Volatile compositions and glandular trichomes of Zataria multiflora in different phenological stages under normal and drought stress conditions.

BACKGROUND: Zataria multiflora Boiss. is a medicinal and aromatic plant from the Lamiaceae family. It is extensively used in Iranian traditional medicine, mostly as a replacement for Thyme species. This study was focused on the analysis of chemical composition and the distribution and types of trichomes of Z. multiflora grown under different conditions. Equilibrium headspace analysis in combination with GC-FID-MS was used to identify volatile compounds released by aerial parts of Z. multiflora in development stages of 50 and 100% flowering under normal and drought-stress conditions. RESULTS: The main constituents were p-cymene (20.06-27.40%), γ-terpinene (12.44-16.93%), and α-pinene (6.91-16.58%) and thymol (8.52-9.99%). The highest content of p-cymene (27.40%) and thymol (9.99%) was observed in the 50% flowering stage at the 90% field capacity, while the maximum γ-terpinene (16.93%) content was recorded in the 100% flowering stage under normal conditions. Using the SEM method, it was found that peltate glandular and non-glandular trichomes are distributed on the surface of the leaf, stem, and outer side of the calyx. However, capitate trichomes only are detected on the stem and calyx in the 100% flowering and beginning of blooming stages, respectively. The type and structure of trichomes do not vary in different development stages, but they differ in density. The highest number of leaf peltate glandular trichomes was observed in the vegetative and beginning of blooming stages at 50% and 90% field capacity, respectively. Non-glandular trichomes of the stem were observed with high density in both normal and stress conditions, which are more densely in 90% field capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Since this plant has strong potential to be used in the food and pharmacological industries, this study provides valuable information for its cultivation and harvesting at specific phenological stages, depending on desired compounds and their concentrations.

The effects of Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) oil nanoemulsion on the quality of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during refrigerated storage.

The effects of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) coating incorporated with Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) oil nano emulsion (SNE), in different concentrations (10, 20, and 30 mg/ml), on the melanosis and the quality of Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) was investigated during 10 days in refrigerated temperature (4 ± 0.5 °C). The results showed that incorporating SNE into CMC could significantly (P < 0.05) improve the microbial and lipid oxidation quality of the shrimp. During storage, the incremewnt of total volatile basic-nitrogen and trimethylamine in the SNEs-treated groups were lower than that of the other groups (P < 0.05). Also, the application of SNEs improved the textural, melanosis, and sensory acceptability of the coated shrimps. However, treating the shrimp with SNE in 30 mg/ml concentration caused an increase in the a* and b* values of samples and a decrease in the acceptability of this group. Hence, the SNE incorporation at lower concentrations (10, 20 mg/ml) into CMC coating could be useful in extending the shelf life of the shrimp during refrigerated storage and could be a substitute for sodium metabisulphite.

Interleukin-4 can play a role in allergic rhinitis patient during treatment with Zataria multiflora.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a widespread disorder across the globe. The Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) has been shown to have considerable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study assessed the effect of this herbal product on alterations in inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines. METHOD: This study was conducted on the bank sample before and after the intervention to measure interleukin-4, interleukin-5, and interferon -γ levels with the ELISA test method in a supernatant taken from the PBMC cell culture from 30 allergic rhinitis patients. RESULTS: The IL-4 level had no significant difference between the two groups before the treatment. However, it had a significant increase in the case group after the treatment. The IL-5 level was significantly higher in the case group before the treatment. Nevertheless, there were no significant differences between the case and control groups after the treatment. Similarly, no significant differences were observed between the two groups considering IFN-γ before and after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Consuming thyme with an increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and a decrease in IL-5 cytokine control inflammation and improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms. Clinical trial details This clinical trial study was recorded at 22.5.2014 in the Iran Registry of Clinical Trials code: (IRCT2016121823235N6) https://www.irct.ir/trial/19852.

The effect of Zataria multiflora on respiratory allergic and immunologic disorders, experimental and clinical evidence: A comprehensive review.

Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) is used in traditional and modern medicine for therapeutic objectives especially in respiratory disorders. Therefore, updated experimental and clinical studies on the effects of Z. multiflora on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders are reviewed. Various electronic search engines including PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched using appropriate keywords until the end of November 2021. Books, thesis-hard copies of some articles were also included. The effects of Z. multiflora on respiratory disorders including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung infection, and lung cancer were shown. Extracts of Z. multiflora showed the relaxant effect with various mechanisms. The preventive effects of Z. multiflora were also demonstrated by mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antiinflammatory properties in the experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases. Carvacrol and thymol are probably responsible for the therapeutic effect of plant among 56 constituents of Z. multiflora. In addition, bronchodilatory and preventive effects of the plant and its constituents on asthma, COPD, lung disorders due to noxious agents and allergic and immunologic disorders were shown in the clinical studies. Therefore Z. multiflora and its constituents may be considered as a preventive and/or relieving therapy in various respiratory diseases.

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.

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

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

The effect of Zataria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract on memory and lung changes induced by rats that inhaled paraquat.

Objectives: The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on memory changes, as well as lung injury due to inhaled paraqut (PQ) in rat, were examined.Method: Control group of rat with saline aerosol administration, PQ groups with PQ aerosol (27 and 54 mg/m3) administration, PQ groups treated with two doses of the extract (200 and 800 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day) were studied. Shuttle box and Morris Water Maze (MWM) tests were carried out as well as oxidant, anti-oxidant markers, total and differential white blood cell (WBC) counts and cytokine levels in broncho-alveolar lavage (BALF).Results: Inhaled PQ significantly increased the escape latency and travelled distance in MWM test, but the time spent in the target quadrant on the probe day was significantly reduced (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The latency to enter the dark room at 3, 24, and 48 h after an electrical shock was reduced due to PQ (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Exposure to PQ significantly increased total WBC, neutrophil, eosinophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte counts, IL-10, interferon gama (INF-γ), nitrite (NO2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, but catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and thiol levels were decreased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.00). Z. multiflora and dexamethasone treatment significantly improved all behavioral as well as lung changes induced by inhaled PQ (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01).Conclusion: Z. multiflora treatment improved learning and memory impairment as well as lung inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled PQ.

The protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Activation of hepatic stellate cells by free radicals is an initial step in the development of liver fibrosis. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM) essential oil as a natural product has antioxidant activity and maybe a suitable candidate for treatment or prevention of the disease. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the protective effect of ZM oil in CCl4 induced liver fibrosis. Male rats were divided into 5 groups, group C: control rats; CO: vehicle control group; CE: rats that received essential oil (500 µl/kg); F: fibrosis group, rat were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (1 mL/kg); FE: fibrosis rats that received both CCl4 and ZM essential oil as mentioned above. At the end of the 11th week, serum samples and liver tissues were collected for the evaluation of fibrosis markers, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological studies. The results showed a significant increase in the activity of serum AST, ALT, total bilirubin, TGF-ß1, hyaluronan, and hydroxyproline levels in serum and liver tissues in F group. Also, an abnormality in lipid profile and the existence of oxidative stress was found in serum and liver tissues in F group compared to the control groups. Our study showed that ZM essential oil could ameliorate mentioned parameters. Histopathological examinations confirmed the results of biochemical evaluations.

Protective effect of Zataria multiflora Boiss. and its main compound, rosmarinic acid, against malathion induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

Malathion (MT) is one of the most widely used organophosphorus insecticides which induces toxicity through oxidative stress induction, free radical production and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. In this work, HepG2 cells were used to determine the effect of Zataria multiflora methanolic extract (MEZM) and rosmarinic acid (RA) on MT-induced cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were determined and plant was further standardized based on RA content using HPLC method. The cultured HepG2 cells were pretreated with MEZM (1 µg/ml) and RA (0.1 µg/ml) for 4 h and exposed to MT (100 µM). Cell viability, oxidative stress biomarkers, ROS production, and cell death were examined after 24 h. The amount of RA was determined 73.48 mg/g dried extract. IC50 values of MEZM and MT were 368.56 µg/ml and 99.43 µM, respectively. Pretreatment with MEZM and RA decreased the cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, and cell percentage in the late apoptosis and necrosis stages induced by MT. There was no significant difference between MEZM and RA effects. The present study showed the significant protective effects of MEZM against toxicity induced by MT in hepatocytes which can be attributed to the plant antioxidant constituents including RA.

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

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

Shirazi thyme (Zataria multiflora) extract can alleviate allergic rhinitis: a randomized clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Atopic diseases are global concerns in the today's industrialized world. Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic condition affecting 20% of individuals. This disorder is associated with remarkable morbidity and rising healthcare expenditure. AIM: Considering the anti-inflammatory properties of a plant Zataria multiflora (ZM) with the common name of Shirazi thyme, a randomized clinical trial was designed to evaluate the alleviation of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 30 allergic rhinitis patients were randomly and equally assigned to experimental and control groups. Afterwards, the case group was treated with an extract of ZM and the control group with placebo for 2 months. Finally, the clinical signs and symptoms before and after the treatment according to the SNOT22 questionnaire were analysed. RESULTS: Comparing the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and an average score of SNOT22 questionnaire between the two groups before the intervention provided some difference, which was significantly greater after the treatment. Based on this questionnaire, our patients in the ZM syrup group had lower grades than before the treatment and experienced amelioration. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding the significant effect of the ZM syrup in reducing symptoms of allergic rhinitis, its use is highly recommended. Since allergic rhinitis is a multifactorial condition, the use of herbal antioxidants along with conventional treatment would result in a more effective improvement of the disease.

Evaluation of the efficacy of Zataria multiflora essential oil versus albendazole in patients infected with liver cystic echinococcosis: A nonrandomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a life-threatening disease in many countries. Albendazole, as the drug of choice for medical treatment of CE, is accompanied by adverse effects and may be ineffective in 20%-40% of cases; hence, new and more effective compounds are urgently needed to optimize the management of the disease. This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) versus albendazole against human liver CE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this nonrandomized and single-blinded clinical trial, thirty patients who were infected with liver CE were divided into two groups (15 in each) and treated with albendazole (800 mg daily) and ZMEO (60 mg daily), respectively. Albendazole and ZMEO were administered orally for 180 consecutive days. The volume of hydatid cysts was measured by ultrasonography before and 2, 4 and 6 months after the start of treatment. Simultaneously, biochemical analysis was performed on the blood samples of patients to assess the possible side effects of the two treatment regimens. RESULTS: Two, 4 and 6 months after the start of treatment, ZMEO indicated a significantly higher ability in reduction of the volume of the hydatid cysts, compared to albendazole (P < 0.05). The mean values of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were also significantly lower in the patients treated with ZMEO in comparison to those treated with albendazole (P < 0.05). No clinical adverse effects were observed in the patients treated by ZMEO. CONCLUSION: From the point of view of efficacy and safety, ZMEO indicated a significant superiority to albendazole. Hence, ZMEO may be considered as an alternative for albendazole in the medical treatment of liver CE.

Zataria multiflora affects clinical symptoms, oxidative stress and cytokines in asthmatic patient: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, phase II clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Z. multiflora effect on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients were evaluated. METHODS: 36 asthmatic patients were divided to; placebo group (P), two groups treated with Z. multiflora extract (5 and 10 mg/kg/day, as Z5 and Z10, respectively), (n = 12 in each group). Medications were administered three times a day for two months and several parameters were evaluated before treatment (step 0), one (step 1) and two months (step 2) after treatment. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms and PFTs were significantly improved in Z5 and Z10 groups in steps 1 and 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Improvement of oxidative stress, cytokines levels and their gene expression after treatment with both doses of extract were observed in step 2 compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These results indicated therapeutic value of Z. multiflora for the management of asthma.

Influence of resistance training and herbal supplementation on plasma apelin and metabolic syndrome risk factors in postmenopausal women.

Purpose ­: Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of circuit resistance exercise training with Zataria multiflora (Avishan-e-Shirazi) dietary supplementation on plasma apelin, glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance. Methods ­: Ninety-six volunteer postmenopausal women were allocated into 8 groups. Resistance training consisted of 12 stations had been done for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at pre- and -post intervention. Results ­: Circuit RT increases apelin and decreases both insulin and blood glucose, whereas Zataria multiflora has no independent effect on apelin but does decrease blood glucose and is likely to be in some means synergistic with circuit RT effects. Conclusion ­: These results suggest that circuit resistance training augments plasma apelin and decreases both insulin and blood glucose. However, Zataria multiflora has no independent effect on apelin but does decrease blood glucose which is likely to be to some extent synergistic with training effects.

Objectif ­: La ménopause est une situation physiologique qui affecte toutes les femmes autour de la cinquantaine. Le but de cette étude était d'évaluer les effets d'un entraînement en résistance de type « circuit training ¼ avec supplémentation orale en Zataria multiflora (Avishan-e-Shirazi) sur l'apeline plasmatique, le glucose, l'insuline, la sensibilité à l'insuline et la résistance à l'insuline. Méthodologie ­: Quatre-vingt quatre femmes postménopausées bénévoles ont été réparties en 8 groupes. L'entraînement en circuit training comprenait 12 séances sur 8 semaines. Des échantillons sanguins ont été prélevés avant et après intervention. Résultats ­: Le circuit training augmente l'apeline et diminue à la fois l'insuline et la glycémie, alors que Zataria multiflora n'a pas d'effet indépendant sur l'apeline, mais diminue la glycémie et est semble synergique des effets du circuit training. Conclusion ­: Ces résultats suggèrent que le circuit training augmente l'apeline plasmatique et diminue insuline et glucose dans le sang. Cependant, Zataria multiflora n'a pas d'effet indépendant sur l'apeline mais fait diminuer la glycémie, ce qui est susceptible d'être dans une certaine mesure synergique avec les effets de l'entraînement.

In vivo antibacterial activity of Zataria multiflora Boiss extract and its components, carvacrol, and thymol, against colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a pneumonic BALB/c mouse model.

BACKGROUND: Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a major cause of nosocomial infections. Various resistance mechanisms of A. baumannii against antibiotics have transformed it into a successful nosocomial pathogen. Because of the limited number of available antibiotics, we used a medicinal plant with an antibacterial effect. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZMB) extract and its components were used for the treatment of pneumonic mice infected with A. baumannii. The biological effects of this extract and the regulation of the outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene were used in a mouse model. METHODS: A pneumonic mouse model was prepared using clinical and standard strains (1.5 × 108 colony-forming units/mL) of A. baumannii. BALB/c mice groups were treated with a ZMB extract, carvacrol, thymol, and sensitive antibiotics. The lung tissues of the treated mice were cultured for 5 days and each day, bacterial clearance and the ompA gene expression were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In the lung tissue culture of pneumonic mice infected with standard or clinical isolate, no colony was detected when treated with the ZMB extract after 2 and 3 days (P < 0.01), respectively. In the carvacrol-treated group, bacterial clearance was seen at day 4 and day 5 (P < 0.05). Bacterial clearance was seen 5 days after treatment with thymol and imipenem and 6 days after ampicillin/sulbactam treatment. The regulation of ompA gene was significantly decreased in this order: ZMB extract, carvacrol, thymol, imipenem, and ampicillin/sulbactam. DISCUSSION: The ZMB extract had a potent bactericidal effect against A. baumannii that could downregulate the ompA gene. ZBM extract and carvacrol could be novel therapeutic agents for antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii.

Evaluation of intrinsic and acquired immune cells infiltration in kidney and spleen of the mice infected with systemic candidiasis and treated with chloroform fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Despite the use of antifungal drugs, the visceral candidiasis is associated with a high mortality rate. The aims of this study were an evaluation of intrinsic and acquired immune cells infiltration in kidney and spleen of the mice infected with systemic candidiasis and treated with chloroform fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Candida albicans (C. albicans) ATCC10231 clinical standard strain was isolated. C. albicans LD50 was determined. The laboratory animal (BALB/C mouse) infection with the visceral candidiasis was performed. The kidney and spleen tissues were stained with PAS and prepared for confirmation under the microscope. The Zataria Multiflora Boiss (Shiraz thyme) was prepared and the effects on the infected group were assessed. The kidney and spleen mononuclear cells (MNCs) were prepared and the flow cytometry technique was performed for the assessment of Th1, Th17, and Treg cells. RESULTS: The LD50 and LD totals were 1.5 × 108 and 2 × 108 Yeast/0.1 ml, respectively. In mice which had a drug intervention, including chloroform fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss, thymol, carvacrol or fluconazole, fungal purification was greater in the spleen than in the kidney. Among those mice without medication intervention, fungal clearance was higher in the kidney. The highest percentage of TH1 cells was in group 1 and then group 4 and in groups 2 and 3 respectively. Moreover, there was a significant difference between groups 4 and 5 and also 6 and 7. The percentage of TH1 cells in the spleen MNCs was higher than that of the kidney cells, which is the difference between the groups except for group 7. The percentage of TH17 cells in the kidney and spleen of all drug-receiving groups exhibited a significant increase compared to groups 6 and 7. The percentage of Treg cells in the kidney and the spleen only in the extract-receiving group had a significant decrease compared to the non-drug receiving group and the other groups receiving group depicted no significant difference in the percentage of Treg cells. CONCLUSION: In addition to the direct effect on the fungus proven in vitro, the extract exhibits immunosuppressive effects, and thus can degrade the fungus through this way. The results demonstrated that the fraction of Zataria Multiflora Boiss can be considered as a powerful alternative to C. albicans therapy along with other therapies.

Effect of nanoliposomes containing Zataria multiflora Boiss. essential oil on gene expression of Shiga toxin 2 in Escherichia coli O157:H7.

AIMS: Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli serotype O157:H7 as a major human pathogen is responsible for food borne outbreaks, bloody diarrhoea, haemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome and even death. In this study, the antibacterial activity of the Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZMEO) and nanoliposome-encapsulated ZMEO was evaluated on the pathogenicity of E. coli O157:H7. METHODS AND RESULTS: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of essential oil (EO) were determined against the bacterium before and after encapsulation into nanoliposome. Then, the effect of subinhibitory concentrations was evaluated on Shiga toxin 2 (Stx2) production. The effect of free and nanoliposomal EO was also studied on the gene expression of Stx2 by real-time PCR. It was found that inhibitory activity of EO was improved after incorporation into nanoliposomes (P < 0·05). The MIC of free EO against E. coli O157:H7 was 0·03% (v/v), while this value decreased to 0·015%, after encapsulation of EO into nanoliposomes. Furthermore, subinhibitory concentrations of liposomal EO (50 and 75% MIC) had significantly higher inhibitory effect on Stx2 titre than its free form (P < 0·05). Sub-MICs of nanoencapsulated EO also showed a better activity in reduction of Stx2A gene expression than free EO. Using 75% MIC of nanoliposomal EO, the relative transcriptional level of Stx2A gene was decreased from 0·721 to 0·646. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of present study suggest that application of nanoliposomes can improve the antibacterial effect of EOs like ZMEO. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Due to the enhancement of antimicrobial activity, nanoencapsulation of plant EOs and extracts may increase their commercial application not only in food area but also in the pharmaceutics, cosmetics and health products.

The study of formulated Zoush ointment against wound infection and gene expression of virulence factors Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

BACKGROUND: The outbreak of MDR and XDR strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and increased resistance to infection in burn patients recommend the issue of infection control. In this research, we study ZOUSH herbal ointment for gene silencing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: The herbal ZOUSH ointment was formulated by alcoholic extracts of plants Satureja khuzestaniea, Zataria multiflora, Mentha Mozaffariani Jamzad, honey, and polyurethane. The MIC and disk diffusion tests were examined by single, binary, tertiary and five compounds. Three-week-old mice were considered to be second-degree infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. During the interval of 5 days, cultures were done from the liver, blood, and wound by four consecutive quarters and counting of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was reported in the liver. In this study, silver sulfadiazine ointments and Akbar were used as a positive control. The gene gyrA reference was used as the control. Real-time RT-PCR results were evaluated based on Livak as the comparative Ct method. RESULTS: The In vitro results indicated that wound infection was improved by healing wound size in the treatment groups compared to control treatment group. In this research, the changes in gene expression were evaluated by molecular technique Real-time RT-PCR. The results showed downregulation exoS, lasA, and lasB after treatment with ZOUSH ointment. SPSS Analyses showed that reduction of expressions in genes exoS, lasA and lasB after treatment with ZOUSH ointment were significantly meaningful (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that ZOUSH ointment has the positive effect for gene silencing Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the mouse model with the second-degree burn. The positive effects decreased in the number of bacteria by reducing the expression of virulence bacteria genes as exoS, lasA and lasB and improvement of wound healing.

Zataria multiflora essential oil reduces replication rate of avian influenza virus (H9N2 subtype) in challenged broiler chicks.

1. The effect of Zataria multiflora essential oil on replication rate of the H9N2 virus in target organs was determined by real-time PCR. One-day-old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six groups and were challenged with H9N2 influenza. Two groups received either 20 or 40 µl/kg body weight/day Zataria multiflora essential oils (ZM) seven days before the challenge while two other groups received the essential oil at the same dosage but after H9N2 challenge. One group received 4 mg/kg body weight/day of the anti-viral compound amantadine after challenge and the last group received no treatment and served as the control. 2. Groups that received the ZM, before or after H9N2 challenge, and the amantadine treated group showed reduced viral replication in the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts compared to the control. Supplementation with ZM improved weight gain and FCR in broilers in comparison with the control. 3. The results showed that ZM had a positive effect on reducing viral replication in both the intestine and trachea of H9N2 influenza infected broiler chickens, that led to milder clinical symptoms and better performance.

The field efficacy of Lepidium latifolium and Zataria multiflora methanolic extracts against Varroa destructor.

Varroa destructor is the most serious pest of honeybee (Apis mellifera), causing high economic losses in the beekeeping industry worldwide. The intensive utilization of many chemical substances against the mites resulted in resistance development. One of the applicable and alternative treatments being used for their control is plant-derived products (PDSS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the acaricidal activity of Lepidium latifolium and Zataria multiflora leaf extracts on V. destructor in field conditions. Four different concentrations (100, 200, 400, and 500 ppm) of the methanolic extracts were sprayed to treat each colony. The efficacy and side effects on adult bees were compared to Apistan chemical strips (ACSS). The acaricidal activity was the highest (100%) for L. latifolium extract at 500 ppm after 12 days and 86.26% for Z. multiflora. The infestation rate was decreased to 0.0% with L. latifolium and to 13.74% with Z. multiflora. The highest reduction was observed with L. latifolium followed by Z. multiflora extract at 500 ppm concentration. Both of the extracts showed negligible effect on bees, and it can be concluded that these PDSS as biodegradable agents could be used for V. destructor control in honeybee colonies.