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This study reports the efficacy of chitosan (CS) in combination with Zataria multiflora (ZEO) or Cinnamomum seylanicum (CEO) essential oil to inhibit Phytophthora drechsleri in vitro and on artificially infected cucumbers for a storage period of 10 days. The fungal growth significantly was reduced by increasing concentrations of ZEO, CEO and CS that CEO was the most effective. Moreover, combined treatments showed more significant mycelial inhibition results and reduction of the IC50, MIC and MFC values compared with pure EOs or CS (p

Multiple myeloma is a hematological malignancy with an aggressive and incurable course that affects plasma cells. Clinical symptoms of multiple myeloma include anemia, renal failure, bone lesions and elevated calcium levels. There has been a lot of attention to herbal medicine and its application in the treatment of human maladies including cancers. Zataria multiflora or traditionally known as Avishan-e-Shirazi is a valuable plant and it has been conventionally used for various therapeutic purposes. Its anti-tumor effects on some cancer cell lines have been previously reported. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of Zataria multiflora extract on multiple myeloma cell line. Throughout the study, Zataria multiflora methanolic extract was prepared. Then, the effect of Zataria multiflora extract was investigated on viability and metabolic activity of U266 cells using trypane blue dye exclusion test and MTT assay respectively. The effect of Zataria multiflora extract on the expression of p53, p21, c-myc, hTERT, and Bcl-xL was evaluated by qualitative real time-PCR. Cell viability and metabolic activity of U266 cells decreased following treatment with different concentrations of Zataria multiflora. Results of gene expression analysis showed up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of c-MYC after treatment with Zataria multiflora methanolic extract but the expression of p21, hTERT, and Bcl-xL did not significantly change. The results of our investigations revealed that Zataria multiflora extract has anti-tumor properties on U266 cell line through up-regulation of p53 and down-regulation of c-MYC. However, further investigations can unveil other anti-tumor properties.

Background Surgery is one of the most common strategies to treat hydatidosis reserved as a complementary treatment with chemical agents. Due to low efficacy and the adverse effects of these chemical agents, it is necessary to develop a new and effective scolicidal agent to prevent the recurrence of hydatidosis after surgery. Objectives The current study aimed at investigating the scolicidal effects of Berberis vulgaris, Peganom harmala, and Zataria multiflora methanolic extracts on protoscolices of hydatid cyst. Methods Protoscolices were aseptically obtained from sheep livers infected with hydatid cyst in Hamadan slaughterhouse (Hamadan, Iran). After methanol extraction of herbs, different concentrations of extracts were used in various exposure time for mortality rate assay of protoscolices in laboratory. Results The obtained results showed that various concentrations of B. vulgaris and Z. multiflora extracts could kill 100% of protoscolices after five minutes of exposure and the mean of mortality rate of protoscolices was remarkably higher in the experiment group comparison with that of the control group (P < 0.05). However, the current study findings showed that P. harmala extract at a higher concentration (100 mg/mL) killed 14%, 12%, 12.67%, 15.67%, and 17% of the protoscolices after 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 minutes of exposure, respectively. There was no significant difference between the experiment and control groups in terms of the mean of mortality rate (P > 0.05). Conclusions The current study findings showed that B. vulgaris and Z. multiflora extracts can be natural sources to develop new scolicidal agents used in hydatid cyst surgery to prevent recurrence of the disease. However, the in vitro examination revealed that the P. harmala extract had no strong scolicidal activities.

Objectives The hepatotoxicity induced by Acetaminophen (AAP) mostly mediated by effect on oxidative stress parameters. The Zataria multiflora (Z.M) is an herbal medicine with well-known antioxidant effect. The aim of this study is investigation of preventive effects of Z.M and Carvacrol (CAR) on AAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups including: 1) Control, 2) Acetaminophen (AAP), 3) and 4) CAR. The saline, Z.M (200 mg/kg) and CAR (20 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 6 days, after that AAP (600 mg/kg) was administrated in the 7th day. Blood sampling was performed on the first and last days. Also, the liver tissue was removed for evaluation of Malondyaldehide (MDA), Thiol content, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). Total Protein (tPro), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in liver tissue were evaluated. The changes (Δ) of enzymes activities were presented. Results The Δ GOT, Δ GPT and Δ ALP in CAR group significantly decreased compared to AAP group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) and Δ GPT in Z.M group was significantly reduced in comparison with AAP group (P < 0.05). Also, MDA, Thiol, SOD and CAT levels in treated groups were attenuated compared to AAP group (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001). Conclusion Z.M and CAR have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. CAR is more effective than Z.M. Based on the results. Z.M and CAR could be potent supplementary agents against hepatotoxicity of AAP in patients.

Thymus species are aromatic plants with diverse applications in food industries and medicine. This study was conducted to evaluate the potential effect of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) on callus proliferation and thymol and carvacrol production in three Thymus species, that is, T. vulgaris, T. daenensis, and T. kotschyanus, and Zataria multiflora. For this purpose, callus induction was performed on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different plant growth regulators (PGRs). After optimization of callus growth, the effects of different concentrations of ZnO NPs (100 and 150 mg L-1 ) were investigated. MS containing 2 mg L-1 of 2, 4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4-D) and 1 mg L-1 of kinetin (Kin) revealed significantly highest fresh weight (0.18 g) of callus in T. kotschyanus. Callus growth rate (0.079 mm day-1 ) was found highest in T. vulgaris under similar conditions. Moreover, highest callus induction (92.50%) was achieved by T. kotschyanus in MS containing 2.5 mg L-1 of 2,4-D. Regarding the highest content of thymol (22.8 mg L-1 ) and carvacrol (0.68 mg L-1 ) evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography, best results were achieved under 150 mg L-1 of ZnO NPs in T. kotschyanus and T. daenesis, respectively. This is simple and cost-effective method to be applied on industrial level for production of enhanced secondary metabolites content.

Background: Ready-to-cook breast chicken is susceptible to bacterial changes, which, in turn, adversely affect both food quality and consumers’ health. Objectives: This study was intended to investigate the antibacterial potency of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (ZEO) and ethanolic garlic extract (EGE) against four bacterial strains, namely S. aureus, B. licheniformis, E. coli O157:H7, and S. enteritidis in ready-to-cook breast chicken. Methods: Initially, minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were measured to define baseline concentrations for in-vivo applications. Afterward, the chicken pieces were contaminated with the given microorganisms before marinating them with ZEO and EGE. Cell viabilities were computed throughout storage at 4°C. A five-scale test was carried out to assess organoleptic features. Results and Conclusions: The findings indicated that the two agents could successfully reduce the bacterial growth although ZEO was more effective than EGE. A better in-vivo antimicrobial performance was observed for ZEO in contrast to EGE, approximately demonstrating a comparable behavior under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. The concentrations of EGE and ZEO with significant bacterial growth showed lower scores in the sensory survey.

BackgroundDespite growing demand for medicinal plants, there is little data about their use by patients with dyslipidemia. We aimed to determine the prevalence, pattern, and associated factors for the use of medicinal plants among patients with dyslipidemia.MethodsA 17-item semi-structured questionnaire was filled out by 195 patients with dyslipidemia in a cross-sectional study carried out in two academic endocrinology clinics in Shiraz, Iran. The questionnaire comprised of three main domains of demographic data (6 questions), clinical data (2 of them), and data related to the use of medicinal plants (totally 9 questions).ResultsA total of 77.4% of patients took medicinal plants. The most common medicinal herbs used by dyslipidemic patients wereZataria multiflora, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, andZingiber officinale. Duration of dyslipidemia was significantly longer in herbal users than non-herbal users (p=0.04). Patients believing that concomitant use of conventional drugs and herbal preparations had synergic positive effects in addition to those persuaded that herbal preparations possessed less side effects, were significantly more likely to use medicinal plants (p=0.008 and 0.005, respectively). Additionally, most of the medicinal herb users (87.4%) changed neither the pattern nor the dosage of their medications all during herbal preparations use.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated a high prevalence of medicinal plants’ use among patients with dyslipidemia, which was associated with the duration of dyslipidemia, patients’ viewpoints about herbal preparations’ synergic positive effects, and their fewer side effects.

Background The outbreak of MDR and XDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increased resistance to infection in burn patients recommend the issue of infection control. In this research, we study ZOUSH herbal ointment for gene silencing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods The herbal ZOUSH ointment was formulated by alcoholic extracts of plants Satureja khuzestaniea, Zataria multiflora, Mentha Mozaffariani Jamzad, honey, and polyurethane. The MIC and disk diffusion tests were examined by single, binary, tertiary and five compounds. Three-week-old mice were considered to be second-degree infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the interval of 5 days, cultures were done from the liver, blood, and wound by four consecutive quarters and counting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reported in the liver. In this study, silver sulfadiazine ointments and Akbar were used as a positive control. The gene gyrA reference was used as the control. Real-time RT-PCR results were evaluated based on Livak as the comparative Ct method. Results The In vitro results indicated that wound infection was improved by healing wound size in the treatment groups compared to control treatment group. In this research, the changes in gene expression were evaluated by molecular technique Real-time RT-PCR. The results showed downregulation exoS, lasA, and lasB after treatment with ZOUSH ointment. SPSS Analyses showed that reduction of expressions in genes exoS, lasA and lasB after treatment with ZOUSH ointment were significantly meaningful (p

The biosynthesis of nanoparticles is widely considered today. This investigation was aimed at the biosynthesis and coating of Ag.NPs with Zataria multiflora (Zm-Ag.NPs) leaf extract and assessment of its apoptosis promoting effects. The Zm-Ag.NPs was characterized by UV-visible and FTIR spectroscopy, TEM, EDS, DLS, and measurement of zeta-potential. Apoptosis induction effects of Zm-Ag.NPs were assessed using acridine orange – propidium iodide (AO/PI), DAPI staining, caspase3/9 activation assay, and annexinV/PI assay. Changes in P53, matrix metalloproteinases 2 (MMPs), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) genes expression were also assessed with semi-quantitative RT-PCR. The UV-visible spectroscopy results showed that the surface plasmon resonance band (SRP) for Zm-Ag.NPs was about 440 nm, also, FTIR spectroscopy indicated that plant material embedded around Zm-Ag.NPs. The TEM images of the samples revealed that the Ag.NPs varied in morphology and also, the presence of silver element was monitored with EDS. The mean size of Zm-Ag.NPs was 30 nm. The Zm-Ag.NPs reduced cell viability in a dose and time dependent manner (IC50 = 15 μg/mL). AO/PI and DAPI staining indicated chromatin fragmentation and annexinV externalization assay using flow cytometer, confirmed promotion of programmed cell death in the treated cells. Apoptosis was induced through caspase 3/9 activation pathway. This promotion of apoptosis effects is not related with P53 gene up regulation. Finally, it was found that Zm-Ag.NPs inhibited cancer cell metastasis through a decrease in MMP and VEGFA expression. Zm-Ag.NPs acts as carrier of the plant material compound, and can be applied as anticancer agents.

Vaginitis as female infectious disease is accompanied with some clinical symptoms such as vaginal abnormal discharges, itching, burning and many other unpleasant signs in patients. The responsible microorganisms in vaginitis are belonged to different kind of microorganisms including bacteria (Gardenella vaginitis), yeast (Candida albicans) and protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis). The current treatments of these infections are chemical oral and vaginal drugs with many adverse effects for patients. Furthermore, appearance of resistant microorganisms to these drugs has intensified the treatment’s problem. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the potency of “Zataria multiflora” essential oil in treatment of women’s vaginitis. For preparing this manuscript, the information was extracted from different electronic and published resources. Investigation in different resources showed there were 6 clinical trials that evaluate it as suitable treatment for vaginitis. 5 clinical studies have been focused on 0.1% Z. multiflora essential oils in treatment of bacterial vaginosis (n=1), candidiasis (n=1) and trichomoniasis (n=1). Two clinical studies were related to treatments of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and mixed infection. There is one clinical study for treatment of candidiasis by 1% Z. multiflora methanol extract. Z. multiflora was formulated in cream form and applied for 5-7 continuous days. The results of clinical trials showed that Z. multiflora essential oil (0.1%) can be used as safe and efficient alternative treatment for treatment of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and to a lesser extent for trichomoniasis. Resumen La vaginitis es una enfermedad infecciosa femenina acompañada de algunos síntomas como flujo vaginal, prurito, sensación de ardor y otros síntomas de incomodidad para las pacientes. Los microorganismos responsables de vaginitis son variados e incluyen bacterias (Gardenella vaginitis), hongos (Candida albicans) y protozoos (Trichomonas vaginalis). Los tratamientos utilizados actualmente son medicamentos de uso oral o vaginal con potenciales efectos adversos. Adicionalmente se encuentran organismos resistentes a estos tratamientos, lo que ha llevado a la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas. El propósito de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar la potencia del aceite esencia de “Zataria multiflora” para el tratamientos de la vaginitis. Se realizó una búsqueda en recursos bibliográficos y bases de datos electrónicos. Se encontraron seis ensayos clínicos que evaluaron este aceite para el tratamiento de la vaginitis. En 5 estudios clínicos se utilizó aceite esencial al 0.1% de Z. multiflora para el tratamiento de vaginosis bacteriana (n=1), candidiasis (n=1) y tricomoniasis (n=1) y en tres estudios se usó para tratamiento tanto de infecciones bacterianas, tricomoniasisi o mixtas. Se encontró un estudio para tratamiento de la candidiasis con extracto en metanol 1% de Z. multiflora. Se hizo formulación de Z. multiflora en crema tópica y aplicada por 5-7 días continuos. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial de Z. multiflora (0.1%) puede ser usado de manera segura y eficiente como alternativa en vaginosis bacteriana, candidiasis y en menor grado para tricomoniasis.

Background At a glance commentaryScientific background on the subjectSince Adriamycin is used as an anticancer drug among various communities and is one of its side-effects, it is important to find a way to prevent this complication. Of these, medicinal plants such as Zataria multiflora can be important in preventing the complications.What this study adds to the fieldThis study shows that carvacrol has a stronger effect on the liver antioxidant system as well as hepatic enzymes activity than the whole plant extract, and then carvacrol can be more helpful than whole plant in the treatment of hepatic damage caused by Adriamycin.Due to antioxidant effects of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and Carvacrol (CAR) in many cases and the prominent role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in hepatotoxicity induced by Adriamycin (ADR), the aim of this study is to investigate the effects of ZM and CAR on ADR-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods Twenty four male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups including: 1)Control, 2)Adriamycin (ADR), 3,4) ZM + ADR and CAR + ADR that received ZM and CAR for 28 consecutive days. Blood samples were collected on the days 0, 14 and 28 to determine the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Also, the hepatic redox markers were evaluated. Results ADR significantly increased ALP, ALT and AST in comparison with the control (p

The effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss Essential oil (EO) on the growth, spore production, and citrinin production of Penicellium citrinum PTCC 5304 in the culture media as well as Iranian ultra-filtered white cheese in brine was investigated. Radial growth and spore production on the potato dextrose agar (PDA) were effectively inhibited by EO in a dose-dependent manner. At 200 ppm, the radial growth and sporulation declined by 92% and 100%, respectively. The growth was completely prevented at 400 ppm of EO on PDA and the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) of the oil was estimated at 400 ppm. Furthermore, the Zataria multiflora also significantly suppressed the mycelial growth and citrinin production in broth medium at all investigated concentrations (P 0.05). At 150 ppm of EO, the citrinin accumulation and mycelial growth reduced by 88.6% and 89.6%, respectively. The EO was tested at all concentrations and the findings show an inhibitory effect of P. citrinum against the radial fungal growth and citrinin production in cheese. However, no concentration of EO could completely inhibit the growth and production of citrinin in cheese. We therefore concluded that Zataria multiflora has the potential to substitute the antifungal chemicals as a natural inhibitor to control the growth of molds in foods such as cheese.

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 (p

The insecticidal properties of essential oils prepared using water distillation method from aerial parts of Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, Zataria multiflora and Thymus daenensis were investigated on adult of Bruchus lentis and Callosobruchus maculatus. Essential oils were used in five concentrations and five replications. Mortality rate of insects were recorded after 3, 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours. Results indicated that the longer exposure of insect to essential oil and the higher concentration of essential oil, increased mortality of the two species in all treatments. There was significant difference among mortality effect of the essential oils. The LC50 value of M. piperita after 24 hours for B. lentis and C. maculatus was 14.62 and 13.70 μl/l air respectively, while the values of LC50 were 92.32 and 95.80 for M. pulegium, 58.43 and 99.94 for Z. multiflora and 63.97 and 65.55 μl/l air for T. daenensis, respectively. The least LT50 recorded was in T. daenensis essential oil with 26.21 and 24.15 hours against B. lentis and C. maculatus, respectively.

Aims: According to the worldwide development of antibiotic resistance in recent years, the tendency of using herbal medicine has grown and plants derived antibacterial substances have found many applications in controlling microorganisms. Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) is one of the medicinal herbs which its pharmaceutical and antibacterial effects have been a matter of research and debate in recent years. This research aimed to study antibacterial effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essence against 8 standard pathogenic bacterial species. Materials & Methods: In this experimental study, the essential oil was extracted by steam distillation using Clevenger apparatus. Using broth microdilution testing, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of thyme essential oil were determined against 8 standard pathogenic bacterial species. Each exam was repeated three times. The results were analyzed by SPSS 16 software using one-way ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. Findings: The average of MIC for Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil showed a significant difference among 8 different bacterial species (p

Summary The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Zataria multiflora boiss essential oils (ZEOs), ultraviolet (UV) radiation and their combination against Listeria monocytogenes biofilm in a simulated industrial model (SIM). The effect of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and sub-MIC concentration of ZEOs, different contact time of UV and their combination was evaluated in a SIM on 6- and 12-day-old L. monocytogenes biofilm. In a SIM, 0.3% ZEOs were adequate to completely eliminate 6- and 12-day-old biofilm grown on stainless steel coupons. The population of viable L. monocytogenes biofilm cells under a 15- to 45-min contact time of UV treatment declined significantly at 6- and 12-day-old biofilm. The combined effect of ZEO and UV showed antagonist effects. These findings indicated that in the single use, ZEO and UV revealed a suitable antilisteria biofilm activity, while combining them is not a promising method to remove listeria biofilms from stainless steel surfaces.

Summary The aim of this study was to improve the sensory and physicochemical properties of camel's milk using two essential oils (EOs), spearmint (Mentha spicata) and wild thyme (Zataria multiflora). Total bacterial counts in the flavoured milks were lower than those of the plain milk, and microbial population was the lowest in the milk containing spearmint EO during 5 days of storage. Considering the sensory evaluations, milks treated with the above EOs received higher scores compared with those of untreated milk. The highest scores were given to the milk containing spearmint EO at 0.09 mL L−1. No significant differences were observed in the mean particle sizes of the samples after 5 days of storage. The addition of EOs from camel's milk resulted in higher organoleptic properties and shelf life, and, in turn, it can improve the consumption rate of camel's milk.

Zein based edible film was developed and incorporated with Zataria multiflora boiss essential oil. Mechanical and microbiological characteristics of this biofilms were measured. Increasing concentration of antimicrobial agent in film reduced stretchability, tensile strength and elongation, however increased the thickness and water vapor transmission parameters (P

Zataria multiflora is a traditional and popular spice in Iran. The aerial parts, including flowers, were collected from 12 Z. multiflora plant populations (Zarghan, Khonj, Sivand (1–4), Marvdasht (1–4), Firoozabad, and Chahakneyriz) growing in Fars province, located in southwestern Iran. The essential oils were obtained by hydro-distillation using a Clevenger-type apparatus and were analysed for semi-quantitative and qualitative variations in essential oils. The essential oil yields were measured on the basis of the volume of dried essential oil/primary dried material weight × 100 for each sample. The essential oil yields ranged from 2.91% to 4% (w/w). Analysis of variance showed that geographic variation had a significant effect on the oil content in plants of different regions. A maximum difference of 1.09% (w/w) was observed between the Sivand 3 and Zarghan populations. Three ecotypes, Zarghan, Marvdasht 3, and Marvdasht 4, possessed the maximum essential oil yield. Fifty volatile compounds were identified by GC and GC–MS analysis. The main essential oil components were linalool (0.93–55.69%), thymol (2.66–37.51%), carvacrol (14.37–59.78%), γ-terpinene (2.28–11.35%), ρ-cymene (1.23–7.9%), carvacrol methyl ether (0.9–6.08%), α-pinene (1.3–5.13%), and myrcene (0.51–2.72%). Analysis of the principal components based on the mean relative amounts of essential oil components led to the identification of three chemotypes: carvacrol, thymol, and linalool of which the thymol chemotype is found more frequently in different parts of Iran. The chemical variability could be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. The characterization of essential oil variation is of commercial importance as well as being helpful in the improvement of Z. multiflora resources for pharmaceutical and food industries.

The present study was aimed to evaluate the lethal effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) methanolic extract against Echinococcus granulosus protoscoleces. Protoscoleces were aseptically aspirated from sheep livers having hydatid cysts. Various concentrations of the essential oil (2.5–20 mg/mL) were used for 10–60 min. Viability of protoscoleces was confirmed using eosin exclusion test (0.1 % eosin staining). Obtained results showed that Z. multiflora extract at the concentration of 20 mg/mL after 10 min of exposure killed 100 % protoscoleces. The mean of mortality rate of protoscoleces after 20 min of exposure to the concentration of 10 mg/mL was also 100 %. Lower concentrations of Z. multiflora extract provoked a delayed protoscolicidal activity. The findings indicated potential of Z. multiflora methanolic extract as a natural source for the producing of new scolicidal agent for use in hydatid cyst surgery.

The effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and its constituent, carvacrol, in guinea pigs model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were examined. Animals were divided into control, COPD, COPD + drinking water containing three concentrations of extract of Z. multiflora (0.4, 0.8 and 1.6 mg/ml), COPD + drinking water containing three concentrations of carvacrol (60, 120 and 240 µg/ml) and COPD + dexamethasone (50 µg/ml). COPD was induced by exposing animals to cigarette smoke for 3 months. Emphysema as a pathological change of the lung and tracheal responsiveness were measured (n = 5 for control and COPD groups and n = 6 for another groups). Tracheal responsiveness (p

Background: The overgrowing resistance of the species of candida toward anti-fungus drugs has necessitated the use of compounds with antifungal features. Some plants have antimicrobial features due to their polyphenols components. This paper aims at exploring the anti-fungus effects of Zataria multiflora against Candida albicans. Methods: A total of 20 g of the dried and pounded leaves of the Zataria multiflora was used and its extract was prepared in the rotary device. Various concentrations of all extracts were prepared in the 96 cell microplate. MIC and diameter of the inhibitory shield were measured by dilution method and agar disk, respectively. Results: The Zataria multiflora extract showed good antifungal effects against Candida albicans sample. Therefore, this plant extract can replace chemical drugs and be used against candida-caused infection upon completion of this research trend. Conclusions: In the present study the principles of the extract, different methods of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and mode of action of the extract are discussed.

Background We examined the effect of antioxidant supplementation and exercise on irisin within postmenopausal women. Methods Forty-eight participants (age: 55.7 ± 4.9 years; weight: 68.0 ± 6.3 kg; BMI 27.0 ± 2.7; mean ± SD) were randomized into four groups for the eight week intervention: control group (CG; n = 12), resistance training group (RTG; n = 12), supplementation with Zataria multiflora group (ZG; n = 12), or supplementation with Z. multiflora and resistance training group (ZRTG; n = 12). RTG and ZRTG performed circuit resistance training, and both ZG and ZRTG consumed 500 mg of Z. multiflora every day during the intervention. Blood samples were taken 48 hours before and after the intervention. Results There was a significant difference in irisin at post-training, with greater levels in ZRTG compared to CG. A significant increase was noted for irisin at post-training compared to pre-training for ZG, RTG, and ZRTG. Moreover, we identified a significant decrease in malondialdehyde in the RTG and ZRTG groups and increase in glutathione in the ZG, RTG, and ZRTG groups when compared to CG. Conclusion These findings showed that exercise, Z. multiflora supplementation or their combination led to an increase in irisin.

Recent epidemiological and experimental studies also showed that latent toxoplasmosis can lead to a number of neurological and behavioral disorders such as learning and memory impairments. Recent studies showed that the essential oil and methanolic extract of the Zataria multiflora revealed a significant anticholinesterase activity on in vitro ().Here, we evaluated the effect of Z. multiflora essential oil to ameliorate learning and memory impairments induced by T. gondii infection in BALB/c mice. The animal model of Toxoplasma infection was established by the intraperitoneal inoculation of 20-25 tissue cysts from Tehran strain of T. gondii. Morris water maze (MWM) task was used to assay spatial learning and short term spatial memory in all groups. The findings revealed that in this study demonstrated that latent toxoplasmosis impaired spatial leaning and short term spatial memory of the infected BALB/c mice, while ZME, due having AChE inhibitor activity, improved impairments induced by Toxoplasma infection. The obtained findings demonstrated ZME as an AChE inhibitor to improves learning and memory disorders in mice with latent toxoplasmosis probably via restoring ACh levels in brain. However, additional studies are needed to clarify these mechanisms and also other possible ones.

Background: Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from preexisting ones, is among the most important physiological and pathological processes that occur in the body. Under pathological conditions such as tumor growth, psoriasis, corneal neovascularization and rheumatoid arthritis, angiogenesis is substantial for the development of the disease. Zataria multiflora is a member of the Labiatae family with a vast range of traditional uses which has been long known and applied in Iran old medicine. The aim of this study was the evaluation of anti-angiogenic potential of Zataria multiflora. Materials and Methods: In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were isolated from newborn umbilical veins and then cultured for cytotoxicity (LDH test) assay. Regarding LDH results, following tests such as angiogenesis (cytodex-3 micro carrier) and migration (wound healing) tests were designed. Results: The cytotoxicity assays showed no toxicity of Z.multiflora toward HUVECs in the range of 10-450µg/mL of the extract. This extract was also able to inhibit angiogenesis and migration at 200µg/mL. Conclusions: Our data clearly demonstrated an inhibitory effect of Z.multiflora on angiogenesis and migration of HUVECs. Z.multiflora could be introduced as a significant angiogenesis inhibitor for angiogenesis-dependent diseases in further complementary studies.

The use of herbal medicine has been faced with a huge welcome by patients and scientists, as well as drug industries. It seems that reducing the time of research, economizing investments with better safety, and conducting high-quality botanical research are essential and indispensable. This study aimed to introduce the first reciprocal herb-disease encyclopedia and to recount some of the salient points of herbal research based on Iranian studies. A search limited to Iran was conducted using 36 search terms in the data banks Pubmed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and SpringerLink up to the end of 2012. Data including the investigated disease(s) and common and scientific names of the investigated herbs were extracted from the titles and abstracts of 1310 articles. Investigated subjects and diseases have been categorized in 18 groups: cancer, cardiovascular, cellular-molecular, embryology, endocrinology, genito-urology, gastrointestinal, gynecology, immunology, infectious, metabolism, mucocutaneous, musculoskeletal, neuroscience, ophthalmology, renal, reproductive, and respiratory topics. Herbs including Crocus sativus L., Allium sativum L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss from totally 560 studied herbs were the most studied ones. Only 69 of 560 studied (12.5%) herbs were endemic to Iran. Due to the vast majority of information available for herbs and diseases, an herb-disease encyclopedia comes to the help of herbal researchers and enthusiasts to find that which herb is useful or recommended for which kind(s) of health problems, and/or for the management, pretreatment or treatment of a specific disease or disorders.

Guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing dexamethasone, three concentrations of the extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and carvacrol (n = 6, for all groups). Lung pathology, total and differential white blood cell (WBC), serum levels of IgE and eosinophil peroxidase (EPO) were evaluated. Pathological indices, serum IgE and EPO levels, total and differential WBC except lymphocytes in group S significantly increased but lymphocyte decreased compared to the control group (p

Development of biodegradable and biocompatible films based on the proteinpolymer with strong antibacterial activities is gradually obtained extensive concern in the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of gelatin nano films merged with different concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil. Gelatin films were prepared from gelatin solutions (10% w/v) containing Zataria multiflora essential oil [ZMO] (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/w), glycerol (25% w/w) as plasticizer, and glutaraldehyde (2% w/w) as cross-linker. The mechanical, water solubility, water swelling, water vapor permeability, antioxidant and antibacterial properties of the films were measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. Gelatin films exhibited good tensile strength and elongation at break, water solubility, swelling, and water vapor permeability. Incorporation of ZMO into the gelatin films caused a significant decrease in tensile strength and swelling, and a significant increase in elongation at break, water solubility, water vapor permeability and whiteness of the films. Gelatin films exhibited low antioxidant activity while gelatin films incorporated with ZMO exhibited excellent antioxidant properties. The films incorporated with ZMO also exhibited excellent antibacterial properties against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Our results suggest that the gelatin/ZMO films could be used as a very attractive alternative to traditional materials for different biomedical applications.

The phenolic compounds of Zataria multiflora extract, were identified by HPLC analysis. Gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid, and quercetin were found to be the major phenolic compounds. Eighty healthy laboratory Balb/C mice were infected intraperitoneally by injection of 1500 viable protoscoleces and were divided into prevention (40 mice) and therapeutic (40 mice) groups. To prove the preventive effect of Z. multiflora extract on development of hydatid cyst, the 40 infected animals were allocated into three treatment groups including Z. multiflora (4 g/l in drinking water for 8 months), albendazole (150 mg/kg BW/day for 10 days) and untreated (control) group. To estimate the therapeutic effect of Z. multiflora extract on the hydatid cyst, after 8 months of infection, the infected mice were allocated into three experimental treatment groups including Z. multiflora (8 g/l in drinking water for 30 days), albendazole (300 mg/kg BW/day for 20 days) and untreated (control) group. At the end of the treatment period, all mice were euthanized and necropsied, the hydatid cysts were carefully removed, weighed and their size were recorded. Weight and size of the hydatid cysts significantly decreased (p

In this study, we aimed to improve the physical, mechanical and water-vapor permeability (WVP) properties of kappa-carrageenan (KC) films by including montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay in the film-forming solution. To further improve these properties, the combined effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and MMT was also investigated. The incorporation of MMT improved the physical and mechanical properties of KC film. Film made from KC alone had a tensile strength (TS) of 26.29MPa, while the KC film with 10% nanoclay had a TS of 34.67. Further analysis was provided by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy that confirmed the dispersion of MMT in the KC matrix. It was also shown that the combined effect of nanoclay and ZEO significantly improved the TS and EB of KC films. ZEO decreased the WVP of the nanocomposite films; for example, 3% ZEO reduced WVP by around 78%. The antimicrobial activity of nanocomposite films was also studied using the overlay and vapor-phase methods; the films effectively inhibited the growth of five pathogens tested. Thus, the incorporation of both nanoclay and ZEO into KC films is a promising way to manufacture films with better mechanical, antimicrobial and WVP properties.

The pathogenicity of Streptococcus iniae in fish is depending on the secreted virulence factors, such as streptolysin S (SLS). It is demonstrated that some plant essential oils can affect the production of bacterial toxins. In this study, broth macrodilution method was first used to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of Rosmarinus officinalis and Zataria multiflora essential oils against S. iniae. Hemolysin assay and real-time PCR analysis were then conducted to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of the essential oils on SLS major encoding gene, sagA, in two isolates of S. iniae. The obtained data showed that both R. officinalis and Z. multiflora decreased the hemolytic activity of S. iniae supernatant, dose-dependently. However, SLS was not inactivated when the essential oils were added to the bacterial culture supernatant. The transcription of sagA was significantly down-regulated during treatment of the bacterial isolates with subinhibitory concentrations of the essential oils. This data suggested that both R. officinalis and Z. multiflora could be advantageous for the control of streptococcosis caused by S. iniae, via inhibition the growth and repression the production of SLS.

Macrophomina phaseolina is a causal agent for charcoal rot and cause economic damage in plants. In recent years, the great tendency for the use of biological substances to control of pests, weeds and the pathogens has been created. In this study, antifungal effects of concentrations 30, 60 and 120 μl/100 ml of essential oil of Eucalyptus sp. and Zataria multiflora were evaluated on the growth of M. phaseolina in vitro condition. The experiment was conducted on phactorial basis of completely randomised design with four replications. According to the results, a significant difference between inhibitory percentage of essential oils and different concentrations of essential oils on fungal colony growth has been observed (p ≤ 0.01). Highest inhibitory percentage was related to the concentration of 120 μl/100 ml of Z. multiflora with 58.16% inhibition.

Background: Dental plaques as adhesive microbial aggregates on tooth surfaces are considered the first stage of tooth decay as well as gingivitis. Accordingly, the effect of different antimicrobial mouthwashes on removing dental plaques and preventing their formation has been evaluated in various studies. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of herbal mouthwashes containing hydro-alcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora (ZM), Frankincense (FR), and a combination of both (ZM+FR) and compare it with chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash in subjects with gingivitis. Materials and Methods: In this randomized, controlled, clinical trial a total of 140 patients with gingivitis were divided into four groups including CHX (control group), ZM, FR, and ZM+FR groups. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were measured in days 1, 14, and 21. Results: All three herbal types of mouthwash significantly improved plaque, gingivitis, and gingival bleeding throughout days 14 to 21 (P

ΔΕΝ ΔΙΑΤΙΘΕΤΑΙ ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ, In this study, the antibacterial activity of ethanol and methanol extracts of Zataria multiflora and Teucrium polium was determined against Paenibacillus alvei by disc diffusion method. Paenibacillus alvei is one secondary bacterium for the European foulbrood disease in honey bee. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were determined by using the serial dilution method. For this, Z. multiflora and T. polium are collected from different areas of Iran then they are dried and extracted in lab. The antibacterial effect of alcoholic extracts of Z. multiflora and T. polium was lower than usual standard antibiotics (P