Satureja Khuzestanica Essential Oil Research Articles

Enhancing leachate management with antibacterial nanocomposites incorporating plant-based carbon dots and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oils

Landfill leachate, a complex mixture of pollutants, poses a significant environmental hazard. This study reports the synthesis and characterization of superabsorbent nanocomposites (SANs) designed for enhanced performance in waste management applications. SANs were prepared using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium polyacrylate (SPA) as the main components, carbon dots (CDs) to improve absorption, and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SEO) for antibacterial performance. The results demonstrated that the addition of CDs significantly increased the absorption capacity and liquid retention of the samples, with a water absorption capacity reaching up to 8621 %. Furthermore, the samples exhibited high mechanical strength, with tensile strength improving by over 100 % in the presence of CDs. The inclusion of SEO provided strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with inhibition zones measuring up to 26 mm. These SANs, with their high absorption capacity, mechanical robustness, and antibacterial properties, show great potential for improving waste management practices, particularly in leachate absorption strategies.

Novel nanoemulsion-loaded hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose films as bioactive food packaging materials containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil

This study was conducted in response to a gap in the production of hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) edible films from Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) and to survey the preservation effect of natural edible films on the vapor phase. For these purpose varying concentrations of SKEO ranging from 1.25 % (EF1) to 7.5 % (EF5) led to producing different edible films for potential food packaging applications and the physicochemical, mechanical, and antimicrobial properties of edible films were evaluated across solid, liquid, and vapor phases. The incorporation of nanoemulsions into the polymer films led to an increase in thickness and opacity, while the addition of SKEO resulted in reduced water solubility without impacting film density. Notably, the antibacterial efficacy of the films was most pronounced against S. aureus, with a zone of inhibition measuring 41 ± 1 mm for EF5 on solid media. Time killing assays further demonstrated that specific formulations (EF3, EF4, and EF5) were capable of eradicating all microorganisms within 60 min. Moreover, SKEO edible films exhibited significant inhibitory effects against E. coli under refrigeration conditions (4 °C). These results highlighted the effect of herbal edible films in enhancing the functionality of bioactive food packaging technologies.

Investigating the Effect of Satureja khuzestanica Essential oil on MDR1 Gene Expression in Leishmania major.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is among the neglected diseases in the world. Pentavalent antimonial compounds are considered the first-line treatment for this disease. However, using alternative natural products has received great attention due to the side effects of chemical drugs and drug resistance of the Leishmania parasite. The present study aims to investigate the effect of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on MDR1 gene expression. In this study, standard strains of Leishmania major promastigotes were exposed to 5, 10, 15, and 20 µg/ml of SKEO. MDR1 gene expression of parasites exposed to essential oil was evaluated using real-time PCR. GAPDH was employed as the housekeeping gene for internal control. Despite the increase, no statistically significant difference was observed in the relative expression of the MDR1 gene between the control group and the groups containing 5, 10, and 20 µg/ml of SKEO (P > 0.05). The relative expression of the MDR1 gene significantly increased in the group containing 15 μg/ml of essential oil compared to the control one (P < 0.05). This study showed that the use of essential oil of Satureja khuzestanica plant can have an increasing effect on the expression of MDR1 gene of Leishmania promastigotes, which is the best case if Satureja khuzestanica essential oil reduces the expression of MDR1 gene. So it seems that the use of essential oil of Satoria plant is effective in controlling Leishmania parasite, but its concentrations induce drug resistance. As a result, concentrations of essential oil should be used that have a controlling effect on the growth and proliferation of Leishmania parasite and also have the least effect on the induction of MDR1 gene expression.

Phytochemical Properties and Antidepressant Potential of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad Essential Oil in Mouse Models of Depression

Oxidative stress may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of depression. Furthermore, antioxidants are also believed to have antidepressant properties. Previous studies have reported the antioxidant effects of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad. Therefore, this study examined the antidepressant potential of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) in male mice based on a forced swim test (FST) and tail suspension test (TST). The GC-MS was used to evaluate the phytochemistry of SKEO. In behavioral studies, 72 male mice were allocated to twelve groups of six and intraperitoneally received the vehicle (10 mL/kg), fluoxetine (20 mg/kg), imipramine (30 mg/kg), or SKEO (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg). Immobility time in TST and immobility, swimming, and climbing times in FST were measured. In the open-field test (OFT), the number of crossings and rearings was recorded. According to GC-MS results, carvacrol, γ-terpinene, cymene, and 2-pinene were the most abundant compounds in SKEO. In FST and TST, all doses of SKEO (except for 25 mg/kg in FST), fluoxetine, and imipramine reduced the immobility time compared to the control group. Moreover, 50 and 100 mg/kg doses of SKEO and fluoxetine increased the swimming time without significantly changing the climbing time. However, imipramine increased the climbing time without significantly changing the swimming time. None of SKEO doses caused a significant change in the number of crossings or rearings in OFT. According to our findings, the antidepressant-like effects of SKEO are similar to those of fluoxetine. While the compounds in SKEO seem to induce their effects through the serotonergic mechanism, further studies are warranted to clarify their exact mechanism of action.

Surface Modified Carvacrol-rich Satureja khuzestanica Essential Oil Nanoemulsion: A Novel Paclitaxel Formulation Induced Apoptosis on Paclitaxel-Resistant Breast Cancer Cells

Background: The ability of cancer cells to develop multidrug resistance (MDR) is a major challenge in modern chemotherapy. The current generation of commercially available paclitaxel formulations have not been designed to treat resistant tumours. In this study, a nanoemulsion-based delivery system was developed to enhance the efficacy of paclitaxel against resistant breast cancer cells. Methods: The nanoemulsion was formulated using carvacrol-rich Satureja khuzestanica essential oil. Modification of nanoemulsion was performed by incorporating tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) which could inhibit drug resistance in cancer cells. Fabrication of paclitaxel nanoemulsion was performed by high speed homogenization. The cytotoxicity of prepared formulation against resistant breast cancer cells was investigated by MTT assay. Flow cytometry technique was used for cell cycle arrest analysis and examination of the apoptosis induction ability of prepared nanoemulsion. Results: The nanoemulsion had a relatively small mean droplet diameter (93.6 ± 4.2 nm) and good long-term stability. The ability of paclitaxel to inhibit P-gp function in paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer cells (MCF-7/PTX) was synergistically enhanced by administering it within the nanoemulsion. The cytotoxicity of the prepared nanoemulsion on the HUVEC normal cells was much lower than that of MCF-7/PTX cells. Cell cycle analysis utilizing flow cytometry showed that the paclitaxel-loaded nanoemulsion promoted G2-M arrest. Flow cytometry also demonstrated that this nanoemulsion induced apoptosis in MCF-7/PTX cells. Interestingly, apoptosis increased from 20.0% for the free paclitaxel treated group to 85.2 % for the paclitaxel-loaded nanoemulsion treated group. Conclusion: This novel paclitaxel nanoemulsion efficiently suppressed the drug resistance of breast cancer cells and induced effective apoptosis in very low concentrations of paclitaxel.

Investigation of structural and physicochemical properties of microcapsules obtained from protein-polysaccharide conjugate via the Maillard reaction containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil

In this study, some common proteins including, whey protein isolate (WPI), soy protein isolate (SPI), and gelatin (G) conjugated with maltodextrin (MD) via Maillard reaction and were then used to encapsulate Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO). The higher glycation degree was obtained at a pH of 9 and 3 h of heating at 60 °C for SPI and WPI, and 90 °C for G. The results of FTIR and intrinsic fluorescence test showed the possibility of covalent binding formation between proteins and maltodextrin. The encapsulation efficiencies were obtained about 83.84 %, 88.95 %, and 89.27 % for MD-SPI, MD-G, and MD-WPI, respectively. Moreover, the Maillard reaction-based microcapsules had higher antioxidant activity than the physical mixture of protein-polysaccharide. The addition of SKEO to microcapsules improved antimicrobial activity. The results of this study demonstrated that MD-WPI and MD-G, as encapsulating materials, can be used to enhance the physiochemical properties of microcapsules loaded with SKEO.

Antimicrobial activity and stability of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil pickering emulsions stabilized by starch nanocrystals and bacterial cellulose nanofibers

Pickering emulsions containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) (O/W, 30:70) were produced by starch nanocrystals (SNCs) and bacterial cellulose nanofibers (B-CNF) as stabilizers. Heat acid hydrolysis method using different volumes of hydrochloric acid (0.8, 1.6 and 2 mL) was used to prepare SNCs from octenyl succinic anhydride starch. Characterization of SNCs by FT-IR and XRD revealed a lower increase in crystallinity by increasing acidity of hydrolysis solution. SEM results showed platelet-like fused nanocrystals with numerous surface pores after acid hydrolysis. Droplet size and absolute ζ-potential of SKEO emulsions stabilized by each of the SNCs (SNC-0.8, SNC-1.6 and SNC-2) and different B-CNF concentrations (0, 2, 4 and 8%) were evaluated. Results showed a downward and an upward trend from SNC-0.8 to SNC-2 and 0% B-CNF to 8% B-CNF, respectively. The viscosity of emulsions stabilized by combination of SNCs and B-CNF was higher than those without B-CNF. Besides, SNCs with higher degree of acid hydrolysis produced Pickering emulsions with lower viscosity. No significant changes were observed in the antimicrobial activity of SKEO emulsions stabilized with and without B-CNF against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica in disk diffusion test, indicating that addition of B-CNF has no effect on antimicrobial properties. However, highest antibiofilm activity against mentioned bacteria was observed in emulsions stabilized by SNC-0.8. This study correlated the preparation method of SNCs and B-CNF addition on physical and antimicrobial properties of SKEO emulsions which could be used as safe and food grade systems for the delivery of EOs in the food industry.

Chitosan decorated essential oil nanoemulsions for enhanced antibacterial activity using a microfluidic device and response surface methodology

In this work, the antibacterial activity of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil nanoemulsions improved by employing chitosan (ch/SKEO NE) against E. coli bacterium. The optimum ch/SKEO NE with mean droplet size of 68 nm was attained at 1.97, 1.23, and 0.10%w/w of surfactant, essential oil and chitosan, using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Applying microfluidic platform, the ch/SKEO NE resulted in improved antibacterial activity owing to the modification of surface properties. The nanoemulsion samples showed a significant rupturing effect on the E. coli bacterial cell membrane which resulted in a rapid release of cellular contents. This action was remarkably intensified by executing microfluidic chip in parallel to the conventional method. Having treated the bacteria in the microfluidic chip for 5 min with a 8 μg/mL concentration of ch/SKEO NE, the bacterial integrity disrupted quickly, and the activity was totally lost in a 10-min period at 50 μglmL, while it took 5 h for a complete inhibition in the conventional method using the same concentration of ch/SKEO NE. It can be concluded that nanoemulsification of EOs using chitosan coating can intensify the interaction of nanodroplets with the bacterial membrane, especially within the microfluidic chips which provides high contact surface area.

Antimicrobial biodegradable film based on corn starch/Satureja khuzestanica essential oil/Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites

Biosynthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) using plant extract is an eco-friendly method, in which natural materials are used and is a simple, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly green synthesis. In this study, corn starch (CS) film containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SEO) and Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites (size: nearly 30–60 nm) were prepared and its antimicrobial, morphological, physical, and mechanical characteristics were investigated. Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites with different molar percentages were synthesized by S. khuzestanica extract and based on the best antibacterial results against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923), were chosen to prepare the films. Four types of biodegradable films were provided: simple CS film, the film incorporated with SEO (essence film), the film incorporated with Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites (nanofilm), and nano/essence film. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed for investigating the morphology of the films. The combined energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy with SEM was applied to analyze the near-surface elements. Physical characteristics of the films containing water vapor permeability (%) and their moisture content, mechanical tests, and antibacterial properties were examined. Antimicrobial evaluation of the films revealed a 3–4 log and 6–7 log (CFU ml−1) reduction in S. aureus and E. coli species respectively, compared to the control group. The bio-polymer film incorporated with extracted essential oil of S. khuzestanica and Ag–TiO2 nanocomposites are effective to package foods and can delay chemical, physical, and microbial spoilage.

Effects of Garlic Powder and Satureja Khuzestanica Essential Oil on Male Ross 308 Chickens Performance, Blood Lipid Profile, Immune Responses, Intestinal Microflora, and Morphology

Background: Herbal antioxidants have beneficial effects on health and performance. Meanwhile, medicinal plants and their derivations are utilized as growth and immunity promoter. Objectives: This research aimed to evaluate the effects of garlic powder and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on broiler performance, blood lipid profile, immune responses, intestinal microflora, and morphology. Methods: In total, 400 male chickens were randomly divided into five groups. Treatments included garlic powder (2 and 4%) and SKEO (400 and 500 mg/kg). Those in the control group received no intervention. On the 35th day of the experiment, the immune system of subjects was investigated, and at the end of the study, performance and blood lipid profile were analyzed. Also, the jejunal and ileal contents were separated to investigate the intestinal morphology and microflora. Results: Administration of herbal extracts was associated with improved performance, such as feed intake, BWG, and FCR (P &lt; 0.05). Treatments could diminish the serum concentrations of lipid profile, including cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL (P &lt; 0.05). Meanwhile, the number of harmful intestinal bacteria was reduced by garlic (4% of diet) and SKEO (500 mg/kg) treatments (P &lt; 0.05). Also, morphological characteristics of the intestine were improved (P &lt; 0.05). Herbal plant supplement remarkably increased the villus length, villus length to crypt depth, and villus area (P &lt; 0.05), but did not affect the immune responses (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that dietary inclusion of herbal extracts is potentially an effective strategy for improving health and performance in broiler chickens.

Development and characterization of biocomposite films made from kefiran, carboxymethyl cellulose and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil

Kefiran-carboxymethyl cellulose biocomposite films incorporated with Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil were developed and characterized. Results indicated that increase in the concentration of the essential oil increased ultimate tensile strength and contact angle but decreased elongation at break, moisture content and water vapor permeability. It also significantly altered color parameters and the percentage of light transmission in the visible and ultraviolet range. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the formation of hydrogen bonds between polymer matrix and essential oil. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the surface structure of the films was homogeneous without porosity. Increase in storage modulus and glass transmission temperature in films incorporated with the essential oil was observed through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Moreover, significant increase in antioxidant properties and phenolic compounds were noticed. Ultimately, results obtained from evaluation of antimicrobial characteristics of films indicated their inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria.

Influence of simultaneous application of copper oxide nanoparticles and Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil on properties of kefiran–carboxymethyl cellulose films

A factorial experiment was designed to analyze nanobiocomposite films based on kefiran–carboxymethyl cellulose carbohydrates with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) (0, 1, 1.5 and 2%) and Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SEO) (0, 1, 1.5 and 2%) as well as their combination in order to investigate their physical, mechanical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, optical, color, dynamic mechanical thermal, and morphological properties. It was generally found that the separate addition of CuONPs and SEO to the film improved its properties. In addition, results showed that the simultaneous application of CuONPs and SEO had substantially improved the physical and mechanical properties of the films. Besides the nature of CuONPs and SEO, this effect was due to the formation of hydrogen interactions between them and the biopolymer matrix, as supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The simultaneous application of CuONPs and SEO had a synergistic effect on antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and further made a significant change in color parameters and percentage of light transmission within the visible and ultraviolet light spectral ranges. The results of the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed that the films containing simultaneous combinations of CuONPs and SEO had the highest storage modulus and glass transition temperature. Results of electron microscopy images indicated that the simultaneous presence of CuONPs and SEO in films was consistent with the biopolymer matrix and distributed properly in the medium. In summary, the results of this study showed that nanobiocomposite films containing the simultaneous combination of CuONPs and SEO may be useful in food packaging.

Nanoemulsification of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil and pure carvacrol; comparison of physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity against food pathogens

The aim of the present study was to fabricate a stable carvacrol-rich Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) nanoemulsion and evaluate its antibacterial activity against food borne pathogens. The effect of determining factors including preparation method, surfactant type, surfactant to oil ratio and hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) were evaluated on the mean particle size and stability of nanoemulsions. The optimized formulation prepared by high speed homogenization method containing 3%w/w EO and 9%w/w surfactant mixture (Tween 80 + Span 80) with HLB value of 10 that produced stable nanoemulsion with mean particle diameter of 95 nm. The defined conditions were applied for fabrication of pure carvacrol nanoemulsion. Both formulations showed appreciable long-term stability. The antibacterial activity of pure SKEO, carvacrol and their nanoemulsions were examined against three food-borne bacteria. The results showed an improvement in antibacterial activity for carvacrol and SKEO nanoemulsions against Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus.

Busulfan-mediated oxidative stress and genotoxicity decrease in sperm of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil-administered mice

ABSTRACTHere, we studied the protective effects of Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) as a potent anti-oxidant, against damage caused by chemotherapy with busulfan in testis and epididymal sperm of adult mice. The NMRI adult mice were assigned: G1: control, G2: was treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg), G3: was treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg/kg) at the same time, and G4: was pre-treated with SKEO (7 days, 225 mg/kg) and subsequently co-treated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg/kg) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg/kg). Apoptosis and Bcl-2 family gene expression were evaluated in sperm by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay and Real-Time PCR, respectively. The level of oxidative stress was studied in sperm and testis by Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) assays. Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), and Thiobarbituric assays were used for analyzing cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in testis and sperm of mice, (TBA) respectively. The results showed a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic sperm in G4 versus G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). SKEO pre-treatment potentially increased Bcl-2 expression and decreased BAX expression in sperm of G4 compared with G2 and G3. The activities of SOD and GPx were increased, also, LDH and TBA decreased significantly in testis and sperm of G4 compared with G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). SKEO pre-treatment had a notable role in reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, cytotoxicity, and genotoxicity in sperm of busulfan-treated mice. In addition, cytotoxicity and oxidative stress were decreased significantly in testes of this group. Thereby, SKEO may inhibit busulfan-mediated apoptosis in sperm via decreasing oxidative stress and regulating Bcl-2 family genes expression. In conclusion, the beneficial properties of SKEO pre-treatment and co-treatment by its herbal potent anti-oxidants may reduce adverse effects of chemotherapy in the reproductive system in a rodent system.Abbreviations: SKEO: Satureja Khuzestanica essential oil; SOD: superoxide dismutase; GPx: glutathione peroxidase; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; GC–MS: gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; TdT: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling; ROS: reactive oxygen species

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND PROPHYLACTIC EFFECTS OF SATURJA KHUZESTANICA ESSENTIAL OIL ON ACUTE TOXOPLASMOSIS IN MICE

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread zoonotic protozoan that infects approximately one third of the global&#x0D; human population and all other warm-blooded animals. The present study aims to evaluate the prophylactic effects of&#x0D; Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) on infected mice with acute toxoplasmosis.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The components of the SKEO were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy&#x0D; (GC/MS). To evaluate the prophylactic effects of SKEO, mice were divided into four groups. (i) non-treated group, (ii)&#x0D; mice treated with olive oil once a day for two weeks, (iii) mice treated with SKEO at the dose of 0.2ml/kg once a day&#x0D; for two weeks, (iv) and mice orally treated with SKEO at the dose of 0.3 ml/kg once a day for two weeks. After 24 h&#x0D; (fifteenth day) mice in the groups of two-four were infected intraperitonealy with 10-4 tachyzoite of T. gondii, RH&#x0D; strain. The mortality rate in all infected mice and the number of tachyzoites from infected mice were recorded.&#x0D; Results: The main components of SKEO were carvacrol (78.8%), thymol (7.5%), and beta-Bisabolene (1.2%).&#x0D; Findings of prophylactic effects revealed that mortality rate of infected mice was 8 days after oral administration of&#x0D; SKEO at the concentration of 0.2 and 0.3ml/kg (P

Protection against Cyclosporine-Induced Reprotoxicity by Satureja khuzestanica Essential Oil in Male Rats.

The effects of cyclosporine (Cs), a fungal cyclic polypeptide with potent immunosuppressive activity, on fertility have assumed greater significance with the increasing numbers of transplantations being performed all over the world. Current study was undertaken to investigate the potential of Satureja khuzestanica Essential Oil (SEO) as an antioxidant to mitigate Cs-induced reprotoxicity. In this experimental study (April-July 2012), thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups of 8 animals each. Two groups of rats were administered Cs [40 mg/kg/day, per oral (p.o.)] for 45 days. One of these groups received SEO (225 mg/kg/day, p.o.) four hours after Cs administration. A vehicle-treated control group and a SEO control group were also included. Epididymal sperm characteristics, in vitro fertilizing capacity as well as embryo development were evaluated. For statistical analysis, one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were used, and the value of P<0.05 was considered as the criterion for statistical significance. Sperm count and viability along with fertilization and blastocyst development rates were significantly decreased by Cs treatment. Moreover, Cs-treated group showed significant increases in DNA damage, protamine deficiency of the sperm cells and proportion of spermatozoa with cytoplasmic droplet. Notably, aforementioned parameters were improved to near normal level by SEO co-administration. These results suggest that SEO has a protective action against Cs-induced reprotoxicity in a rat model.

Cytoprotective and anti-apoptotic effects of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil against busulfan-mediated sperm damage and seminiferous tubules destruction in adult male mice.

We studied the protective effect of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) against damage caused by busulfan on testis in male mice. The NMRI mice (n = 40) were assigned to four groups including: G1: control, G2: treated with busulfan for 4 days (3.2 mg kg(-1)), G3: receive busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg kg(-1)) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg kg(-1)) at the same time, G4: pre-treated with SKEO (7 days, 225 mg kg(-1)) and subsequently cotreated with busulfan (4 days, 3.2 mg kg(-1)) and SKEO (28 days, 225 mg kg(-1)). The histological changes of testis were analysed using H&E staining. Sperm parameters, cytotoxic and apoptotic factors were also studied by computer-aided sperm analyzer, MTT and TUNEL assays respectively. Our results showed that SKEO pre-administration significantly improved all parameters of epididymal spermatozoa and decreased germinal epithelium destruction following busulfan chemotherapy. We also found lower MTT levels and TUNEL-positive cells in SKEO pre-treated groups. In conclusion, SKEO possesses beneficial effects on sperm parameters when taken before chemotherapy and continued during and after chemotherapy for a long time, than when used short-term coinciding with the chemotherapy. Our results support valuable data about the application of SKEO for protection against adverse effects of busulfan on male genital system in patients under chemotherapy.

Hepatoprotective and Hypolipidemic Effects of Satureja Khuzestanica Essential Oil in Alloxan-induced Type 1 Diabetic Rats.

In the present study, we examined the antioxidative activities of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKE) and possible protective effect of SKE on lipid profile, atherogenic index and liver enzyme markers in Alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats. Thirty male rats were randomly divided into three groups; group one as control, group two diabetic untreatment, and group three treatments with SKE by 500 ppm in drinking water, respectively. Diabetes was induced in the second and third groups by alloxan injection subcutaneously. After 8 weeks, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (C), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), atherogenic index and the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of all groups were analyzed. Data were analyzed through non-parametric Man Whitney test (using SPSS 13 software) and p < 0.05 was considered significant. SKE inhibited significantly the activities of ALT and ALP and decrease FBG, TG, C, LDL and VLDL. HDL level was significantly increased when treated with the extract. The activities of AST stayed unaltered. Moreover, total antioxidant capacity of SKE was 3.20 ± 0.40 nmol of ascorbic acid equivalents/g SKE. This study showed that SKE is a source of potent antioxidants. The findings of the present study also suggest that SKE exert beneficial effects on the lipid profile, atherogenic index and liver enzymes activity in Alloxan-induced Type 1 diabetic rats.

Protection of cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in reproductive tract histology, sperm characteristics, and DNA damage by an herbal source; evidence for role of free-radical toxic stress

Cyclophosphamide (CP) as an anticancer alkylating agent has been known as a male reproductive tract toxicant. The aim of this study was to examine whether Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (SKEO) as an established herbal antioxidant, might protect tract rat reproductive system from toxicity of CP. To reach this aim, total antioxidant power (TAP) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in testis and plasma, blood levels of sex hormones, sperm characteristics, DNA integrity and chromatin quality, and fertility in male rats were tested. Histopathological analysis of testes and epididymides and staining of mast cells were performed for assessment of spermatogenic disorders. CP (6 mg/kg/day) and SKEO (225 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination by gavage for 28 days. In the CP-exposed rats, testicular and plasma LPO increased, TAP decreased, plasma testosterone diminished, and both spermatogenesis and fertility were impaired. In CP-treated rats, a decrease in sperm quality was associated with increased DNA damage and decreased chromatin quality. Coadministration of SKEO significantly improved CP-induced changes in plasma testosterone, sperm quality, spermatogenesis and fertility, toxic stress, and DNA damage. It is concluded that CP-induced toxic effects on androgenesis and spermatogenesis is mediated by free radicals. SKEO protects reproductive system from toxicity of CP through its antioxidant potential and androgenic activity.

Improvement by Satureja khuzestanica essential oil of malathion-induced red blood cells acetylcholinesterase inhibition and altered hepatic mitochondrial glycogen phosphorylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase activities

The aim of this study was to examine whether Satureja khuzestanica (Lamiaceae) essential oil (SKEO) might have protective effects on toxicity of malathion, a commonly used organophosphorus (OP), by measuring the activities of hepatic cells mitochondrial glycogen phosphorylase (GP) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) activities and blood levels of glucose and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in rats. Malathion (20 mg/kg/day) and SKEO (225 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination by intragastric intubation for 28 days. Treatment by malathion increased blood glucose as measured at days 18 and 28 of treatment. Malathion inhibited erythrocyte AChE and increased hepatic cells GP and PEPCK activities. Coadministration SKEO resulted in restoration of malathion-induced changes in hepatic cells GP and PEPCK activities and levels of blood AChE and glucose. It is concluded that SKEO interferes with malathion-induced stimulation of hepatic cells glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis through its antioxidant potential and increasing AChE activity.