Zataria Multiflora Boiss Research Articles

Combination of medicinal plants with antibiotics against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii

Background and aims: One essential plant-based strategy to deal with infections is antimicrobial synergism, which can make antimicrobials more efficient. The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between these extracts and two widely used antibiotics, meropenem and gentamicin, on two multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, K. pneumoniae and A. baumannii, in vitro. Methods: Different concentrations of Rosa damascena Mill., Malva sylvestris L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss. hydroalcoholic extracts (2-fold serial dilution from 131072 to 256 μg/mL) were administered against two MDR bacteria, and their combination with gentamicin and meropenem (serial dilution from 32 to 0.015 μg/mL) was investigated by the resazurin-based microdilution and the checkerboard method. The phytochemical properties of the extracts were also examined, and the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anthocyanin content, and antioxidant capacity of the extracts were determined. Results: Z. multiflora and R. damascena showed high antibacterial activity, and their minimal inhibitory concentrations on Acinetobacter baumannii were 1024 and 2048 μg/mL, respectively. Z. multiflora also had high TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity and demonstrated additive interaction with meropenem and gentamicin with fractional inhibitory concentrations of 1 and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion: We suggest the potency of Z. multiflora-antibiotic combinations in treating MDR A. baumannii after future clinical studies.

Acute and sub-acute Toxicity Profiles of Anchusa strigosa and Zataria Multiflora: Insights from wistar albino rats

The present study aims to assess the acute and subacute toxicity of the hydro-alcoholic extracts of Anchusa strigosa (leaves) and the aerial parts of Zataria multiflora Boiss in Wistar albino rats. The crude extracts of Anchusa strigosa (leaves) and the aerial parts of Zataria multiflora Boiss were prepared in 70% ethanol. Systematic tests for acute toxicity were performed at varying dosages of 100, 250, and 500 mg/kg, while for subacute toxicity, a dose of 600 mg/kg was orally given to Wistar albino rats. At the end of acute and sub-acute toxicity studies, biochemical parameters, hematological analysis, and histopathological analysis showed no significant difference in the body weight, abnormalities, or organ damage of the rats compared to the untreated rats (control). Also, there were no results of death recorded in rats. These findings indicated that the medium-term oral administration of Anchusa strigosa (leaves) and the aerial parts of Zataria multiflora Boiss after the treatment does not cause toxicity and provides assurance regarding their suitability for potential therapeutic applications in both acute and subacute forms.

Expression of the changes in essential oil components of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) as affected by various drying methods

The purpose of this research was to investigate the impact of various drying techniques on the quality characteristics of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) using a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments included fresh samples, shade-drying (SHD), sun-drying (SD), oven and vacuum-drying (OD and VD) each at three different temperatures (45, 55, and 65 °C), and microwave-drying (MD) at three different power levels (200, 400, and 600 W). The results indicated that vacuum and oven-drying at 45 °C were effective in preserving valuable secondary metabolites compared to traditional drying methods. The essential oil (EO) content was lowest in the microwave-drying at 600 W (1.3 %), and highest in vacuum-drying at 45 °C (2.99 %). Vacuum-drying at 45 °C also produced the highest levels of carvacrol (72.5 %) and thymol (7.21 %) content, while the lowest levels were found in fresh samples. The main components in the EO were monoterpene hydrocarbons (11.47–27.33 %), oxygenated monoterpenes (74.81–86.9 %), and oxygenated sesquiterpenes (76.50–86.50 %). The results showed that the amount of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes were higher at low temperatures. Furthermore, the color parameters showed changes based on the drying methods, with vacuum-drying at 45 °C increasing the L* parameter (lightness), vacuum-drying at 65 °C increasing the a* parameter)brightness(, and oven-drying at 45 °C increasing the b* parameter)greenness). Understanding the different methods and operations of drying Shirazi thyme can provide valuable insight for its professional application and development in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Therapeutic Effect of Avishan-e-Shirazi (Zataria Multiflora Boiss) Root Extract on Oxidative Stress Markers in Moderate Asthmatic Patients

Avishan-e-Shirazi (Zataria Multiflora Boiss) is a plant widely recognised for its medicinal and culinary purposes. Objectives: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of plant’s root extract on pulmonary function tests and oxidative stress markers among moderate Asthma tic patients. Methods: A total participant of 66 patients with pulmonary disease, 30-40 age, were selected for the 2-month research trial. Individuals were enrolled and distributed equally in two groups, 33 each. In the control group, 53.8% of individual were man, and 46.2% were women. In the treatment group, 49.1% of participants were man, and 50.9% were women. The groups G0 was considered as a control group with no root extract, and group G1 where conventional treatment and root extract were advised to participants. The participants were selected from the Jinnah Hospital, Pakistan. The 5mg/kg/day dried root extract supplements 3 times a day were given to the individuals daily for 2 months. Results: The mean age group of Asthma tic patients enrolled in the study was 35 ± 2.98 years in G0, and in G1, it was 34 ± 3.05. The mean BMI was 31.34 and 30.98 kgm-2 in both groups, respectively. There was a significant improvement in FEV1 levels and MDA enzyme levels with a p-value less than 0.05. The NO2 levels were also better. Similarly, the enzymes thiolase and SOD levels also improved with a p-value less than 0.05 in the treatment group. Conclusions: The current study concluded that Avishan-e-Shirazi root extract could improve the pulmonary function and inflammation among Asthma patients.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of tarragon and Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oils and their applications as active agents to improve the shelf life of freshly cut potato strips.

This study investigated the possibility of using active coatings based on Zedo gum containing essential oils of Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZE) and tarragon (TE) to increase the shelf life and maintain the quality of freshly cut potato strips. The chemical compositions of ZE and TE were initially identified, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated. ZE consisted mainly of carvacrol (26.26%), p-cymene (21.50%), thymol (18.05%), and linalool (11.31%), and those of TE comprised p-allylanisole (81.92%), β-Ocimene E (8.06%), and β-Ocimene Z (5.35%). Afterwards, a Zedo gum active coating (1% v/w) containing 1% (v/v) essential oil was prepared, and the produced coating solutions were used to soak the potato strips for 5 min. The coated potatoes were kept fresh in a refrigerator for 9 days, and their quality characteristics were examined every 3 days. The results show that the weight loss, browning index, total microbial count, and mold and yeast counts in the strips increased during 9 days of cold storage, and hardness decreased (p < .05). However, the coatings of strips, especially those containing essential oils, reduced the intensity of changes in moisture, color, and hardness, increased microbial stability, and maintained the sensory acceptance of strips compared with the uncoated sample (control). Finally, this study demonstrated that the quality and shelf life of fresh potato strips can be improved by using active coatings based on Zedo gum containing ZE and TE (especially ZE).

The wound healing effect of polycaprolactone-chitosan scaffold coated with a gel containing Zataria multiflora Boiss. volatile oil nanoemulsions

AimsThymus plant is a very useful herbal medicine with various properties such as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. Therefore, the properties of this plant have made this drug a suitable candidate for wound healing. In this study, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel containing Zataria multiflora volatile oil nanoemulsion (neZM) along with polycaprolactone/chitosan (PCL-CS) nanofibrous scaffold was used, and the effect of three experimental groups on the wound healing process was evaluated. The first group, HPMC gel containing neZM, the second group, PCL-CS nanofibers, and the third group, HPMC gel containing neZM and bandaged with PCL-CS nanofibers (PCL-CS/neZM). Wounds bandaged with common sterile gas were considered as control.MethodsThe nanoemulsion was synthesized by a spontaneous method and loaded into a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) gel. The DLS test investigated the size of these nanoemulsions. A PCL-CS nanofibrous scaffold was also synthesized by electrospinning method then SEM and contact angle tests investigated morphology and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of its surface. The animal study was performed on full-thickness skin wounds in rats, and the process of tissue regeneration in the experimental and control groups was evaluated by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining.ResultsThe results showed that the nanoemulsion has a size of 225±9 nm and has an acceptable dispersion. The PCL-CS nanofibers synthesized by the electrospinning method also show non-beaded smooth fibers and due to the presence of chitosan with hydrophilic properties, have higher surface hydrophobicity than PCL fibers. The wound healing results show that the PCL-CS/neZM group significantly reduced the wound size compared to the other groups on the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. The histological results also show that the PCL-CS/neZM group could significantly reduce the parameters of edema, inflammation, and vascularity and increase the parameters of fibrosis, re-epithelialization, and collagen deposition compared to other groups on day 21.ConclusionThe results of this study show that the PCL-CS/neZM treatment can effectively improve wound healing.

Therapeutic potential of Zataria multiflora: A narrative review of current evidence

Zataria multiflora Boiss is a perennial plant with a wide spectrum of biological and pharmacological activities including antidiabetic, anti-nociceptive, anti-asthmatic, anti-fever, anti-spastic, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. This paper reviews the therapeutic effects of Zataria multiflora based on recent reports. The relevant reports were extracted by checking the electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar from the beginning of 2010 until the end of May 2023. The neuroprotective effects of Zataria multiflora can be attributed to inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, enhancement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and alleviation of brain oxidative damage. Zataria multiflora also exerts its protective effects on the respiratory system, liver, and kidney by reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines, scavenging the free radicals, and augmenting the antioxidant enzymes. Additionally, Zataria multiflora accelerates wound healing via upregulating transforming growth factor-β, insulin-like growth factor 1, fibroblast growth factor 2, and vascular endothelial growth factor, and inducing angiogenesis and collagen biosynthesis. Overall, the protective impacts of Zataria multiflora on different organs are mainly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Inhaled paraquat-induced lung injury in rat, improved by the extract of Zataria multiflora boiss and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone

The effects of a PPAR-γ agonist, pioglitazone and Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced lung oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological changes and tracheal responsiveness were examined.The study was carried out in control rats exposed to normal aerosol of saline, PQl and PQh groups exposed to aerosols of 27 and 54 mg/m3 PQ, groups exposed to high PQ concentration (PQh) and treated with 200 and 800 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day pioglitazone, low doses of Z. multiflora + pioglitazone, and 0.03 mg/kg/day dexamethasone.Increased tracheal responsiveness, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and lung pathological changes due to PQh were significantly improved by high doses of Z. multiflora and pioglitazone, dexamethasone and extract + pioglitazone, (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In group treated with low doses of the extract + pioglitazone, the improvements of most measured variables were significantly higher than the low dose of two agents alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001).Z. multiflora improved lung injury induced by inhaled PQ similar to dexamethasone and pioglitazone which could be mediated by PPAR-γ receptor.

Encapsulated Zataria multiflora's essential oil inhibited the growth of Aspergillus flavus and reduced aflatoxins levels in contaminated pistachio nut

The essential oil of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZEO) was prepared using a British Pharmacopeia-type hydrodistillation apparatus. The ZEO was encapsulated with a natural polymer, chitosan (CS) by oil-in-water emulsification, and ionic cross-linking techniques. The shape and size range of the encapsulated particles were evaluated by Atomic-Force Microscopy (AFM) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and FT-IR spectroscopy. The AFM analysis of the ZEO encapsulated nano-particles (CS-ZEO) showed spherical shape particles with inner cavities. The mean size of CS-ZEO particles was 293 ± 17 nm according to DLS analysis. The chemical constituent of the oil was analyzed by GC-MS and thymol acetate (32.4%), carvacrol acetate (19.0%), γ-terpinene (18.5%), and ρ-cymene (14.5%) were reported as its major constituents. The non-encapsulated ZEO in the synthesis process was determined to calculate the encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the prepared CS-ZEO which were 87.4% and 6%; respectively. In vitro antifungal activity of ZEO and CS-ZEO in growth media against Aspergillus flavus was evaluated with the decrease in fungal mycelial mass. On the other hand, the HPLC results showed the reduction of aflatoxins B1 levels by 95% and 92% at concentrations of 0.8 mg/mL of ZEO and 6.7 mg/mL of CS-ZEO, respectively. The above-mentioned effective concentrations of the ZEO and CS-ZEO, were applied to pistachio samples, which reduced 90.5% and 99.0%, of the aflatoxin B1 levels, respectively compared to non-treated samples. Therefore, we suggest here, the CS-ZEO as a possible natural fungicide with an effective mechanism of lowering aflatoxins production in the contaminated pistachio.

Effect of sage seed gum film incorporating Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on the storage quality and biogenic amine content of refrigerated Otolithes ruber fillets

The effect of an edible film based on sage seed gum (SSG) incorporating 3 % Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) was investigated on the storage quality and shelf life of tiger-tooth croaker (Otolithes ruber) fillets during storage at 4 ± 1 °C compared to the control film (SSG film without ZEO) and the Cellophane. The SSG-ZEO film significantly decelerated microbial growth (evaluated by total viable count, total psychrotrophic count, pH, TVBN) and lipid oxidation (evaluated by TBARS) compared to the others (P ˂ 0.05). The antimicrobial activity of ZEO was the highest and the lowest on E. aerogenes (MIC: 0.196 μL/mL) and P. mirabilis (MIC: 0.977 μL/mL), respectively. E. aerogenes was identified as an indicator biogenic amine-producer in O. ruber fish at refrigerated temperature. The active film significantly lowered biogenic amine accumulation in the samples inoculated with E. aerogenes. A clear relationship was observed between the release of ZEO's phenolic compounds from the active film to the headspace and the reduction of microbial growth, lipid oxidation, and biogenic amine production in the samples. Consequently, SSG film containing 3 % ZEO is proposed as a biodegradable antimicrobial-antioxidant packaging to extend the shelf life and decrease the biogenic amine production in refrigerated seafood.

The impact of Zedo gum based edible coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on the quality enhancement and shelf life improvement of fresh buffalo meat

The impact of Zedo gum based edible coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on the quality enhancement and shelf life improvement of fresh buffalo meat

Side effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) essential oil on predation and life table parameters of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot (Acari: Phytoseiidae) is one of the most promising candidates for biological control of some economically important mites and insect pests such as spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. Western Flower Thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande) (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) is a severe economic pest for many crops in the world. In this study the lethal concentrations of Shirazicum thymus: Zataria multiflora Boiss (Lamiaceae) essential oil was calculated to the adult stage of the WFT. Side effects LC30 and LC50 of the essential oil were assessed on life table parameters and functional response of A. swirskii. Experiments were carried out in growth chambers at 25 ± 1 °C, 60 ± 10% RH, and 16: 8 h (Light: Dark) photoperiod. We utilized the age-stage, two-sex life table method to evaluate the life history features and population growth of A. swirskii on WFT. For assessing the functional response, the first instar of WFT was offered as prey to the adult female of A. swirskii with densities of 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, and 64. The LC50 concentration of the essential oil resulted in lower fecundity (15.05 eggs/female) in comparison with the control (19.8 eggs/female). The application of LC50 and LC30 concentrations also resulted in a significant decrease in net reproductive rate (R0) (8.9, 6.6, and 4.5 eggs per individuals), intrinsic rate of increase (rm) (0.116, 0.093, and 0.077 day -1), finite rate of increase (λ) (1.123, 1.097, and 1.079 day -1), but an increase in mean generation time (T) (18.5, 20.1, and 19.5 days) (for control, LC30, and LC50, applications, respectively). A type II functional response was detected for A. swirskii fed on WFT first instar in all treatments. Adult females of A.swirskii had the highest attack rate (a) (0.11± 0.01 h-1) and shortest handling time (1.61± 0.46h) on control treatment. In conclusion, although Z. multiflora essential oil had potential against F. occidentalis to be applied in integrated pest management programs, the lethal side effects of selected essential oil on the predatory mite, A. swirskii should be considered.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of plant essential oils and extracts in the development of antimicrobial edible films for dairy application.

The purpose of this review was to assess the use of plant essential oils and extracts (PEOE) in the development of antimicrobial edible films for dairy application through a systematic review and meta-analysis. All studies published in multiple databases were explored via PRISMA protocol on November 1, 2022. According to the results, the interquartile range of pathogen reduction potential of essential oil (EO) in dairy products, irrespective of EO, film and product type, was 0.10 - 4.70 log CFU g-1 per % concentration. The findings from 38 articles indicate that among all EOs or their compounds, Zataria multiflora Boiss in protein film, thyme in protein film, Z. multiflora Boiss EO in protein film, Trans-cinnamaldehyde in carbohydrate film and lemongrass EO in protein film had extraordinary pathogen reduction potential on important foodborne pathogens. In the case of plant extract, fish gelatin film with Lepidium sativum extract, whey protein isolate film loaded with oregano EO and carboxymethyl cellulose film with clove EOs had the highest antimicrobial effect on mesophilic bacteria (9.50 log CFU g-1 per % concentration), yeast-mold (2.63 log CFU g-1 per % concentration) and mesophilic/ psychrophilic counts (> 9.06 log CFU g-1 per % concentration), respectively. Listeria monocytogenes is the primary species of interest; whereas, mesophiles and mold-yeast populations were the most investigated microbiota/mycobiota in cheese with PEOE-incorporated film. In light of these findings, the choice of PEOE at appropriate concentrations with the selection of appropriate edible film may improve the safety, sensory, and shelf life of dairy products.

Metabolite Profiling and Bioassay-Guided Fractionation of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Hydroethanolic Leaf Extracts for Identification of Broad-Spectrum Pre and Postharvest Antifungal Agents

Hydroethanolic leaf extracts of 14 Iranian Zataria multiflora Boiss. populations were screened for their antifungal activity against five plant pathogenic fungi and metabolically profiled using a non-targeted workflow based on UHPLC/ESI-QTOFMS. Detailed tandem mass-spectrometric analyses of one of the most active hydroethanolic leaf extracts led to the annotation of 68 non-volatile semi-polar secondary metabolites, including 33 flavonoids, 9 hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, 14 terpenoids, and 12 other metabolites. Rank correlation analyses using the abundances of the annotated metabolites in crude leaf extracts and their antifungal activity revealed four O-methylated flavones, two flavanones, two dihydroflavonols, five thymohydroquinone glycoconjugates, and five putative phenolic diterpenoids as putative antifungal metabolites. After bioassay-guided fractionation, a number of mono-, di- and tri-O-methylated flavones, as well as three of unidentified phenolic diterpenoids, were found in the most active subfractions. These metabolites are promising candidates for the development of new natural fungicides for the protection of agro-food crops.

Bioactive gliadin electrospinning loaded with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil: Improves antimicrobial activity and release modeling behavior.

This study aimed to produce electrospun gliadin nanofibers containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) (5, 10, and 15% w/w), thereby developing active, sustained-release antimicrobial mats. By increasing the level of the ZMEO, the zeta potential and electrical conductivity increased, but the viscosity and consistency index decreased. All feed solutions demonstrated shear-thinning behavior, and the power law model was the best model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images proved that the gliadin nanofibers showed a uniform, beaded-free structure at different levels of ZMEO, with an average diameter of between 403.87 ± 15.29 and 522.19 ± 11.23 nm. Increments in the level of ZMEO decreased the mats' tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased their elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the ZMEO was well loaded within these structures, augmenting its thermal stability. The studied Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were more resistant to the ZMEO than the Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The Peleg model was the most suitable model for describing the ZMEO release behavior, the mechanism of which was primarily Fickian diffusion.

Journey of Rosmarinic Acid as Biomedicine to Nano-Biomedicine for Treating Cancer: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives.

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a polyphenolic metabolite found in various culinary, dietary sources, and medicinal plants like Coleus scutellarioides (Linn) Benth., Lavandula angustifolia Linn., Mellisa officinalis Linn., Origanum vulgare Linn., Rosmarinus officinalis Linn., Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Zhumeria majdae Rech. F. Apart from its dietary and therapeutic values, RA is an important anticancer phytochemical owing to its multi-targeting anticancer mechanism. These properties provide a scope for RA's therapeutic uses beyond its traditional use as a dietary source. However, its oral bioavailability is limited due to its poor solubility and permeability. This impedes its efficacy in treating cancer. Indeed, in recent years, tremendous efforts have been put towards the development of nanoformulations of RA for treating cancer. However, this research is in its initial stage as bringing a nanoparticle into the market itself is associated with many issues such as stability, toxicity, and scale-up issues. Considering these pitfalls during formulation development and overcoming them would surely provide a new face to RA as a nanomedicine to treat cancer. A literature search was conducted to systematically review the various biological sources, extraction techniques, and anticancer mechanisms through which RA showed multiple therapeutic effects. Various nanocarriers of RA pertaining to its anticancer activity are also discussed in this review.

Variations in biochemical characteristics of Zataria multiflora in response to foliar application of zinc nano complex formed on pomace extract of Punica granatum

The purpose of this study was to see how green synthesized zinc nanostructure (Zn NS) applied to the leaves of Zataria multiflora Boiss. affected the plant’s essential oil constituents, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, total phenolic, flavonoid, carotenoid, chlorophyll and anthocyanin contents. A completely randomized block design was used in this experiment. The zinc chelate (Zn-EDTA) was compared to foliar application of Zn NS fertilizer at three dosages (0, 100, and 300 mgL−1). There was no significant difference on Zn content between Zn NS fertilizer with pomace extract at 100 and 300 mg L−1 concentrations. In contrast to Zn-EDTA and control plants, fertilization with Zn nano-fertilizer at 300 mgL−1 resulted in substantial essential oil production and major constituent of linalool. As shown in the findings, various sources of zinc fertilizer considerably increased oxygenated monoterpenes content. Other analyzed phytochemical attributes changed significantly with Zn nano-fertilizer, with the maximum level of evaluated phytochemical parameters observed at a dosage of 300 mgL−1 when compared to the untreated reference. Furthermore, we discovered a favorable relationship between phytochemical characteristics. According to the findings of this study, green synthesized Zn NS has a substantial impact on all biochemical parameters. It may be inferred that Zn NS must be applied to the leaves of Z. multiflora to improve quality and quantity.

The Combined Effects of Bio-Components and Alginate Coating on Chemical and Sensory Quality of Chill-Stored Rainbow Trout Fillets

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to reduce lipid oxidation and preserve sensory quality of fish fillets maintained under refrigerator condition. The lactoperoxidase system (LPOS) or Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) was added individually or in combination in biodegradable coatings. Fish fillets were analyzed for peroxide value (PV), free fatty acid value (FFA), fatty acid profile, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) value, and sensory evaluation. Suppressive effect of ZEO and LPOS was seen in the combined groups; so that PV value ranged from 0.32 (0 day) and 0.41 (4 day) meq/kg to 1.97 meq/kg on day 8. The lowest amount of TBARS (1.54 mg MDA/kg) and FFA (1.84% of oleic acid) was obtained in the samples treated with alginate coating containing LPOS and ZEO 1% at the end of storage. The use of ZEO and natural preservatives such as LPOS is presented as alternatives to chemical preservatives in seafood.

Antifungal effects of Zataria multiflora Boisss (Shirazi Thyme) extract against Aspergillus fumigatus Afs35 genes: crza and rpda

Aspergillus fumigatus causes a fatal infection particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Nowadays herbal and medicinal essential oils play a vital role as an alternative safe medication. Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oils have antifungal activities mainly on the expression of some gene required for fungal survival. The main objective of the study was evaluation of antifungal effects of Z. multiflora Boiss extract against A. fumigatus AfS35 strain. The strain was obtained from department of biology, Baghdad University. Various concentrations (10-300mg/mL) of Z. multiflora Boiss extract were prepared and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined using micro-broth dilution method. The expression of crzA and rpdA genes was evaluated using the quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) technique. The concentrations ≥100mg/mL of extract inhibited the fungal growth which was non-toxic to normal cell line (MIC=100mg/mL and MFC=150mg/mL). The combination of 50mg/mL of extract plus each of amphotericin B (10mg/ml) and nystatin (10mg/mL) significantly decreased the MIC level (p&lt;0.001). The concentration of 10mg/mL of the extract decreased the expression of crzA and rpdA genes 2.4 (p&lt;0.001) and 3.6 (p&lt;0.0001) fold, respectively. The same concentration of amphotericin B non- significantly decreased the crzA and rpdA genes expression by 0.6 (p=0.224) and 1.1 (p=0.033) fold, respectively. The study concluded that Z. multiflora Boiss extract exerted antifungal effect against A. fumigatus by inhibiting the cell wall biosynthesis (down-regulation of crzA), sustainability and virulence expression (rpdA). The combination therapy with Z. multifora Boiss is promising to eradicate A. fumigatus infections.

Characterization of a novel antimicrobial film based on sage seed gum and Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil

Characterization of a novel antimicrobial film based on sage seed gum and Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil