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This study aimed to optimize the formulation of chitosan -caffeic acid nanogel containing Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) essential oil (ZEO) and nisin. The independent variables (the concentration of chitosan nanogel, Shirazi -thyme, and nisin) were optimized based on the highest zeta potential and encapsulation efficiency, besides the lowest particle size and IC50(DPPH) values. The results of The Box -Behnken experimental design and Stepwise -response surface model showed the optimal nanogel formulation was as follows: chitosan concentration= 0.4 g; ZEO= 157.1 ppm and nisin= 10.1 ppm. The particle size, zeta -potential, antioxidant activity, and encapsulation efficiency of the optimal chitosan -ZEO - nisin nanogel were 411.39±18.11 nm, 32.90±1.10 mV, 0.79±0.06 mg.mL - 1, 71.06 - 82.69% respectively. Moreover, the addition of optimized nanogel to the Iranian white cheese formulation showed that the treated cheese samples with ZEO and nisin (free or encapsulated in chitosan nanogel) improved the microbial quality of chess. The antimicrobial activity of the ZEO and nisin encapsulated in chitosan - caffeic acid nanogel was higher than a free form of ZEO -nisin. The Coliforms population of cheeses treated with sodium nitrate and chitosan nanogel containing ZEO -nisin was acceptable during 60 days of storage. During the storage period, the most changes in the color and texture (hardness) of the cheese samples were related to the control sample, and the least change was obtained for samples treated with sodium -nitrate and chitosan nanogel (P < 0.05). Also, the sensory quality of the sample containing ZEO and nisin was acceptable for the sensory evaluator. The sample containing chitosan nanogel received an acceptable sensory score (>3) during 60 days of storage. In general, the potential of the nanogel in increasing the shelf-life of Iranian white cheese was comparable with sodium nitrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blue mold, caused by Penicillium expansum, is considered one of the most serious postharvest diseases of apple fruits. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of thyme methanol extract to control the postharvest blue mold of apple fruit and its possible modes of action through on induction of biochemical defense mechanisms. In this study, the effect of thyme methanol extract was tested on spore germination and colony growth in vitro and peroxidase activity and total phenolic in fruit tissue were evaluated by calorimetric assay. The results showed the inhibitory activity of thyme extract on P. expansum. The extract with 8-20 µg/ml concentrations had 17-33% and 24-36% inhibition of spore germination and colony growth diameter, respectively. Thyme extract decreased blue mold area by 23.63-61.20% and the most effective extract was at 13.88 mg/ml concentration. The relationship between time and thyme extract concentration in relation to decay area was described by the quadratic model. Fruits treated with thyme extract had significantly higher phenolic content and peroxidase activity than the control fruits. The highest content of phenolic compounds and peroxidase activity were achieved in the 6th and 9th days after inoculation. The results of the induction of resistance in this study suggest that the natural products used have the potential for use in the integrated management of blue mold.

Blue mold, caused by Penicillium expansum, is considered one of the most serious postharvest diseases of apple fruits. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of thyme methanol extract to control the postharvest blue mold of apple fruit and its possible modes of action through on induction of biochemical defense mechanisms. In this study, the effect of thyme methanol extract was tested on spore germination and colony growth in vitro and peroxidase activity and total phenolic in fruit tissue were evaluated by calorimetric assay. The results showed the inhibitory activity of thyme extract on P. expansum. The extract with 8-20 µg/ml concentrations had 17-33% and 24-36% inhibition of spore germination and colony growth diameter, respectively. Thyme extract decreased blue mold area by 23.63-61.20% and the most effective extract was at 13.88 mg/ml concentration. The relationship between time and thyme extract concentration in relation to decay area was described by the quadratic model. Fruits treated with thyme extract had significantly higher phenolic content and peroxidase activity than the control fruits. The highest content of phenolic compounds and peroxidase activity were achieved in the 6th and 9th days after inoculation. The results of the induction of resistance in this study suggest that the natural products used have the potential for use in the integrated management of blue mold.

The focus of current study was on the effectiveness of active coatings based on water-soluble portion of zedo gum (WZG) enriched with different concentrations of essential oils, obtained from Shirazi thyme and cinnamon (SEO and CEO, respectively) and their mixture, on the shelf-life of trimmed white shrimp. The coated shrimps were compared with two sets of controls in terms of antioxidant enzymes activities, bacteriological quality, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory evaluation during cold storage (4 ± 1 °C) for 10 days. The decreasing trend in the antioxidant enzymes activities was significantly retarded in the presence of active coatings. After 10 days, the maximum enzymes activity was measured in the coated shrimps containing EOs in the following order: 1% CEO > 1% CEO/SEO > 1% SEO. WZG active solutions revealed positive influence on decreasing the bacterial count to around 2 log CFU/g. Adhesive coatings also reduced the chemical deterioration indices significantly (P < 0.05). The sensory parameters and acceptability of shrimps were increased in the presence of EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating incorporated with Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) oil nano emulsion (SNE), in different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mg/ml), on the melanosis and the quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated during 10 days in refrigerated temperature (4 ± 0.5 °C). The results showed that incorporating SNE into CMC could significantly (P < 0.05) improve the microbial and lipid oxidation quality of the shrimp. During storage, the incremewnt of total volatile basic-nitrogen and trimethylamine in the SNEs-treated groups were lower than that of the other groups (P < 0.05). Also, the application of SNEs improved the textural, melanosis, and sensory acceptability of the coated shrimps. However, treating the shrimp with SNE in 30 mg/ml concentration caused an increase in the a* and b* values of samples and a decrease in the acceptability of this group. Hence, the SNE incorporation at lower concentrations (10, 20 mg/ml) into CMC coating could be useful in extending the shelf life of the shrimp during refrigerated storage and could be a substitute for sodium metabisulphite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Allergic rhinitis is a widespread disorder across the globe. The Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) has been shown to have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study assessed the effect of this herbal product on alterations in inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Method This study was conducted on the bank sample before and after the intervention to measure interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interferon -γ levels with the ELISA test method in a supernatant taken from the PBMC cell culture from 30 allergic rhinitis patients. Results The IL-4 level had no significant difference between the two groups before the treatment. However, it had a significant increase in the case group after the treatment. The IL-5 level was significantly higher in the case group before the treatment. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the case and control groups after the treatment. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups considering IFN-γ before and after the treatment. Conclusion Consuming thyme with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and a decrease in IL-5 cytokine control inflammation and improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms. Clinical trial details This clinical trial study was recorded at 22.5.2014 in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials code: (IRCT2016121823235N6) https://www.irct.ir/trial/19852

Background and purpose: Candida infections have increased significantly in the antimicrobial resistance era, and synthetic antifungal drugs have limitations. The present work aimed to review the antifungal properties of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) as an herbal remedy. Method: PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, SID, Civilica, and Magiran databases were searched for the antifungal activity on in vitro, in vivo, dental biofilm, and clinical studies of Z. multiflora on Candida species. Results: Overall, 33 articles evaluated the effect of Z. multiflora on Candida species and classified them into four groups, as follows in vitro (23), dental biofilm (6), in vivo (2), and clinical studies (3). All studies considered Z. multiflora effective in reducing or even inhibiting the growth of Candida species. NoMFC significant differences were seen in the effect of Z. multiflora on susceptible Candida compared to the resistant groups of Candida in the studies. It was also influential in inhibiting C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. kefyer, and C. zeylanoides. Conclusion: Considering the side effects and resistance of current antifungal drugs as well as the benefits of using herbal medicines, such as lower cost, less likely to develop drug resistance, the absence of side effects, and toxicity compared with chemical ones, it is possible as a powerful alternative to replace or combine with the current antifungal for Candida infection therapy along with other therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Zearalenone (ZEA), which is one of the most prevalent wheat and corn seeds mycotoxins causes acute and chronic toxicities in ruminants, poultry, and aquatic animals. Among commercial toxin binders, only a few active charcoals have the significant ability to adsorb ZEA contamination; nevertheless, active charcoal is not considered a sound additive by the feed industry. Aims: This study aimed to screen and identify the ZEA-degradation compounds of the Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme) in the cattle rumen fluid. Methods: In this investigation, essential oil and different extracts (n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol) of the aerial part of Shirazi thyme (at three concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/ml) were screened to reduce ZEA contamination conditions (2 µg/ml) in rumen fluid. ZEA-content was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector. In addition, Shirazi thyme phytochemical compounds responsible for eliminating ZEA were localized by HPLC-based activity profiling and then identified by mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Results: Both n-hexane and methanol extracts of Z. multiflora, considerably remediated ZEA (63-78%) from rumen fluid. According to HPLC-based activity profiling of Z. multiflora extract and LC-MS analysis, two triterpene compounds, including ursolic and oleanolic acids were introduced as ZEA degradation agents. Conclusion: Z. multiflora could be recommended as a new botanical source, and ursolic and oleanolic acids could be introduced as new phytochemical compounds that degrade ZEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Resistance exercise and supplementation by Shirazi thyme has beneficial effects on inflammatory processes. The present study aims to assess the effect of 8 weeks of resistance exercise combined with Shirazi thyme supplementation on plasma levels of Interferon-gamma (INF-γ) and Tumor Necrosis Factor- alpha (TNF-α) in men with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Methods: This is a clinical trial with a quasi-experimental design. Participants were 60 non-athlete men with NAFLD selected using a convenience sampling method and divided into four groups of placebo (n=15), exercise (n=15), supplementation (n=15), and exercise + supplementation (n=15). The exercise program consisted of eight weeks of resistance exercise at 3 sessions per week with an intensity of 50-80% of one repetition maximum). For supplementation, a 20 mg soft capsule (Barij Gastrolith) was prescribed three times per day and half an hour before meals. Blood samples were taken before and after the intervention. Data analysis was conducted in SPSS software using one-way analysis of variance considering a significance level of 0.05. Results: Resistance exercise (9.20±5.67), Shirazi thyme supplementation (8.36±4.80) and their combination (7.80±4.02) had no significant effect on INF-γ level (p≥0.05). Moreover, resistance exercise (4.56±1.69), Shirazi thyme supplementation (4.25±2.43) and their combination (5.21±2.22) had no significant effect on TNF-α level (p≥0.05). Conclusion: Resistance exercise alone, Shirazi thyme supplementation alone, or their combination cannot improve inflammatory markers of fatty liver in people with NAFLD. However, it requires further research.

Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is used in traditional and modern medicine for therapeutic objectives especially in respiratory disorders. Therefore, updated experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Z. multiflora on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders are reviewed. Various electronic search engines including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of November 2021. Books, thesis‐hard copies of some articles were also included. The effects of Z. multiflora on respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infection, and lung cancer were shown. Extracts of Z. multiflora showed the relaxant effect with various mechanisms. The preventive effects of Z. multiflora were also demonstrated by mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiinflammatory properties in the experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases. Carvacrol and thymol are probably responsible for the therapeutic effect of plant among 56 constituents of Z. multiflora. In addition, bronchodilatory and preventive effects of the plant and its constituents on asthma, COPD, lung disorders due to noxious agents and allergic and immunologic disorders were shown in the clinical studies. Therefore Z. multiflora and its constituents may be considered as a preventive and/or relieving therapy in various respiratory diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a widespread disorder across the globe. The Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) has been shown to have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study assessed the effect of this herbal product on alterations in inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Method: This study was conducted on the bank sample before and after the intervention to measure interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interferon -γ levels with the ELISA test method in a supernatant taken from the PBMC cell culture from 30 allergic rhinitis patients. Results: The IL-4 level had no significant difference between the two groups before the treatment. However, it had a significant increase in the case group after the treatment. The IL-5 level was significantly higher in the case group before the treatment. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the case and control groups after the treatment. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups considering IFN-γ before and after the treatment. Conclusion: Consuming thyme with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and a decrease in IL-5 cytokine control inflammation and improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms. Clinical trial details This clinical trial study was recorded at 22.5.2014 in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials code: (IRCT2016121823235N6) https://www.irct.ir/trial/19852 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of Shirazi thyme as a medicinal plant on oxidant status (lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, total antioxidant capacity, and catalase activity) and absorptive surface area were measured in three segments of the small intestine in cold-induced pulmonary hypertensive chickens. Birds were reared at four groups (thyme 0, 0.25, 0.50, and 1.00 % of diet) for 42 days. To induce pulmonary hypertension, the temperature was gradually decreased. The body weight was increased in thyme-0.25% birds compared to control ones, while it was decreased in thyme-1% of birds. The feed consumption was only increased in thyme-1.00% birds. The feed conversion ratio was lower in thyme-0.25% birds and higher in thyme-1.00% birds than control ones. The duodenal and jejunal villus surface area was lower in thyme-1.00% birds than control ones, while it was greater in the thyme-0.50% birds. The ileal villus surface area and duodenal lamina propria thickness were also greater in thyme-0.50% birds. Lipid peroxidation was only decreased in the duodenum and ileum of thyme-0.50% birds compared to control ones, whereas it was increased in the duodenum and jejunum of thyme-1.00% birds. Catalase activity was only elevated in the duodenum and jejunum of thyme-1.00% fed chickens. Total antioxidant capacity was increased in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum of thyme-0.50% birds. It is concluded that the Shirazi thyme has beneficial effects on growth performance, intestinal absorptive surface area / secretory system, and pulmonary hypertension response at low doses (0.25 and 0.50% of diet), whereas high dose (1.00% of diet) of this plant may be toxic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local names are not reliable sources for identification of plants, because they differ significantly from one region to another. Apart from confusing nomenclature, the similar appearance and fragrance of Shirazi thyme and Thymus species cause misidentification. In order to prevent the adverse events in relation to the use of improper herbal products, easy-to-use quality control (QC) methodology was developed to classify these culinary plants. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) fingerprinting technique was applied for classification of these plants on the basis of their biochemical compositions. Powerful PLS-DA classification model with classification accuracy of 100% was obtained. For the first time in the present study, it was revealed that Shirazi thyme samples have higher antioxidant activity [average IC of 37.03 (µg/ml)] compared to different Thymus species [average IC of 148.35 (µg/ml)]. FT-IR fingerprint profiles were also used to construct a predictive model for antioxidant activity of the plants based on a reliable PLSR model. The developed PLSR model revealed that IR wavenumbers of 1000-1200, 1700, and 3200-3500 cm are important for antioxidant activity prediction of the analyzed plants. The applied approach has the potential for being used in QC programs not only for fraud mitigation and detection, but also for estimation of antioxidant activity of the culinary plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of antimicrobial and antioxidant adhesive coatings prepared from the water-soluble fraction of Farsi gum (WFG) on the refrigerated shelf-life of rainbow trout fillets. Antimicrobial and antioxidant characteristics were developed through incorporating cinnamon (CEO) and Shirazi thyme (SEO) essential oils, individually or in combination with each other. Coated fish fillets and control samples, stored at 4 ± 1 °C, were subjected to various microbiological (namely total viable count (TVC), psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria counts) as well as physicochemical (including peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), total volatile basic-nitrogen (TVB-N) and pH) evaluations during storage. Moreover, sensory characterisation were performed for texture, odour, colour and overall acceptability. Essential oils incorporation into WFG-based coatings had significant ( p < 0.05) effects on decreasing total viable, psychrotrophic and lactic acid bacteria counts. The application of coating significantly ( p < 0.05) reduced TVB-N, peroxide and TBARS values. Texture, odour, colour and overall acceptability of coated samples were much better than those of control samples. The results of this study showed that WFG could be used as a novel biopolymer source for introduction of EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]