Zataria Multiflora Boiss Research Articles

Supercritical Fluid Extraction from Zataria multiflora Boiss and Impregnation of Bioactive Compounds in PLA for the Development of Materials with Antibacterial Properties

In this research, the extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) and the subsequent impregnation of the extracted bioactive compounds from Zataria multiflora Boiss (Z. multiflora) into polylactic acid (PLA) films was investigated. The effects of temperature (318 and 338 K), pressure (15 and 25 MPa) and cosolvent presence (0 and 3 mol%) on the extraction yield were studied. The SC-CO2 assisted impregnation runs were carried out in a discontinuous mode at different pressure (15 and 25 MPa), temperature (318 and 328 K), and time (2 and 8 h) values, using 0.5 MPa min−1 as a constant value of depressurization rate. ANOVA results confirmed that pressure, temperature, and time influenced the extraction yield. Moreover, antioxidant activities of extracts of Z. multiflora were evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays. In addition, the antibacterial activities of the extracts were screened against standard strains of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The results of this investigation indicated that extracts obtained from the aerial parts of Z. multiflora possessed antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The impregnated samples presented strong antibacterial activity against the selected microorganisms.

An evaluation of qH NMR: A complementary approach to GC-FID for quantification of Thymol and trans-Anethole in essential oils and supplements

Sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill. var. dulce) and thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) are regarded as the important supplies for pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and perfume industries. The major components trans-anethole and thymol are represented in fennel and thyme, respectively. The essential oils (EOs) content and the value of their related constituents should be given in strict quality control due to the storage conditions, source, and adulterations. In this study, we compared the validation of quantitative 1H NMR (qH NMR) method with the gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) to quantify the trans-anethole and thymol in fennel and thyme EOs and their related supplements. The current results showed that the quantification of trans-anethole and thymol by qH NMR method was successfully achieved from their EOs and supplements. All the validation parameters including linearity, robustness, repeatability, and stability were authenticated for thymol and trans-anethole quantification. Similar results were obtained in both qH NMR and conventional GC-FID methods. Therefore, according to the measured values, the qH NMR method was adequate to determine the constituents of the EOs, with the results being roughly comparable to those obtained by GC-FID, with the advantage of being simple, repeatable, rapid (8–10 min, while for GC-FID 55 min) and essential for quality control of commercial samples.

The Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss Leaves Essential Oil on Some Pathogenic Bacteria as an Alternative for Conventional Antibiotics

Objectives: Zataria multiflora Boiss has been used as a conventional medicinal plant for treating infections in traditional medicine. Therefore, the aim of this work was to reveal the composition and antibacterial effect of Zataria multiflora leaves essential oil. Materials and Methods: Z. multiflora essential oil was isolated through two different methods: hydro isolation and steam isolation. Essential oil was analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and its composition was determined. The antibacterial effect of Z. multiflora essential oil was investigated on gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutants, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium) bacteria compared to that of 12 antibiotics. Results: The essential oil yields in hydro isolation and steam isolation methods were 2.33% and 0.33% respectively. Thirtyseven compounds were identified in the essential oil using GC/MS, among which carvacrol, thymol, linalool, p-cymene, decane, β-caryophyllene and γ-terpinene were the dominant compounds. Conclusions: Z. multiflora essential oil, at the concentration of 80 µL/mL, had a strong or similar antibacterial effect on S. aureus and S. typhimurium compared to the antibacterial effect of some of the antibiotics in the study.

The Effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. Mouthwash on the Oral Microbial Load in Patients under Mechanical Ventilation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aimed to examine the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. mouthwash on the microbial load of the oral cavity in patients under mechanical ventilation. This randomized controlled trial was conducted in 2019 on patients under mechanical ventilation. Sampling was performed using the consecutive method. Using a block randomization method, 90 patients were allocated to three equal groups of 30 to receive mouth care using chlorhexidine, Z. multiflora, or normal saline. Mouthwash was used three times a day for a week. Eight hours before and after the intervention, sterile samples of saliva were collected and cultured in the laboratory. Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, paired t and McNemar’s tests, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. After the interventions, a significant difference in the microbial load was found between the three groups (P < 0.021). The Tukey post hoc test showed a significant difference between the group treated with Z. multiflora and those who received chlorhexidine (P value = 0.016). The frequency of patients with positive cultures was lower in the group treated with Z. multiflora and the differences were statistically significant in terms of Acinetobacter (P = 0.01) and Klebsiella pneumonia (P = 0.02). Z. multiflora mouthwash was effective in decreasing the microbial load of the oral cavity. This mouthwash can be used to reduce the microbial load of the oral cavity in patients under mechanical ventilation and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

The Role of Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss) Essential Oil as Natural Antioxidant on the Lipid Oxidation in Mayonnaise

Nowadays, essential oils are considered substitutes for synthetic additives in food products. Since lipid oxidation is the main chemical process affecting mayonnaise deterioration, in this research, the antioxidant activity of essential oil of thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss) was determined for oxidative stability of treated mayonnaise (homogenized) during 6 months of storage. The antioxidant activities of the essential oil of thyme (0–150 μg/g) were investigated by the DPPH method. Then, the efficiency of this essential oil (144.4 μg/g) as a natural antioxidant in mayonnaise was studied by following analysis: peroxide, anisidine, Totox, and thiobarbituric acid. GC analysis of the essential oil resulted in the identification of forty compounds. The essential oil is characterized by a high number of monoterpenes such as thymol and carvacrol. Regarding antioxidation, the investigated essential oil strongly reduced the DPPH radical (IC50 = 144.4 μg/ml). This study confirms that the essential oil of thyme possessed antioxidant properties in vitro. The results showed that the treatments containing essential oil and TBHQ significantly reduced the oxidation ( p < 0.05 ), while the control sample was oxidized faster. The essential oil had a significant effect on taste, odor, and overall acceptance, but no significant difference was observed in color and texture. The results of the present experiments suggest that essential oil of thyme (Z. multiflora) can be used as a source of natural antioxidant for the application in food industries to prevent lipid oxidation particularly lipid-containing foods such as mayonnaise. Therefore, it can used as a natural antioxidant and flavoring compound in foods such as mayonnaise.

Study of Antibacterial and Synergistic Activities of Cinnamomum verum, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Zataria multiflora Boiss. in Persian Medicine Against Some Gram-Negative and Gram-positive Pathogenic Bacteria

Antibacterial activities of essential oils (EOs) of three widely used herbal elements of cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum J.Presl), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.), and thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.), whose antimicrobial effects are indirectly described in the old literature of Persian medicine as antiseptic agents and treatments of diseases caused by Havaye Vabaee (e.g., air-borne infectious diseases), were investigated. Antibacterial activities of the EOs were evaluated against some important Zoonosis and medicine pathogenic gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia, Listeria monocytogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, S. epidermidis, and Streptococcus pyogenes) bacteria. These pathogens cause disease in animals and humans.To this end, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and double-diffusion assay (DDA) tests were utilized using a microdilution method. While MIC values for cinnamon, eucalyptus, and thyme ranged between 0.25-1, 8-64, and 0.5-16 μg mL-1, respectively, the range of MBC values were 1-4, 32-256, and 2-64 μg mL-1. In DDA tests, a concentration of 0.5 μg mL-1 of the three EOs induced inhibition zones ranging between 20-35, 9-25, and 0-35 mm in diameter in the culture media of the above bacteria. Antibacterial effects of double combinations of the EOs against E. coli and S. aureus were also investigated by checkerboard test and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index. Combinations of the EOs resulted in FIC index values of 1.06-2, indicating no interaction between most of the compounds combined. Our study also suggested the use of thyme oil with caution in combination with cinnamon or eucalyptus oils against E. coli because of their possible antagonistic effects (FIC index = 4).

Effect of elicitors on secondary metabolites biosynthesis in Zataria multiflora Boiss.

Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) is an aromatic herb that is used in various industries, especially in pharmaceuticals and food. However, the inducer effect of elicitors on ZM, with the aim of increasing the bioactive compounds production, is understudied. This study analyzes the influence of a biotic (chitin) and abiotic (copper nanoparticle) elicitor on ZM under in vitro and greenhouse conditions. In the first step, having established in Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) based on the node culture method, the explants transferred to media with different blended to survey the improvements in growth. The modified MS having faster growth and propagation in ZMs was chosen. In the second step, when explants were grown and rooted enough, they were transmitted to the media of elicitors, including four copper oxide nanoparticle concentrations (0, 25, 50, & 100 mg L−1) and four chitin concentrations (0, 50, 100 & 200 mg L−1) at two exposure times (5 and 10 days) to measure biochemical attributes. The analysis showed that the highest contents of the total phenolic (6.44 mg g−1 FW), anthocyanins (39.59 mg g−1 FW), flavonols (0.76 mg g−1 FW), and flavonoids (0.97 mg g−1 FW) compounds were observed in the elicited ZMs. In addition, the components of secondary metabolites were identified by gas chromatography−mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis. It was revealed that the highest amount of thymol and carvacrol, as the main compositions of ZM, was in the copper oxide nanoparticle (2.51% and 38.03% respectively), control (2.34% and 28.51% respectively), and chitin (1.92% and 9.84% respectively) ZMs in turn. The present research indicates that choosing an appropriate elicitor, concentration, and exposure time for augmenting the production of bioactive compounds in each plant species is consequential so as to provide the possibility of utilizing in industry.

The Effects of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Thyme (Zataria multiflora Boiss.) on Mechanical Activity of Isolated Colon of Male Rat

Background & Objective: Thyme have been used as a medicinal plant traditionally for the treatment of digestive system disorders. In present study, the effect of hydroalcoholic extract of thyme on motility of isolated colon of male rat and its interaction with cholinergic, adrenergic and nitic oxide systems was performed. Materials & Methods: Ten adult male rats (180- 250 g) were kept in standard condition for one week. Then rats were anaesthetized by ethyl ether and their colon was isolated and divided in to 1 cm strips. The strips were held to a force transducer and inserted to organ bath contained Tyrode solution. The mechanical activity of strips was recorded by Power Lab system with administration of thyme extract (0.0175 mg/ml) and its solvent in experimental and sham groups, and after administration of acetylcholine, epinephrine and L-NAME drugs. Data were analyzed by SPSS software and independent-samples T-test. Results: The result showed a significant decrease in the mechanical activity of isolated colon after administration of the effective dose of thyme extract in base line and after of administration of acetylcholine. There was no significant difference of mechanical activity of the strips at the presence of extract and its solvent after epinephrine and L-NAME administration. Conclusion: It can be concluded that thyme extract caused colon relaxation via inhibition of cholinergic pathway and independent from adrenergic and nitric oxide systems.

Isolation and Chemical Characterization of an Alpha-Helical Peptide, Dendrocin-ZM1, Derived from Zataria multiflora Boiss with Potent Antibacterial Activity.

Today, resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has become a major challenge. To overcome this problem, development of new drugs, besides research on their antibacterial activity, is essential. Among chemical components, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit antibacterial activity and can be selected as suitable antimicrobial candidates. In this study, a novel antimicrobial peptide, called dendrocin-ZM1, with a molecular weight of ~3716.48Da, was isolated from Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) and purified via precipitation with ammonium sulfate and reverse-phase HPLC chromatography; it was then sequenced via Edman degradation. The in silico method was used to examine the physicochemical properties of dendrocin-ZM1. In this study, four reference strains (gram-positive and gram-negative) and one clinical vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain were used to survey the antimicrobial activities. Moreover, to examine cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity, a HEK-293 cell line and human red blood cells (RBCs) were used, respectively. Evaluation of the physicochemical properties of dendrocin-ZM1, as an AMP, indicated a net charge of + 7 and a hydrophobicity percentage of 54%. This peptide had an amphipathic alpha-helical conformation. It exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activities against the tested strains at minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 4-16μg/mL. Besides, this peptide showed negligible hemolysis and cytotoxicity in the MIC range. It also exhibited heat stability at temperatures of 20 to 80°C and was active in a broad pH range (from 6.0 to 10.0). Overall, the present results suggested dendrocin-ZM1 as a remarkable antimicrobial candidate.

Protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Objective:Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is used as a color stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in preservation of cured meat and fish. However, extensive use of this agent in the meat industries increased worries about its detrimental effects on human health. Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is a well-known plant with therapeutic properties in the traditional medicine. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of this plant against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity.Materials and methods:Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (without any treatment), nitrite (350 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days), NaNO2 plus Z. multiflora (rats treated with NaNO2 350 mg/kg gavage for 60 days and simultaneously received Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip) and Z. multiflora group (rats treated with Z. multiflora extract at 200 mg/kg, ip). At the end of the study, rats were euthanized and liver tissue samples were taken and studied under microscopy. Also, serum levels of liver function enzymes and antioxidant defense systems were measured. The results were analyzed using SPSS software and a p<0.0.5 was considered significant. Results:Results showed that NaNO2 induces liver injuries and altered hepatic histo-architecture. Also, NaNO2 significantly altered the biochemical profiles and antioxidant defense parameters of the liver. However, treatment with Z. multiflora improved tissue integrity as well as antioxidant defense status and biochemical conditions of the liver. Conclusion:Administration of Z. multiflora extract has beneficial effects on the NaNO2-induced histological and functional toxicity in the liver.

Protective effect of chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils as coating on lipid and protein oxidation in chill stored turkey breast fillets.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the lipid and protein oxidation responses of cold stored turkey meat using chitosan-contained nanoemulsions supplemented with the essential oils of two aromatic plants including Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss. Chemical traits such as total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARs), free fatty acids (FFA), fatty acid composition and TC (total carbonyl) of samples were carried out at 4°C. Moreover, their pH and sensory properties were also determined at the same conditions. The initial value of the TVB-N (2.24mg N/100g) reached 20.81mg N/100g. TVB-N values achieved for all meat samples were lower than the highest acceptable limit (28-29mg N/100g). In all the treatments, PV and TBARs values were increased until day 10, and afterward a decrease was observed until day 20 of storage. TBARs values of the samples (mg MDA/kg) ranged from 1.97± 0.04 to 4.48± 0.39 in CNE + ZEO 1% to 2.72± 0.32 to 6.66± 0.21 in CON at zero time and day 5, respectively. FFA and TC were enhanced at a slower rate in the treated samples. The most efficient treatment against chemical deterioration was found to be CNE + ZEO 1%. Chitosan and sonicated chitosan treatments had the highest color score and lowest odor score at zero time. The obtained results suggested coating turkey meat fillets with ZEO and BEO as an effective strategy to delay at their chemical deterioration. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The spoilage risk of fresh products is higher than other foods. Turkey meat spoils because of biological reactions such as the oxidation of lipids and protein, the action of endogenous enzymes, and the metabolic activities of microorganisms that end in a short shelf life. The oxidation of lipids not only reduces or retards, but also inhibits by edible coatings. Edible coatings formed from bioactive compounds would effectively provide possibility of active compounds onto surface of minimally processed foods. Therefore, application chitosan-loaded nanoemulsion coating containing Zataria multiflora Boiss and Bunium persicum Boiss essential oils is recommended in food industry especially for poultry industry to increase the chemistry and sensory quality of turkey breast fillets.

Clinical evaluation of the effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss and Trachyspermum copticum (L.) on the patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Background and AimIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is the most common gastrointestinal dysfunction characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort, as well as changes in bowel movements and stool shape. Given the global trend towards the increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the high prevalence of IBS, the lack of a standard treatment for all IBS subtypes, and patients' willingness to use CAM treatments, investigations into CAM treatments are needed. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effect of a mix of two herbal medicines (Zataria-Trachyspermum, ZT) on the clinical symptoms of patients with IBS. Experimental procedureThe present study was performed on 3 groups including the positive control, experimental, and placebo groups. The sample size was calculated as 150 participants. Fifty patients were assigned to one of three parallel groups (ZT capsule, placebo, and mebeverine capsule) by block randomization. All three groups were treated for 4 weeks. The patients were monitored in the follow-up stage for 2 additional weeks. ResultsAfter the fourth week of intervention, symptoms of pain, bloating, and reflux showed a significant decrease in the ZT group compared to the placebo and mebeverine groups (P <0.05). Moreover, the participants in the ZT group reported a significant decrease in fatigue compared to the other two groups (P <0.05). ConclusionThis study confirmed the positive effect of ZT on IBS symptoms, especially pain, bloating, constipation, and bowel movements.

Zataria multiflora extract influenced asthmatic patients by improving respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests and lung inflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAnti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss (Z. multiflora) were reported in previous studies which is using in traditional and modern medicine. This plant is traditional used as an anti-tussive agent and for the management of respiratory disorders. Aim of the studyThe preventive effect of the extract of leaves and stems of Z. multiflora on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests, hematological indices, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), level of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the serum and supernatant of cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and gene expression of IL-10 in these cells in asthmatic patients was studied. Materials and methods36 asthmatic patients in three groups (randomly divided) of placebo group (P), two groups treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day doses of Z. multiflora (Z5 and Z10) for two months completed the study. Drugs were administered double-blindly and different variables were assessed before and after (one and two months) starting treatment including respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), hematological indices, hs-CRP, serum and supernatant levels as well as gene expression of IL-10. ResultsTwo months treatment with Z5 and Z10 led to significant reduction of respiratory symptoms (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Pulmonary function test values in treated groups were also significantly increased two months after starting treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Total WBC, monocytes and eosinophils were also decreased in treated groups with the extract at the end of study period (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Hemoglobin and hematocrit in Z10 treated group (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in both treated groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01) were significantly reduced. In addition, the level of hs-CRP in both treated groups was significantly reduced after two months (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). IL-10 concentration in Z10 treated group in supernatant of PBMC was also significantly enhanced (p < 0.01). All comparisons were made compared to the baseline (beginning of the treatment) values. ConclusionZ. multiflora improved respiratory symptoms and increased pulmonary function tests in asthmatic patients. In addition, the plant was effective in decrement of inflammatory cells and hs-CRP as well as enhanced IL-10. Therefore, the plant showed possible preventive therapeutic effect on asthma.

An Evaluation of the Potential of Essential Oils against SARS-CoV-2 from In Silico Studies through the Systematic Review Using a Chemometric Approach.

Essential oils (EOs) and their compounds have attracted particular attention for their reported beneficial properties, especially their antiviral potential. However, data regarding their anti-SARS-CoV-2 potential are scarce in the literature. Thus, this study aimed to identify the most promising EO compounds against SARS-CoV-2 based on their physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, and toxicity properties. A systematic literature search retrieved 1669 articles; 40 met the eligibility criteria, and 35 were eligible for analysis. These studies resulted in 465 EO compounds evaluated against 11 human and/or SARS-CoV-2 target proteins. Ninety-four EO compounds and seven reference drugs were clustered by the highest predicted binding affinity. Furthermore, 41 EO compounds showed suitable drug-likeness and bioactivity score indices (≥0.67). Among these EO compounds, 15 were considered the most promising against SARS-CoV-2 with the ADME/T index ranging from 0.86 to 0.81. Some plant species were identified as EO potential sources with anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity, such as Melissa officinalis Arcang, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Eugenia brasiliensis Cambess, Zingiber zerumbet Triboun & K.Larsen, Cedrus libani A.Rich, and Vetiveria zizanoides Nash. Our work can help fill the gap in the literature and guide further in vitro and in vivo studies, intending to optimize the finding of effective EOs against COVID-19.

Heavy metals contamination in two species of medicinal plants in the Iranian market

ABSTRACT Global threat resulting in heavy metal contamination of medicinal plants is considered a serious concern. The quantitative evaluation of four heavy metals, lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), was investigated frequently sold medicinal plants in the markets of Iran. Two medicinal plants, Mentha piperita L., and Zataria multiflora Boiss. were selected from six different herbalists of six districts of Shiraz, Iran. The dissolution of the sample was performed by a conventional wet acid digestion method, and heavy metal levels were determined using Polarograph. Statistical Analysis was used by SPSS.21. According to the achieved results in M.piperita the levels of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu were in the range of 2.66 ± 0.76 mg/kg, 0.017 ± 0.009 mg/kg, 0.092 ± 0.069 mg/kg, and 0.237 ± 0.080 mg/kg, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu in Z. multiflora samples were 1.46 ± 0.74 mg/kg, 0.019 ± 0.004 mg/kg, 0.11 ± 0.05 mg/kg, and 0.41 ± 0.17 mg/kg, respectively. There was a correlation between Zn with Cu in our finding (r = 0.9). Based on these results, we found that the concentration of heavy metals in these two medicinal plants was not more than the standard concentration reported for similar plants. It appears that these plants are generally safe in usual doses. The finding of this study can be used to determine standard heavy metals limits in M.piperita and Z.multiflora in future studies.

Effect of Sodium Alginate in Combination with Zataria multiflora Boiss. on Phenolic Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Browning Enzymes of Fresh In-Hull Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

The color of fresh pistachio is used as a postharvest quality indicator. The present study was performed to investigate the chemical properties of fresh pistachios coated with different sodium alginate concentrations (1 and 1.5%), various amounts of Shirazi thyme essential oil (0.3 and 0.5%), and their combination during storage (2 ± 1°C and 85 ± 5% RH). Over the storage duration, chemical parameters were measured on days 13, 26, and 39. The results showed that although the application of sodium alginate in combination with thyme essential oil decreased polyphenol oxidase activity in comparison with other treatments, the highest total phenolics and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity were found in pistachios coated with alginate (1%) + thyme essential oil (0.3% and 0.5%). In general, it was proven that treatments containing 1% alginate + 0.3% essential oil had the ability to maintain the quality of fresh pistachio fruit approximately over 39 days of storage.

In vitro antibacterial activity of gelatin-nanochitosan films incorporated with Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil and its influence on microbial, chemical, and sensorial properties of chicken breast meat during refrigerated storage

Fresh proteinaceous products with animal origin have a short shelf life. Therefore, this study was done to evaluate the effects of novel films based on the combination of gelatin and nanochitosan incorporated with different concentrations of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil (ZMEO) (0, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 % v/v) against two food borne pathogens including Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. Afterwards, the effect of films on the microbial, chemical, and organoleptic properties of chicken breast meat was evaluated during refrigerated storage for a period of 14 days. Based on the in vitro findings, the pure gelatin-nanochitosan (GNC) film or GNC film containing different concentration of ZMEO had antibacterial activity against L. monocytogenes, whilst only GNC films containing 0.6 or 0.9 % ZMEO showed antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium. Also, results showed that the microbial population of chicken breast meat wrapped with GNC films containing ZMEO decreased at least 2 log CFU/g compared to control (P < 0.05). The final total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N) value for the control sample was 37.52 mg/100 g, whilst the TVB-N values for samples wrapped with GNC films containing ZMEO evermore remained below 25 mg/100 g during the study. At the end of the study, the peroxide values (PV) of control samples reached 8.42 meq/1000 g of lipid, while the values for the wrapped samples remained below 6.52 meq/1000 g of lipid. In conclusion, GNC films containing 0.9 % ZMEO extended the shelf life of chicken breast meat during refrigerated storage for at least 14 days.

Chemical composition and antifungal activities of aromatic water of Zataria multiflora Boiss.

Background and Purpose: In Iranian culture, aromatic waters harboring a slight amount of essential oil have been popularly used for many years as a pleasant non-alcoholic drink with various medicinal properties.In this study, chemical composition of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM) aromatic water was determined and its in vitro and in vivo antifungal properties were investigated. Materials and Methods: Chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from aromatic water (AW) of ZM was analyzed by Gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antimicrobial activity of the AW against Candida species was determined by broth micro-dilution methods. Additionally, biofilm formation inhibition and antioxidant activity of the AW were measured using XTT reduction and DPPH methods, respectively. Antifungal activities of the AW in the prevention and/or treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) candidiasis in animal models were also evaluated.Results: The GC-MS analysis revealed that the major constituents of ZM AW were Carvacrol (46.56%) and Thymol (40.67%). The ZM AW inhibited the growth and biofilm formation of Candida species in the range of 0.25-0.5 V/V. Moreover, ZM AW significantly decreased Candida colonization in therapeutic groups (P<0.05).Conclusion: Given the wide therapeutic potential of ZM AW, including antifungal and antioxidant activities, it might be possible to use it in the management of mucocutaneous or alimentary candidiasis.

Antifungal activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oils and changes in volatile compound composition under abiotic stress conditions

There is an increasing need for natural compounds for pest control and food preservation in agriculture, food and dairy industries. To satisfy this need, essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants can serve as flavors, food preservatives and ecofriendly pesticides. This study investigated the potential of different EOs from field-collected leaves of fourteen Zataria multiflora Boiss. populations representing three different chemotypes (carvacrol, thymol and linalool) to inhibit a broad spectrum of fungal pathogens important in food industry and agriculture and the relationship between total leaf elements concentration and EOs compounds. Furthermore, a greenhouse experiment was performed to elucidate the effects of heat stress (33 °C vs. 20 °C), drought stress (50 % reduced irrigation), and ultraviolet light intensity (3, 6 and 9 W m−2 UV-A radiation) on the relative content of specific volatile compounds. The results indicated that low concentrations of carvacrol and thymol, but not of linalool chemotype EOs inhibit significantly the growth of pre- and postharvest pathogens Colletotrichum lindemuthianum, Fusarium sambucinum, Fusarium culmorum, Alternaria dauci and Botrytis cinerea (thymol/carvacrol EOs: 0.8−1 μL, linalool EOs: 4 μL). The analyses revealed further significant correlations between the concentrations of mineral elements in Z. multiflora leaves and relative amounts of EO compounds and antifungal activity. Abiotic stresses, particularly heat and the interaction of drought and heat, induced changes in plants of the linalool chemotype resulting in higher relative amounts of carvacrol (22.7 % and 32.9 % vs. 1.5 %), while drought stress alone did not influence the relative amount of the main volatile compounds of Z. multiflora (carvacrol 1.7 %). Furthermore, the relative amount of linalool was slightly reduced in the linalool chemotype, when plants were subjected to high intensities of UV-A radiation (33.9 % vs. 44.6 %), whilst the relative amount of carvacrol was slightly increased (20.1 % vs. 9%). Moreover, the main volatile compounds of plants from the carvacrol chemotype did not change in response to abiotic stresses. Understanding the effect of environmental conditions on aromatic plant populations and chemotype development helps agriculture and food industry fully exploiting the potential of aromatic plants as a source of natural sustainable fungicides or insecticides.

Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Cuminum cyminum L. alcoholic extracts in bioactive coatings on chicken meat shelf life

The environmental hazards of polymer packaging have increased the tendency to use the biodegradable composites. Due to the use limitations of synthetic antioxidants and antibiotics, the use of alternative natural products has been developed. In this study, the antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss. and Cuminum cyminum L. alcoholic extracts in the bioactive coatings on the shelf life of chicken meat were evaluated and compared with propyl gallate. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with five experimental treatments including the uncoated chicken fillets (control), fillets coated with 8% sodium caseinate, sodium caseinate-based coated enriched with thyme extract (1.5%), cumin extract (1.5%), and propyl gallate (100 ppm) and three replications for 10 days at refrigerator temperature. The results showed that the use of sodium caseinate coating reduced the number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria, thiobarbituric acid index, peroxide value, and total volatile nitrogen compounds of the fillets during storage. The use of plant extracts and propyl gallate increased the antioxidant and antimicrobial efficiency of the bioactive coatings. At the end of storage period, the fillets coated with sodium caseinate- cumin extract showed the lowest amount of aerobic mesophilic and psychrophilic bacteria and the total volatile nitrogen compounds (p <0.05) with no statistically significant difference with the bioactive coatings containing propyl gallate. Therefore, the bioactive coating of sodium caseinate containing cumin and thyme extracts can be used to increase the shelf life of chicken fillets at the refrigerator storage for at least 10 days.