Multiflora Essential Oil Research Articles

Effect of a chitosan-based nanocomposite containing ZnO and Zataria multiflora essential oil on quality properties of Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fillet.

This research aimed to estimate the effects of chitosan (CH) coating in combination with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPS) andZataria multifloraessential oil (ZEO) on the bacterial and biochemical properties of the Asian sea bass (Lates calcarifer) fillets during refrigeration storage (4 ± 1 °C). The fillets were randomly divided into five treatments (CH, CH-ZnONPS, CH-ZEO, CH-ZnONPs-ZEO, and control). Then, the treated fillets were kept at 4°C and quality analysis was performed on days 0, 4, 8, 12, and 16. The results revealed that the combination of ZnONPs and ZEO with CH coating is an active coating with antimicrobial effects. Also, the coated fillets improved the biochemical properties (such as FFA, TBA, TVBN, pH) as well as color properties during refrigeration storage. The highest rate of FFA (3.59 ± 0.08%oleic acid), TBA (1.43 ± 0.00mg MDA/kg), TVBN (30.82 ± 0.30mg/N100g), and pH (7.38 ± 0.03) was recorded in control fillets while the lowest rate of FFA (2.19 ± 0.00%oleic acid), TBA (0.61 ± 0.00mg MDA/kg), TVBN (19.60 ± 0.20mg/N100g), and pH (6.99 ± 0.04) was recorded in CH-ZnONPs-ZEO coated fillets (p < 0.05) on day 16. The sensory acceptance score was better than that of the control treatment on days 8 and 12 in Sea bass fillet coated with CH-ZnONPs, and CH-ZnONPS/CH-ZEO, respectively, and it was lower the critical score for fishery products. The combination of nanoparticles or essential oils (individually or in combination together) with edible coatings (chitosan) could increase and optimize the storage time of refrigerated seafood.

Composite film based on potato starch/apple peel pectin/ZrO2 nanoparticles/ microencapsulated Zataria multiflora essential oil; investigation of physicochemical properties and use in quail meat packaging

In this study, a composite film made of potato starch (St)/apple peel pectin (Pec) was prepared. The St/Pec film was modified with microencapsulated Zataria multiflora essential oil (MEO) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles (St/Pec/MEO/ZrO2). The physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of the film were studied. The optimum films were used for packing quail meat. According to the results, the addition of MEO to the film increased the moisture content while the addition of ZrO2 to the film decreased the moisture content. Water vapor permeability increased with increasing MEO and decreased with increasing ZrO2 concentration. The MEO and ZrO2 greatly increased the antioxidant properties, melting point and glass temperature of the film. According to the SEM (Scanning electron microscope) images, the encapsulated essential oil and ZrO2 created porosity in the film structure. The FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared) results revealed the electrostatic interactions between the composite components. XRD (X-ray diffraction) study showed that the MEO reduced the crystal structure of the film. Packaging of quail meat with St/Pec based active films increased shelf life of the meat. The film contained the highest amount of MEO and ZrO2 had the greatest effect on the stability of quail meat. The study of releasing the essential oil from the film showed that the release of the essential oil occurs gradually. The encapsulation of the essential oil has increased the effectiveness time of the essential oil.

Antifungal Effects of Essential Oils of Zataria multiflora, Mentha pulegium, and Mentha piperita

Background: Among important fungi associated with foods are Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum spp. In this study, we evaluated antifungal effects of Essential Oils (EOs) of Zataria multiflora, Mentha pulegium, and Mentha piperita. Methods: Antifungal properties of EOs of M. piperita, M. pulegium, and Z. multiflora against Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., and Geotrichum candidum were determined by agar well diffusion and broth macrodilution method. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20. Results: Among three studied plant EOs, Z. multiflora EO had the strongest antifungal activity (p&lt;0.05) on tested fungi; so that the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were 0.01 and 0.3% for G. candidum, 0.005 and 0.3% for Penicillium spp., and 0.1 and 0.3% for Aspergillus spp. Conclusion: All three studied plant EOs showed antifungal activities. However, as Z. multiflora EO showed the most antifungal effect, it could be specially suggested as natural powerful antifungal preservatives in the food industry.

The effects of Zataria multiflora aromatic water and nano emulsion of Z. multiflora essential oil on the serum level of IFN-γ and IL-4in mice with hydatidosis.

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the impacts of Zataria multiflora aromatic water (ZMAW) and nano emulsion (NE) of Z. multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) on IL-4 (Th2-derived cytokine) and IFN-γ (Th1-derived cytokine) concentrations in mice with hydatidosis. Sixty four healthy BALB/c female mice were intraperitoneally injected by 1500 live protoscoleces of Echinococcus granulosus. Five month after injection, the infected mice were divided into seven treatment groups, including: Albendazole (100mg/kg), ZMAW (100ml/L), Albendazole 100 + ZMAW (Albendazole 100mg/kg and ZMAW 100ml/L), Albendazole 50 + ZMAW (Albendazole 50mg/kg and ZMAW 100ml/L), Albendazole 100 + NE of ZMEO (Albendazole 100mg/kg and NE of ZMEO 10ml/L), albendazole 50 + NE of ZMEO (albendazole 50mg/kg and NE of ZMEO 10ml/L) and the control group with no treatment. The mice received the ZMAW, NE of ZMEO and/or albendazole through drinking water for 90 days. At the end of treatment (90 days), blood specimens were harvested from all mice. A significant reduction in IL-4 concentration was revealed in the albendazole 50 group + NE of ZMEO, when compared to the control group (P< 0.05). No significant difference was noticed for the IFN-γ concentration between the trial groups. Increased IFN-γ: IL-4 ratio was observed in the albendazole 50 + ZMAW, Albendazole 50 + NE of ZMEO, Albendazole 100 + NE of ZMEO groups in comparison with the control group (P < 0.05). The findings observed in the current study showed that the administration of ZMAW and NE of ZMEO along with albendazole could enhance the IFN-γ: IL-4 ratio (Th1/Th2 balance), which may have therapeutic value in the treatment of hydatid disease.

Nanoencapsulation enhances the contact toxicity of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oils against the third instar larvae of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

The contact insecticidal activity of in natura and maltodextrin/Angum gum nanoencapsulated essential oils of Eucalyptus globulus Labill and Zataria multiflora Bioss was evaluated against the third instar larvae of Ephestia kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The essential oil from E. globulus exhibited an average yield of 1.19%, and presented 1,8-cineol (59.08%) as the major component, while Z. multiflora essential oil, with an average yield of 1.5%, was characterized by thymol (26.12%) and carvacrol (25.31%) as the main components. The encapsulated particles presented spherical morphology with regular and homogeneous external surfaces, ranging from 60 to 130 nm in diameter. Laboratory bioassays estimated the contact LC50 of in natura and encapsulated essential oils as 13.07 and 1.34 µL L−1 for E. globulus and 1.47 and 5.87 µL L−1 for Z. multiflora, respectively. The results presented here, which are probably the first to be reported, suggested that essential oil nanoencapsulation represents an efficient method for enhancing both insecticidal activity and the durability of the active ingredients for sustainable pest management.

Toxicity and Antiparasitic Efficacy of Essential Oils: Analyses of the Biochemical Compositions and Potencies

Background: Hydatidosis is a common disease of both humans and animals, resulting from infection with the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus tapeworm. The aim of this study was to investigate the antiparasitic (protoscolicidal) activities of three essential oils in vitro. Methods: This study was designed to evaluate the biochemical composition and in vitro antiparasitic effects of Zataria multiflora, Origanum vulgare and Mentha pulegium essential oils. Gas chromatography was performed to identify the main components of the herbal oils. To determine the antiparasitic properties of the essential oils, live protoscoleces from hydatid cysts were exposed to three concentrations of the herbal oils and were incubated at 37°C for 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 minutes. Results: The biochemical analysis of these oils indicated that carvacrol and thymol were the major compounds of the Zataria oil. Further, carvacrol and thymol in Origanum essential oil and pulegone and piperitone in Mentha oil were the major compounds. The quickest and slowest antiparasitic effect was achieved from Zataria and Origanum (10%) or from Zataria (0.6%), respectively. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mortality rate of protoscoleces exposed to 0.6% and 1% concentrations, respectively, of Zataria and Origanum at the predetermined exposure times (P&lt;0.05). The three concentrations of Mentha had the same significant statistical differences (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Essential oils, Zataria multiflora, Origanum vulgare and Mentha pulegium had significant protoscolicidal activities that were dependent on the concentration of the oils and the exposure times.

Accelerative effect of topical Zataria multiflora essential oil against infected wound model by modulating inflammation, angiogenesis, and collagen biosynthesis

Context Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) essential oil (ZME) is believed to be a bactericide herbal medicine and might alleviate negative effects of infection. Objective This study evaluates the effects of an ointment prepared from ZME (ZMEO) on infected wounds. Materials and methods A full-thickness excisional skin wound was surgically created in each mouse and inoculated with 5 × 107 suspension containing Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The BALB/c mice (n = 72) were divided into four groups: (1) negative control that received base ointment (NCG), (2) positive control that daily received Mupirocin® (MG), (3) therapeutic ointment containing 2% ZMEO and (4) therapeutic ointment containing 4% ZMEO, for 21 days. Wound contraction, total bacterial count, histopathological parameters, antioxidant activity, qRT-PCR analysis for expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, VEGF, IGF-1, TGF-β, IL-10, and FGF-2 mRNA levels were assessed on days 3, 7, and 14 following the wounding. Results Topical administration of ZMEO significantly decreased the total bacterial count and wound area and also expression of IL-1β and TNF-α compared to the control groups (p < 0.05) in all days. This could also increase significantly the expression of TGF-β, IL-10 IGF-1, FGF-2, and VEGF, and also angiogenesis, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, epithelialization ratio, and collagen deposition and improve antioxidant status compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Discussion and conclusion ZMEO accelerated the healing process of infected wounds by shortening the inflammatory factors and increasing proliferative phase. Applying ZMEO only and/or in combination with chemical agents for the treatment of wound healing could be suggested.

Synergistic effect of Zataria Multiflora essential oil on doxorubicin-induced growth inhibition of PC3 cancer cells and apoptosis

Today, herbs are used as adjuncts to reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs. Here, Zataria-Multiflora Essential Oil (ZEO) was concomitantly employed with doxorubicin, as an anti-cancer drug, to reduce the doxorubicin dosage. The growth inhibition was determined using MTT assay in treated cells. The morphological alteration was observed by fluorescent staining. To verify and compare the apoptosis, AnnexinV-PI flowcytometry and DNA fragmentation assay were performed, and the influence of the compounds on ROS generation was assessed. Changes in MMP and protein expression were analyzed by flowcytometry and western blot, respectively. The results showed that ZEO can act as an amplifier to sensitize PC3 prostate cancer cells to undergo ROS generation and apoptosis. This amplification can heighten the doxorubicin efficacy in lower doses. Consequently, our results indicated that doxorubicin-ZEO combinatory treatment of PC3 cells can reduce the nonspecific toxicity of doxorubicin and can be considered as a candidate in combinatory therapy.

Effect of corn starch coating incorporated with nanoemulsion of Zataria multiflora essential oil fortified with cinnamaldehyde on microbial quality of fresh chicken meat and fate of inoculated Listeria monocytogenes.

The present study compared the effects of corn starch coatings incorporated with Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) and cinnamaldehyde (CIN) in conventional, nanoemulsion (NZEO) and fortified nanoemulsion (NZEOC) forms, on specific spoilage microorganisms of chicken meat and on the fate of inoculated Listeria monocytogenes during 20days storage at 4 ± 1°C. Based on the results of GC-MS analysis of ZEO, carvacrol (36.62%) was the most important compound of essential oil. Samples coated with the starch solution containing nanoemulsions had better antimicrobial activities than conventional forms. Also, NZEOC treatment had the best antimicrobial properties at the end of storage with the following results: Total viable count (7.96 log10 CFU/g), Psychrotrophic count (7.29 log10 CFU/g), Lactic acid bacteria (6.51 log10 CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae count (6.98 log10 CFU/g), Mold and yeast count (5.16 log10 CFU/g) and inoculated L. monocytogenes (6.51 log10 CFU/g). Furthermore, the addition of CIN-ZEO during nanoemulsion formation (NZEOC) increased the antimicrobial properties of the samples compared to individual addition of NZEO and CIN (NZEO + CIN) to the starch solution. Therefore, corn starch coating containing NZEOC is recommended as a natural preservative to enhance the microbial stability of poultry meat.

Physicochemical and antibacterial effect of Soy Protein Isolate/Gelatin electrospun nanofibres incorporated with Zataria multiflora and Cinnamon zeylanicum essential oils

Recently, combination of nanotechnology and active food packaging provided new horizon to extend the shelf life of food. This study aimed to fabricate natural nanofibrous film incorporated with essential oils using the nanospinning technique and examine its antimicrobial activity. Constituents of Zataria multiflora and Cinnamon zeylanicum essential oils (EOs) were investigated by Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry and their antimicrobial properties were examined. Subsequently, electrospun Soy Protein Isolate (SPI)/Gelatin was embedded with Zataria multiflora and Cinnamon zeylanicum EOs. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were done to evaluate the properties of electrospun fibers. The antimicrobial activity of nanofibrous films was evaluated. SEM revealed that the addition of 30% gelatin neutralized SPI charge, representing a significant increase in the diameter of nanofibers by 314.08 nm. Furthermore, TGA showed stability for Soy/Gel nanofibers. The fabricated nanofibrous film exhibited exquisite antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. For example, SPI-gelatin nanofibrous film incorporated with 20% Z. multiflora reduced 100% of S. aureus, B. cereus, and L.monocytogenes. The reduction for E. coli and S. typhimurium were 70% and 63%, respectively. We suggest that incorporating EOs with nanofibrous films can be a promising method to extend the shelf life of food and can be used in production for active food packaging.

Solid-lipid nanoparticles (SLN)s containing Zataria multiflora essential oil with no-cytotoxicity and potent repellent activity against Anopheles stephensi.

Malaria is still a global health concern with more than 400,000 death annually. Personal protection using mosquitoes' repellent is an effective prevention strategy, especially in endemic areas. The toxic effects of synthetics repellents and their adverse effects on fabricated goods have made the development of green repellent critical. In this study, ingredients of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) were identified using GC-MS analysis. Solid-lipid nanoparticles containing ZMEO (1%) were prepared (SLN-ZMEO) using the high-pressure homogenizer method. The repellent activity of ZMEO and SLN-ZMEO was investigated using Klun and Debboun method and compared together. Besides, their cytotoxicity on a human skin normal cell line (HFFF2) was evaluated. Five major components of ZMEO were carvacrol (27.05%), thymol (26.452%), γ-terpinene (15.144%), o-cymene (13.584%), and α-pinene (9.483%). The SLN-ZMEO showed a spherical shape with a particle size of 134 ± 7nm. Moreover, their polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were determined as 0.24 ± 0.1, - 9.82 ± 0.95mV and 64.6 ± 3.8%, respectively. Interestingly, the protection time of nanoformulation (93 ± 5min) was three times longer than that of the non-formulated essential oil (29 ± 2min). Interestingly, both samples did not show cytotoxicity on HFFF2. Therefore, the prepared nanoformulation can be used as a green and potent repellent.

Insecticidal activity of polycaprolactone nanoparticles decorated with chitosan containing two essential oils against Tribolium confusum

Essential oils are composed of volatile components, and rapidly evaporate. It is desirable to formulate them in a cover protecting the essential oils against environmental conditions. Applying nanotechnology to preparing desirable formulations of essential oils can be provided in a cover along with controlled release, increased oil life and greater mobility. In this study, nanoparticles were prepared using polycaprolactone and chitosan aimed at encapsulation of Rosmarinus officinalis and Zataria multiflora essential oils. The nanoparticles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity, encapsulation efficiency, and scanning electron microscope photomicrographs. The nanoparticles showed a positive surface charge ranging between +11.60 and +29.20 mV and a mean particle radius ranging between 181-407 nm. Encapsulation efficiency was obtained between 75.8-84.4% under different preparation conditions. The LC50 values of fumigant toxicity of R. officinalis essential oil and nanoparticles were equal to 103.53 and 112.64 μL/L air, and for Z. multiflora essential oil and nanoparticles, they were equal to 195.13 and 206.66 μL/L air, respectively for 24 h exposure time against Tribolium confusum. The effectiveness of non- formulated essential oils was significantly (P < 0.05) lower than nanoencapsulated oils in the confused flour beetle adults for a long period under the same condition, due to the sustained release of the essentials provided by the formulation.

Lethal and sublethal toxicity of some plant-derived essential oils in ectoparasitoid wasp, Habrobracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

Habrobracon hebetor Say is among the most efficient natural enemies of several lepidopteran insect pests. In the present study, the lethal and sublethal activities of essential oils isolated from aromatic plants Achillea millefolium L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill, Ocimum basilicum L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss were studied on the H. hebetor female wasps. A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils with lower LC50 values displayed lower toxicity on parasitoid wasps than F. vulgare and O. basilicum essential oils. Although LC30 values of essential oils affected the fecundity and fertility of treated wasps, A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils were harmless than F. vulgare and O. basilicum oils. The lowest rm (intrinsic rate of increase), R0 (net reproductive rate), GRR (Gross reproductive rate), and λ (Finite rate of increase) values (0.20 day, 16.13 offspring, 83.61 egg, and 1.24 day, respectively) distinguished on female wasps treated by F. vulgare essential oil. Based on the results of present study, A. millefolium and Z. multiflora essential oils indicated lower lethal and sublethal effects on the H. hebetor than F. vulgare and O. basilicum essential oils, and therefore, they can be considered as relatively safe agents to H. hebetor in the management of its lepidopteran insect pests.

Comparative Study on the Antibacterial Properties of Nanoemulsion of Zataria multiflora Essential Oil Fortified with Cinnamaldehyde Against Common Foodborne Pathogens

Background: Nowadays, the application of several and natural preservatives in small quantity is a more preferred approach. In this regard, one of the effective methods is the formation of nanoemulsion of essential oils. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro antibacterial activities of cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and Zataria multiflora essential oil in conventional (ZEO), nanoemulsion (NZEO) and fortified nanoemulsion (NZEOC) forms against common foodborne pathogens. Methods: Firstly, the Zataria multiflora essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The nanoemulsion of Z. multiflora essential oil was then prepared alone and fortified with cinnamaldehyde. Finally, their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli was evaluated. Results: Based on the results, carvacrol (36.62%) was found to be the most important compound of essential oil. In disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods, the addition of CIN to ZEO during nanoemulsion formation (NZEOC) showed more antibacterial activity when compared to the individual addition of NZEO and CIN (NZEO+CIN). However, according to the vapor phase diffusion method, nano-treatments exhibited less inhibitory effects than the other treatments. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the fortification of essential oils with their derived pure compounds during nanoemulsion formation, can be used as a suitable alternative to chemical antibacterial compounds in the food industry.

Efficacy and Safety of Zataria multiflora Boiss Essential Oil against Acute Toxoplasmosis in Mice

Broad spectrums of pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial activity have been attributed to Zataria multiflora Boiss (Laminaceae). The in vivo efficacy and safety of Z. multiflora essential oil (ZM-EO) were evaluated against acute toxoplasmosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii (Sarcocystidae) in mice. Z. multiflora (aerial parts) was obtained from the rural districts of Kerman city (Kerman Province) Southwestern Iran, in May of 2016. Male NMRI mice were orally treated with normal saline (control group) and ZM-EO at the doses of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg once a day for 14 d (8 mice in each group). On the 15th day, the mice were infected with 104 tachyzoites of T. gondii RH strain by intraperitoneal route. The mortality rate and parasite load were determined in the infected mice. Additionally, 24 mice were applied to examine the sub-acute toxicity of ZM-EO at the above doses after treatment during 14 d. GC/MS analysis displayed that the key constituents were thymol (45.4%), carvacrol (23%) and p-cymene (10.6%), respectively. Overall, 100% mortality was observed on the 8th and 9th days in treated mice with the concentrations of 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg, respectively. The mean number of tachyzoites in the mice treated with 0.2 and 0.4 mL/kg of ZM-EO were 189×104 and 76×104 cell/mL, respectively, meaningfully (P<0.05) reduced compared with the control mice. Results also demonstrated that ZM-EO had no important toxicity on mice. The results demonstrated the efficacy of ZM-EO against acute toxoplasmosis. Nevertheless, supplementary surveys are mandatory to examine its precise effects, mainly immunomodulatory effect on toxoplasmosis.

Antibacterial potential of essential oils of Zataria multiflora and Mentha piperita, micro- and nano-formulated forms

Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) shave many usages in health and medicine, such as antibacterial agents. The aim of this study was the improvement of antibacterial activities of two EOs using nanotechnology. Antibacterial activity was investigated on four important human pathogenic bacteria using the 96-well plate microdilution method, a quantitative approach. Eleven formulations were prepared using each of the EOs. Eventually, the best nanoformulation with the smallest particle size and polydispersive indices (PDI and SPAN) was selected using each EO for further investigations. Moreover, two microemulsions with similar ingredients and the same portion in comparison with two selected nanoemulsions were also prepared. Antibacterial activity of each EO was compared with its micro- and nano-emulsions. The antibacterial efficacy of Zataria multiflora EO (ZMEO) was significantly better than Mentha piperita EO (MPEO). Besides, the antibacterial activity of nanoemulsion of ZMEO with a particle size of 129 ± 12 nm was significantly better than no- and micro-formulated forms of ZMEO. Interestingly, the efficiency of MPEO nanoemulsion (160 ± 25 nm) was also significantly better than MPEO and its micro-formulated form. Regardless of the intrinsic antibacterial property of two examined EOs, by formulating to nanoemulsion, their efficiencies were improved. Nanoemulsion of ZMEO introduced as an inexpensive, potent and green antibacterial agent.

Alteration in hematological and biochemical parameters following the long-term consumption of Zataria multiflora essential oil in patients infected with liver hydatid disease

Abstract Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss is a well-known medicinal plant and its’ essential oil (EO) is traditionally used for treatment of respiratory and digestive disorders and/or bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of long-term consumption of Z. multiflora EO on hematological and biochemical parameters in patients infected with liver hydatid disease. Materials and Methods: Fifteen patients were administered orally with Z. multiflora EO (60 mg daily) for six months. Hematological and biochemical analysis were performed on the blood samples of patients before the start of treatment and after completion of the treatment course. In hematological analysis, WBC, RBC, Hb, hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC and platelets were measured. In biochemical analysis, FBS, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Na, K, Cl, AST, ALT, and ALK were assessed. Results: No apparent changes were observed in the values of hematological parameters of the patients after treatment. No significant changes also occurred in the values of FBS, BUN, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, Na, and K. The mean values of AST, ALT and ALK enzymes decreased significantly after treatment (P ˂ 0.05). No adverse clinical event was noticed in the patients during the course of study. Conclusions: Long-term consumption of Z. multiflora EO induced no adverse effect on the hematological and biochemical parameters of patients infected with liver hydatid disease. Since Z. multiflora EO reduced the level of liver transaminases (AST, ALT and ALK), this herbal product may be considered as a hepatoprotective agent in human beings.

Subcutaneous Hydatid Cyst in Laboratory Mice: Is it a Suitable Method for Evaluating Therapeutic Agents against Hydatid Cyst?

Hydatid disease is an economic and public health concern in many countries. Currently, surgery is the main treatment option for hydatid disease. In the surgical treatment of hydatidosis, the use of scolicidal agents is very important due to inactivating live protoscoleces and preventing the recurrence of infection. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate newscolicidal agents and novel medications with higher safety and efficacy. In the previous in vitro studies, the scolicidal effects of the methanolic extracts and aromatic water of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) have been demonstrated. Consequently, in this study, the impact of the nanoemulsion of Z. multiflora essential oil on subcutaneous hydatid cysts was compared with albendazole (ABZ). Fifty laboratory male mice were inoculated with 300 viable protoscoleces subcutaneously on the two sides of the abdomen. Following five months of infection, the remaining infected mice (n=42) were allocated into two treatment and one control (without treatment) groups containing fourteen animals each. Group A received ABZ at the dose of 50 mg/kg for 60 days, group B received the nanoemulsions of Z. multiflora at the dose of 50 mg/kg in drinking water for 60 days, and group C was considered as the control group. All the infected mice were euthanized and necropsied two months post-intervention. Afterwards, the cysts were cautiously collected and their number, size, and weight were compared between the mice of different groups. The mean number of hydatid cysts indicated that the nanoemulsion of Z. multiflora essence had a relative superiority to ABZ. On the other hand, the therapeutic effect of ABZ was higher than the nanoemulsion of Z. multiflora essential oil in terms of the mean weight and mean size of hydatid cysts. However, no significant difference was observed between the groups (P&amp;gt;0.5). Overall, the number, weight, and size of cysts were not significantly different between the groups in this investigation. The lack of satisfactory therapeutic results in this study might be due to the location of hydatid cysts in the subcutaneous space.

Chemical composition, antioxidative‎, antibacterial‎‎, and time-kill activities of some selected plant essential oils against foodborne pathogenic and spoilage organisms.

Essential oils (EOs) have been utilized as a growth inhibitor of microorganisms. This study was aimed to recognize the composition, antioxidative‎, antibacterial‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎, and time-kill activities of Origanum vulgare, Zataria multiflora, Syzygium aromaticum; and Cinnamomum verum EOs against Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas fluorescens. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine the chemical composition of EOs. Disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum bactericidal concentration, and time-kill methods were used to determine the antibacterial ‎‎activity of EOs. The antioxidative ‎ activity of EOs were determined by 2, 20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and ferric reducing antioxidative ‎ power methods. All EOs exhibited antibacterial ‎‎activity, however, Z. multiflora EO was the most effective followed by O. vulgare EO. The lowest antibacterial‎‎‎‎‎ activity was observed in C. verum EO. The most sensitive among tested bacteria to Z. multiflora and O. vulgare EOs was E. coli O157:H7 and to S. aromaticum; and C. verum EOs were S. putrefaciens and P. fluorescens, respectively. Z. multiflora and O. vulgare EOs were able to kill 85.00% and 80.00% of the E. coli O157: H7 and S. putrefaciens cells in 4 hr, respectively. The highest antioxidative ‎activity was observed in Z. multiflora EO. The tested EOs showed the highest antioxidative ‎activity at a concentration of 2.00 g L-1. Ferric reducing antioxidant power value of Z. multiflora, O. vulgare, S. aromaticum and C. verum was 2.01 ± 0.03, 1.47 ± 0.04, 1.01 ± 0.03, and 0.66 ± 0.34, respectively. High concentrations of tested EOs showed a decrease in antioxidative ‎ activity.

Comparative study on the antibacterial properties of nanoemulsion of Zataria multiflora essential oil fortified with cinnamaldehyde against common foodborne pathogens

Background: Nowadays, application of several and natural preservatives in small quantity is a more preferred approach. In this regard, one of the effective methods is the formation of nanoemulsion of essential oils. Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the in vitro antibacterial activities of cinnamaldehyde (CIN) and Zataria multiflora essential oil in conventional (ZEO), nanoemulsion (NZEO) and fortified nanoemulsion (NZEOC) forms against common foodborne pathogens. Methods: First, the Zataria multiflora essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The nanoemulsion of Z. multiflora essential oil was then prepared alone and fortified with cinnamaldehyde. Finally, their antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enteritidis and Escherichia coli was evaluated. Results: Based on the results, carvacrol (36.62%) was found to be the most important compound of essential oil. In disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods, the addition of CIN to ZEO during nanoemulsion formation (NZEOC) showed more antibacterial activity when compared to individual addition of NZEO and CIN (NZEO+CIN). However, according to vapor phase diffusion method, nano-treatments exhibited less inhibitory effects than the other treatments. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the fortification of essential oils with their derived pure compounds during nanoemulsion formation, can be used as a suitable alternative to chemical antibacterial compounds in the food industry.