosis in HeLa cells.