Zataria Research Articles

High anticancer efficacy of solid lipid nanoparticles containing Zataria multiflora essential oil against breast cancer and melanoma cell lines

BackgroundThe cancer burden is rising rapidly worldwide, and it annually causes about 8.8 million deaths worldwide. Due to chemical drugs’ side effects and the emergence of resistance, the development of new green drugs has received much attention. We aimed to investigate whether solid-lipid nanoparticles containing essential oil of Zataria multiflora (ZMSLN) enhanced the anticancer efficacy of the essential oil against breast cancer (MDA-MB-468) and melanoma (A-375) cells.ResultsZMSLN was prepared by the high-pressure homogenizer method; particle size 176 ± 8 nm, polydispersity index 0.22 ± 0.1, entrapment efficiency 67 ± 5%. The essential oil showed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect on MDA-MB-468 and A-375 cells at all examined concentrations (75, 150, 300, 600, and 1200 μg/mL). Interestingly, after treating both cells with 75 μg/mL of ZMSLN, their viabilities were reduced to under 13%.ConclusionThe finding showed that ZMSLN had a distinct antiproliferative efficacy; it could thus be considered a green anticancer candidate for further in vivo and in vivo studies.

Antiviral activity and tobacco-induced resistance, mediated by essential oil nano-emulsions from Zataria multiflora and Satureja bakhtiarica

There has been a growing interest in extracting essential oils from aromatic plants as potential sources of biorational pesticides. In the present study, essential oil emulsions of Satureja bakhtiarica (SEO), Oliveria decumbens (OEO), Trachyspermum ammi (TEO) and Zataria multiflora (ZEO) were prepared. Their major chemical compositions were characterized and their antiviral effects were evaluated against two important plant viruses: Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). SEO and ZEO indicated higher antiviral activity in comparison with OEO and TEO (p < 0.05). In systemic bioassay, the pre-treatment test of ZEO and SEO showed a reduced level of TMV accumulation in TMV-infected tobacco, with rates of 26.75% and 23.97%, respectively. Also, the two essential oils had mechanisms by which plant resistance acted against plant viruses. These mechanisms involved the activities of several defense-related enzymes (PAL and POD) and genes (ICS1, NPR1, and PR-1a). These results indicate that the essential oils of Zataria multiflora and Satureja bakhtiarica have the potential to be used as sources of effective antiviral agents and eco-friendly pesticide.

Zataria Multiflora Essential Oil Loaded with Starch Nanoparticles to Protect Strawberries against Botrytis Cinerea

Introduction: The post-harvest damage to fruits is estimated to be about 10-30% of the total products, which reaches up to 30-50% in some perishable fruits. About 25 species of fungi and bacteria including Botrytis spp. and in particular Botrytis cinerea are known to contaminate fruits, vegetables and ornamental greenhouse plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the antifungal activity of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) against B. cinerea. Materials and Methods: The ZEO was extracted through steam distillation and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The strawberries packages were exposed to ZEO with different concentrations (0, 200, 400, 600, and 800 ppm) and satarch nanoparticles. The exposed fruits were kept for 24 days at two temperatures of 20°C and 4°C. Results: The ZEO decreased mycelium growth even when only 200 ppm of it was added to each container. The response was dose-dependent, so that the 800 ppm dose of ZEO showed complete inhibitory effect. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) values for ZEO against B. cinerea were 200 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Additionally, ZEO preserved the sensory characteristics. Conclusion: The ZEO may be effectively used in packaging of strawberry to increase its shelf life by inhibition of B. cinerea.

Microencapsulation of Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil by complex coacervation using gelatin and gum arabic: Characterization, release profile, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

The microcapsules containing "Zataria multiflora" Boiss. essential oil (ZMEO) were prepared by complex coacervation using gelatin and gum arabic. The transglutaminase was utilized as a cross-linking agent. The characteristics and release profile of microcapsules were investigated using different core/wall ratios, concentrations of cross-linking agent, and hardening time. The antimicrobial activity of microcapsules was also studied against foodborne microorganisms. The microcapsule with a core/wall ratio of 2:1 had the highest size and encapsulation efficiency. The contents of carvacrol and thymol in microcapsules were higher than it was in free oil. The lowest cumulative release of ZMEO (only 14.49%) was observed at 4℃. The controlled release of oil was improved by increasing the concentration of cross-linking agent and cross-linking time. Microencapsulation of the ZMEO could improve its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The results of the present study confirm the suitability of ZMEO microcapsules for food preservation. Novelty impact statement In this study, the sustained release, encapsulation efficiency as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of coacervate microcapsules containing ZMEO were improved by the optimization of production parameters. The coacervate microcapsules of ZMEO synthesized in this study can be utilized as a novel preservative in the food industry. The results of this study can also be used for the encapsulation of other bioactive compounds to improve their bioavailability.

Electrospun ethyl cellulose/poly caprolactone/gelatin nanofibers: The investigation of mechanical, antioxidant, and antifungal properties for food packaging

The purpose of the present research was to fabricate ethylcellulose (ECL)/polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin (GEL) electrospun nanofibers containing Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) and zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO) to provide an appropriate substrate for food packaging. The ECL/PCL/GEL was incorporated with ZEO and ZnO at the concentrations of 10, 20, 30 and 50 wt% and 3 wt%, respectively. The results of ECL/PCL/GEL/ZEO/ZnO nanofiber exhibited uniform morphology with a mean diameter ranging from 361.85 ± 18.7 to 467.33 ± 14.50 nm and enhanced thermal stability. The ECL/PCL/GEL/ZEO/ZnO nanofiber had the highest mechanical parameters, such as young's modulus (437.49 ± 18), tensile strength (7.88 ± 0.7), and elongation at break (5.02 ± 0.6) and water contact angle (61.13 ± 0.5), compared with the other nanofibers. The cell viability during 48 and 72 h was obtained to be about more than 80% for all the nanofibers. Additionally, the ECL/PCL/GEL incorporated with 50% ZEO and 3% ZnO displayed the highest antioxidant activity (34.61 ± 1.98%) and antifungal properties against Penicillium notatum and Aspergillus niger. In general, the ECL/PCL/GEL with the weight ratio of 20:70:10 nanofiber incorporated with 30% ZEO and 3% ZnO was obtained to have appropriate mechanical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties and thermal stability.

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.

Trends in Nanotechnology and Its Potentialities to Control Plant Pathogenic Fungi: A Review.

Simple SummaryFungal pathogens were reported to cause about 70–80% losses in yield. Nanotechnology can be a panacea to this problem by reducing the negative effect of the fungicides, enhancing the solubility of low water-soluble fungicides, and reducing their toxic effect in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. This review focuses on the description, properties, and synthesis of nanoparticles, their utilization for plant pathogenic fungal disease control (either in the form of nanoparticles alone, or in the form of a nanocarrier for several fungicides), nano-formulations of agro-nanofungicides, Zataria multiflora, and ginger essential oils to control plant pathogenic fungi, as well as the biosafety and limitations of the nanoparticles applications.Approximately 15–18% of crops losses occur as a result of animal pests, while weeds and microbial diseases cause 34 and 16% losses, respectively. Fungal pathogens cause about 70–80% losses in yield. The present strategies for plant disease control depend transcendently on agrochemicals that cause negative effects on the environment and humans. Nanotechnology can help by reducing the negative impact of the fungicides, such as enhancing the solubility of low water-soluble fungicides, increasing the shelf-life, and reducing toxicity, in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. Despite many advantages of the utilization of nanoparticles, very few nanoparticle-based products have so far been produced in commercial quantities for agricultural purposes. The shortage of commercial uses may be associated with many factors, for example, a lack of pest crop host systems usage and the insufficient number of field trials. In some areas, nanotechnology has been advanced, and the best way to be in touch with the advances in nanotechnology in agriculture is to understand the major aspect of the research and to address the scientific gaps in order to facilitate the development which can provide a rationale of different nanoproducts in commercial quantity. In this review, we, therefore, described the properties and synthesis of nanoparticles, their utilization for plant pathogenic fungal disease control (either in the form of (a) nanoparticles alone, that act as a protectant or (b) in the form of a nanocarrier for different fungicides), nano-formulations of agro-nanofungicides, Zataria multiflora, and ginger essential oils to control plant pathogenic fungi, as well as the biosafety and limitations of the nanoparticles applications.

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.

Incorporation of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil into gum Arabic edible coating to maintain the quality properties of fresh in-hull pistachio (Pistacia vera L.)

Edible coatings of gum Arabic (GA) (6.0 and 8.0 %) with Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) (0.3 and 0.5 %) were assessed as potential postharvest treatments to protect the quality of fresh in-hull pistachio when stored at 85 ± 5 % RH and 2 ± 1 °C for up to 36 days. The results showed that 6 % GA combined with thyme at the concentrations of 0.3 and 0.5 % decreased color change and PPO activity of fresh pistachio in comparison with untreated control fruits. Treated fruit (6 % GA alone with the addition of 0.3 % thyme) also had higher PAL activity and total phenolics. Higher free fatty acid and peroxide value were also found in fruits coated with GA (8 %) containing thyme (0.5 %). Both 0.3 % thyme and 6 % GA solutions were found to be the most effective on saturated and unsaturated fatty acids of kernel.

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.

Evaluation of the Effect of Zataria Multiflora Essential Oil and Fluconazole Solution on the Accumulation of Candida Albicans and Streptococcus Mutans on Orthodontic Removable Plate

Introduction: Since orthodontic removable appliances might be infected with fungi and bacteria, they need to be cleaned using natural disinfectants and chemicals. This study aimed to compare the clinical impact of thyme essence and Fluconazole solution on the amount of Candida albicans colonies and Streptococcus mutans accumulated on the removable appliances in orthodontic patients. Materials &amp; Methods: In this descriptive-analytical study, 21 patients were selected who used the wear Hawley’s retainer for 24-hours. Patients were divided into three groups of seven. One group first washed the plaque with soap and water and then spray thyme essence all over it at a 5-centimeter distance (4 times on each side). In the other group, as before, the plaque was washed and from the same distance as before, the fluconazole solution (10 mg/ml) was sprayed on all surfaces 4 times. In the control group, the retainer was washed every night only with soap and water. After one month, the retainers were delivered form patients. The two samples were then separated from the Kami platelets and sent to a laboratory for microbial culture. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney, T-test (α = 0.05). Results: The use of thyme essence increases the mean area of Candida albicans inhibition, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p value = 0.03). The effect of Fluconazole solution on this mean area )Candida albicans inhibition zone( was not significant compared to that observed in the control group (p value = 0.5). In the group in which thyme essence was used, the mean area of Streptococcus mutans inhibition, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p value = 0.05). When Fluconazole solution was used, the mean area of Streptococcus mutans inhibition, was not significant compared to that observed in the control group (p value = 0.071). Conclusion: Compared to Fluconazole solution, thyme essence functions more effectively in increasing Candida and Streptococcus mutans inhibition zones.

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.

Chemical composition and antibacterial properties of Zataria multiflora Bioss and Mentha longifolia essential oils in combination with nisin and acid acetic

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition of the Zataria multiflora Bioss and Mentha longifolia essential oils (ZEO and MEO) and evaluate their antibacterial efficiency, alone and in combination with nisin and acid acetic, against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of antimicrobial tests showed that plant EOs, nisin, and acetic acid have good bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. In the checkerboard test, nisin had synergistic interaction with both ZEO and MEO against S. aureus and E. coli (FIC index <0.5). Also, there was a synergistic interaction between ZEO and MEO. Based on the GC-MS analysis, the main constituents of ZEO were carvacrol (49.61%), thymol (14.31%), and p-cymene (5.23%). Besides 1,8-cineole (18.46%), pulegone (14.82%), and piperitone (12.12%) were the most detected substance of MEO. The combination of nisin with the EOs can exert an inhibitory effect on bacterial growth in food. Novelty impact statement In this present study, the synergistic effect of the Zataria multiflora Bioss and Mentha longifolia essential oils (EOs) in combination with nisin and acetic acid was investigated for the first time. The interaction of EOs with nisin and acetic acid against Escherichia coli O157: H7 and Staphylococcus aureus was synergistic and additive, respectively. The two studied EOs also had a synergistic interaction in the combined use.

Relaxant effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss L. and its ingredients on smooth muscles, possible mechanisms and clinical application

Relaxant effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss L. and its ingredients on smooth muscles, possible mechanisms and clinical application

The Preservative Effects of Marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) And Zataria (Zataria multiflora) Essential Oils on Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) Surimi Quality during Frozen Storage

ABSTRACT The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of adding marjoram and zataria essential oils (MEO and ZEO) on common carp surimi during frozen storage at −18°C. Surimi was divided into three groups. To one group, no essential oil (EO) was added (Control), and two others were supplemented with MEO and ZEO at a level of 0.5% (w/w). All treatments were analyzed after 1, 3, and 6 months. The texture profile was altered by addition of EOs. Provision of MEO and ZEO reduced peroxide value (PV) to 3.91 meq/kg and 4.06 meq/kg, respectively, compared to control (4.69 meq/kg). Both thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) contents were lower for surimi supplemented with EOs. Total psychrotrophic and pseudomonas bacteria were lower in EOs treated surimi. Addition of EOs were effective in reducing oxidation and preventing microbial growth during frozen storage; however, ZEO was more effective than MEO.

Evaluating the Effect of Two Types of Thyme Essential Oils (Zataria Multiflora & Ziziphora Clinopodioides Lam) on Some Productive Traits and Blood Parameters in Broilers

This experiment was conducted to study the effect of thyme extracts from Zataria multiflora and Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam on some productive traits and blood parameters. A total of 240 one-day-old, male broilers of Ross 308 were used in a completely randomized design with 6 experimental groups and 4 replicates with 10 birds in each. Experimental treatments consisted of a basal soybean-meal diet (control), the basal diet supplemented with vitamin E at 200 mg/kg, Zataria multiflora essential oil at 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg, and Ziziphora clinopodioides essential oil at 200 mg/kg or 400 mg/kg. The results showed that the birds in the experimental groups consumed more feed and had significantly greater body weight as well as energy and protein efficiency in the whole experimental period, especially Ziziphora clinopodioides at the level of 400 mg/kg, compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Thyme extracts had a significant effect on the most blood factors, except cholesterol and LDL-c (P < 0.05). Thyme extracts significantly reduced serum albumin and improved HDL-c level (P < 0.05). The experimental groups had a significant effect on the relative weight of breast and thigh, malondialdehyde concentration, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Based on the results, Ziziphora clinopodioides at the level of 400 mg/kg can be introduced as an effective oral additive to improve the studied traits.

In Vitro Anti-Candidial Activity of Some Iranian Medicinal Plants Against Candida Species

Background: Candida albicans is an organism most often associated with serious fungal infection, which has recently shown an increased resistance to commercial antifungal agents. As a result, using medicinal plants as an alternative method to address health problems has received a particular attention in developing countries. Objective: This study aimed to examine the anti-Candidial potential of the extracts from Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZMB), Stachys acerosa Boiss (SAB), Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl (PFL), Tanacetum parthenium L. (TAPL), Teucrium polium L. (TEPL), and Cinnamomum zeylanicum L. (CZL) against three strains of Candida, including C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. tropicalis. Materials and Methods: To this end, several tests were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against Candida species, using the agar well diffusion method (AWDM). Results: According to our study results, the hydroethanolic extracts of six medicinal plants exhibited anti-Candidial activities. The extracts of ZMB, SAB, and CZL demonstrated strong anti-Candidial activities, while the hydroethanolic extracts of PFL, TAPL, and TEPL revealed moderate anti-Candidial activities at any of the tested concentrations. The highest inhibitory activity (ZOI: 38 mm) was recorded for the effect of CZL on C. albicans with MIC=1.56 mg/mL, and the lowest anti-Candidial one (ZOI: 8 mm) was documented for the effect of T. parthenium on C. albicans with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)=50 mg/mL. Conclusion: The ascending sequence of fungicidal growth inhibition zones was as follows: C. zeylanicum&gt;Z. multiflora&gt;S. acerosa&gt;T. polium&gt;T. parthenium and P. ferulacea.

How Quantity of Bioactive Compounds of Zataria multiflora Differ Using Traditional or Modern Extraction Methods

For obtaining bioactive compounds, decoction of Zataria multiflora (ZM) plant materials was interactively evaluated and compared with the modern method of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The interactive effects of several parameters including; liquid to solid (L/S) ratio, extraction time, extraction method, and plant material size were studied and optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). Interpretation of the model outputs revealed that total phenolic content (TPC) of the resulting extracts is mostly affected by the interactive effect of plant material size and the extraction time, while rosmarinic acid (RA) content is only affected by the extraction method. Decoctions was found to have higher RA content (21.19 (mg/g E)) in comparison to UAE extractions (11.64 (mg/g E)), statistically significant at (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, UAE as the modern method of extraction showed no privilege over the conventional method in the case of RA and TPC extraction. However, results suggest higher efficiency of UAE compared to decoction for extraction of antioxidant compounds by water. Eventually, ZM decoction obtained by the optimal extraction conditions was chemically characterized for the first time by the aid of LC-MS/MS chromatography. Naringenin, which is almost exclusively found in Citrus fruits, besides luteolin-7-O-rutinoside and a natural derivative of citric acid were shown to be the major constituents of ZM decoction.

Zataria multiflora and Pioglitazone Affect Systemic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Induced by Inhaled Paraquat in Rats.

The effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) and pioglitazone (a PPAR-γ agonist) alone and in combination, on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled paraquat (PQ) as a herbicide, which induced inflammation in rats, were examined. Rats were exposed to (1) saline (control) and (2) 54 mg/m3 PQ aerosols (8 times, every other day, each time for 30 min) without treatment or treated with (3 and 4) two doses of Z. multiflora (200 and 800 mg/kg/day), (5 and 6) two doses of pioglitazone (5 and 10 mg/kg/day), (7) low doses of Z.multiflora + pioglitazone, (Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day) or (8) dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day) for 16 days, after the last PQ exposure. Different variables were measured at the end of the treatment period. Exposure to PQ significantly increased total and differential white blood cells (WBC) counts, serum levels of nitrite (NO2), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin- (IL) 17, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), but reduced thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), IL-10, and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Most measured parameters were significantly improved in groups treated with either doses of the extract, pioglitazone, Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day, or dexamethasone compared to the PQ group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The combination of low doses of Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day showed significantly higher effects compared to each one alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Systemic oxidative stress and inflammation due to inhaled PQ were improved by Z. multiflora and pioglitazone. Higher effects of Pio-5+Z-200 mg/kg/day compared to each one alone suggest modulation of PPAR-γ receptors by the plant extract, but further studies using PPAR-γ antagonists need to be done in this regard.

Antimicrobial Effect of Gel-Type Nanoemulsion of Chitosan Coating Containing Essential Oils of Zataria multiflora and Bunium persicum on Pseudomonas Artificially Inoculated onto Salmon Fillets

Antimicrobial Effect of Gel-Type Nanoemulsion of Chitosan Coating Containing Essential Oils of Zataria multiflora and Bunium persicum on Pseudomonas Artificially Inoculated onto Salmon Fillets