Zataria multiflora affects pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, bronchodilator drugs use and hematological parameters in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients: A randomized doubled-blind clinical trial.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zataria multiflora is employed as an antitussive, anti-spasmodic, analgesic and etc. Agent in traditional medicine. The modern medical studies are also confirmed effects of this plant for treatment of respiratory problems via anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and immunomodulatory properties. AIM OF STUDY: We evaluated efficacy of Z. multiflora on tests of pulmonary function, respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use, and hematological factors in COPD patients. METHODS: Patients (n = 45) were randomly grouped in the following three groups: placebo group (P), groups received Z. multiflora extract 3 and 6 mg/kg/day (Z3 and Z6). FEV1 and MEF25-75, respiratory symptoms, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use and hematological factors were evaluated before and 1-2 months after treatment. RESULTS: Z. multiflora led to significant enhancement of FEV1 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). Respiratory symptoms were also considerably ameliorated following treatment with extracts for 1 and 2 months compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In groups received extract, inhaled bronchodilator drugs use was remarkably declined at the end of study (both, p < 0.05). Reduction of total WBC was observed 1-2 months after treatment in treated groups with extract compared to baseline values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Neutrophils were remarkably declined in Z3 and Z6 groups after 2-monthes compared to 1-month treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The evidence show therapeutic effect of this herb on COPD patients which could be result from properties that help to decrease inflammation.

Hormetic effects of curcumin on oxidative stress injury induced by trivalent arsenic in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Objective: Arsenic (As) poisoning is a worldwide public health problem. Arsenic can cause cancer, diabetes, hepatic problems, etc. Hence, we investigated possible hepatoprotective properties of curcumin against As3+-induced liver damages in freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Materials and Methods: Isolation of hepatocytes was done by the two-step liver perfusion method using collagenase. The EC50 concentration of As3+ was used in toxicity assessments and curcumin (2, 5, and 10 µM) was added 15 min before As3+ addition to isolated hepatocytes. Curcumin impact was assessed in terms of cytotoxicity, lipid peroxidation induction, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Results: As3+ significantly increased cytotoxicity, malondialdehyde and ROS levels and induced mitochondrial membrane damage and hepatocyte membrane lysis after 3 hr incubation. Curcumin 2 µM significantly prevented lipid peroxidation induction, ROS formation, and mitochondrial membrane damage; while curcumin 5 µM had no apparent effect on these parameters, curcumin 10 µM potentiated them. Conclusion: Curcumin only at low doses could ameliorate oxidative stress injury induced by As3+ in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Phytochemical Characteristics and Anti-Inflammatory, Immunoregulatory, and Antioxidant Effects of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Comprehensive Review.

Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) or purslane is a plant from the Portulacaceae family, which is used as food and traditional medicine for various diseases. This review article provides comprehensive information on the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of P. oleracea and its constituents. The literature survey of the different databases until the end of June 2023 was explored based on the keywords including the "P. oleracea, purslane, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties." The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and some other compounds. The results indicated that P. oleracea and its constituents showed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties through reduction of inflammatory mediators including interferon gama (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide. Improvement in cytokines' serum levels (IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4) and increased IgG and IgM serum levels, as well as reduction of IgE, phospholipase A2, and total protein were demonstrated for P. oleracea. The plant and its constituents also improved oxidative stress by reduction of oxidant and increase of antioxidant markers. P. oleracea could be considered as an effective remedy for various inflammatory and immune diseases.

Effects of glargine on hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus type II undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.

Introduction: In this trial, effects of glargine on hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes mellitus type II who were undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass graft (CAGB), were examined. Methods: Seventy diabetic patients who were candidate for off-pump CABG were randomly divided into the following two groups (1) Control group who were treated with normal saline+regular insulin and (2) Glargine group who received glargine+regular insulin. Normal saline and glargine were administered subcutaneously 2 hours before surgery, and regular insulin was injected before, during and after the surgery in the intensive care unit (ICU) in both groups. Finally, levels of blood sugar before, 2 hours after starting the surgery and at the end of the surgery, were recorded. Blood sugar levels during ICU stay were also measured every 4 hours for 36 hours. Results: There were no significant differences in blood sugar levels between the groups at the three time points (i.e. before, 2 hours after starting the surgery and at the end of the surgery). In addition, during 36 hours of ICU stay, blood sugar levels did not show significant variations between the groups; however, 20 hours after ICU admission, blood sugar level was significantly higher in the glargine group (P=0.04). Conclusion: The results indicated that both glargine and regular insulin effectively control the blood glucose in diabetic patients undergoing CABG. However, the blood sugar fluctuation was less in the glargine group than control group.

Probabilistic risk assessment of exposure to multiple metals and pesticides through consumption of fruit juice samples collected from Iranian market.

The current study assessed the risk posed to Iranian consumers by oral exposure to a mixture of 20 pesticides and six metals in 96 fruit juice (FJ) samples (3 batches × 4 brands × 8 types of FJs) collected from Iran market. Concentrations of metals and pesticides in FJs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The mean concentration of all pesticides was below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) set by the European Union (EU). The calculated target hazard quotients (THQs) and total hazard index (HI) were <1.0 for all pesticides residue, indicating no risk. For the carcinogenic metals (As, Ni, and Pb), estimated incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) at the 50th and 95th centiles were respectively 4.25 × 10-5 and 5.30 × 10-5 (for As), 2.85 × 10-5 and 3.71 × 10-5 (for Ni), and 2.84 × 10-8, and 3.97 × 10-8 (for Pb), indicating no risk. At the 50th and 95th centiles, HI for non-carcinogenic metals (Cd, Hg, and Cr) was <1.0, indicating no risk. Based on sensitivity analyses of the input variables, the concentration of metals and pesticides, and the FJs ingestion rate had significant influential impacts on the calculated THQ and HI.

Effects of gallic acid on intraperitoneal adhesion bands in rats.

Objective: Gallic acid (GA) is an organic acid that possesses anti-inflammatory effects as it inhibits the production of metalloproteinases, tissue plasminogen activator, growth factors and adhesion molecules. Since formation of abdominal surgery-induced adhesion bands is accompanied by inflammation, angiogenesis and cell proliferation, in the current study, we assessed potential beneficial properties of GA against adhesion bands formation in rats. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six adult male rats were assigned into six groups of six animals. After induction of anesthesia, peritoneal injury was induced using a standard method and animals received either GA (10, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), or normal saline, while a group of rats remained intact. Seven days after the surgery, animals were decapitated and samples were collected for pathology evaluations. Also, lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were determined in serum samples. Results: Our results showed that GA significantly reduced lipid peroxidation in serum samples but had no effect on TNF-α levels. Furthermore, microscopic and macroscopic injuries reduced significantly in GA-treated animals. Conclusion: Since GA reduced adhesion bands formation at microscopic and macroscopic levels, it could be considered a treatment against adhesion bands formation.

Experimental and clinical evidence on the effect of carvacrol on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders: A comprehensive review.

Carvacrol (CAR) showed various pharmacological and therapeutic effects in different disorders. In the current article, the experimental and clinical effects of CAR on respiratory, allergic, and immunologic disorders are described. Various databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, and Scopus, were searched regarding the effects of CAR on respiratory and allergic disorders until the end of October 2021. CAR showed the relaxant effect, with various possible mechanisms suggesting the bronchodilatory effect in obstructive pulmonary diseases. The preventive effects of CAR on experimental animal models of respiratory diseases were shown through mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory. CAR also showed therapeutic potential on lung cancer, lung infections, and allergic and immunologic disorders. Clinical studies also revealed therapeutic effects of CAR on asthma, sulfur-mustard-induced lug disorders, and some other allergic and immunologic diseases. Pharmacological and therapeutic effects of CAR indicate possible remedy effects of this agent in the treatment of respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases.

The effect of two-month treatment with Zataria multiflora on inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function testes and respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) is a valuable medicinal plant that has been used in Iranian traditional and folk medicine as an antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, anti-spasmodic and analgesic herbal medicine. This plant has been also used to relieve cough in common cold and respiratory tract disorders. The previous studies reported the pharmacological effects of Z. multiflora such as anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties in respiratory disorders in animal models and clinical studies. AIM OF THE STUDY: The effects of Z. multiflora extract on inflammatory cytokines, pulmonary function tests (PFT), and respiratory symptoms in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) patients were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: COPD patients (41 cases) were divided to three groups including placebo group (P) and groups received 3 and 6 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract (Z3 and Z6) for two months. Inflammatory cytokines, PFT values, and respiratory symptoms were assessed before treatment (stage 0), one (stage I) and two (stage II) months after treatment. RESULTS: Serum levels of TNF-α and IL-8 were significantly decreased after two months treatment compared to baseline values in Z3 and Z6 groups. The PFT values including forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were significantly increased during two months treatment with Z3 and Z6. The peak expiratory flow (PEF) was also significantly increased after one-month treatment with Z6. The respiratory symptoms including cough, chest tightness, modified medical research council (mMRC) dyspnea scale were significantly improved after one and two treatments with both doses of Z. multiflora compared to baseline values. CONCLUSION: The results suggest the potential therapeutic effect of Z. multiflora in COPD patients through reduction of inflammatory cytokines, increasing PFT values and improvement of respiratory symptoms.

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.

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

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Anti-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 STUDY: The 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 METHODS: 36 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. RESULTS: Two 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. CONCLUSION: Z. 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.

Additive effects of acupuncture in alleviating anxiety: A double-blind, three-arm, randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In this trial, additive effects of acupuncture to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) treatment for reducing anxiety, were investigated. METHODS: 112 patients with anxiety disorder were randomly divided into three groups including SSRIs alone (drug group), SSRIs with sham acupuncture (control group) and SSRI with acupuncture (acupuncture group), and treated for 4 weeks. At the beginning of the study and on day 28, Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire was completed and serum levels of cortisol were measured. RESULTS: 105 patients completed the treatment period. STAI score showed significant differences among the three groups at the end of the study; importantly, changes in STAI score in the acupuncture group were significantly larger than the other groups. A decrease in cortisol levels was observed in all groups; though statistically non-significant, this decrease in the acupuncture group was larger. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with SSRIs can significantly improve anxiety state compared to anti-anxiety therapy using SSRIs alone.

Evaluate the Therapeutic Effect of Allicin (L-cysteine) on Clinical Presentation and Prognosis in Patients with COVID-19.

The antiviral effectiveness of allicin (L-cysteine) has been shown by numerous studies in both levels of clinical and animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of allicin (L-cysteine) on clinical presentation and prognosis. In the current study, 66 patients with COVID-19 based on clinical, radiological presentations and RT-PCR results, were enrolled in two groups of placebo and allicin. In the both allicin (L-cysteine) and placebo groups (n=33 in each group), the capsules were prescribed two times a day for two weeks. Clinical signs and symptoms, blood parameters and chest CT scan were evaluated before and two weeks after treatment. The results showed that allicin (L-cysteine) could significantly impact on improvement of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 after two weeks of treatment in comparison to placebo. Allicin (L-cysteine) not only improve the clinical signs, but also ameliorate the lab and radiological data, which suggest a therapeutic effect for this agent in COVID-19. Our data suggest the therapeutic effect of allicin (L-cysteine) on COVID-19 through improvement of clinical symptoms and acceleration of the healing process.

A review of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Allium cepa and its main constituents.

CONTEXT: Allium cepa L. (Liliaceae), known as onion, is consumed throughout the world. Onion and its derivatives including saponins, aglycones, quercetin, cepaenes, flavonoids, organosulfurs, and phenolic compounds, showed various pharmacological properties and therapeutic effects. OBJECTIVE: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of A. cepa and its main constituents, along with the underlying molecular mechanisms are presented. METHODS: Databases including, Web of Knowledge, Medline/PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were checked for articles published between 1996 and the end of July 2020, using the key-words Allium cepa, quercetin, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory. RESULTS: A. cepa and its constituents mainly quercetin showed anti-inflammatory effects mediated via reduction of total and differential WBC counts, inhibition of chemotaxis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, COX, and LOX pathways and prevented formation of leukotrienes and thromboxanes, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) as onVCAM-1, NF-κB, MARK,d STAT-1, JNK, p38 and osteoclastogenesis. A. cepa and its derivatives showed antioxidant effect by decreasing lipid peroxidation, NAD(P)H, MDA, NO, LPO and eNOS but enhancing antioxidants such as SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx, GSPO, TrxR, SDH, GST and GR activities and thiol level. Immunomodulatory effects of the plant and quercetin was also shown by reduction of Th2 cytokines, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 as well as IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-1ß and TNF-α and IgE levels, but increased CD4 cells, IFN-γ level and IFN-γ/IL4 ratio (Th1/Th2 balance). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of onion and its constituents on oxidative stress, inflammatory and immune system were shown indicating their therapeutic value in treatment of various diseases associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and immune-dysregulation.

Carvacrol improves pulmonary function tests, oxidant/antioxidant parameters and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Carvacrol effects on inflammatory mediators, lung pathology and tracheal responsiveness were indicated in animal models of pulmonary diseases. PURPOSE: To evaluate carvacrol effects on respiratory symptoms, pulmonary function tests (PFT), oxidative stress markers and cytokine levels in asthmatic patients. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind, clinical trial. METHODS: Thirty-three moderate asthmatic patients were divided to the two groups of: placebo group (n = 16) and carvacrol group (1.2 mg/kg/day, n = 17). Prepared capsules were taken for two months along, 3 times/day along with routine medications. Respiratory symptoms, PFT, and oxidative stress markers were evaluated before the treatment (step 0), and one (step I) and two months (step II) after the beginning of the treatment. However, cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and their gene expression were evaluated in step 0 and II. RESULTS: In carvacrol-treated group, respiratory symptoms significantly decreased after one- and two-month treatment with carvacrol compared to pre-treatment values (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Compared to step 0, PFT values were significantly increased in step I and II, in treated group with carvacrol (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Most oxidative stress markers were improved following carvacrol treatment (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with carvacrol for two-month also significantly improved cytokine levels in serum and supernatant of PBMC, compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). However, no significant changes were observed in the above-noted parameters in the placebo group. CONCLUSION: Due to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect, carvacrol could be suggested as a therapeutic agent for asthma.

The effects of Nigella sativa on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders, evidence from experimental and clinical studies, a comprehensive and updated review.

Nigella sativa (N. sativa) seed had been used traditionally due to several pharmacological effects. The updated experimental and clinical effects of N. sativa and its constituents on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders are provided in this comprehensive review article. Various databases including PubMed, Science Direct and Scopus were used. The preventive effects of N. sativa on pulmonary diseases were mainly due to its constituents such as thymoquinone, thymol, carvacrol and alpha-hederin. Extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed the relaxant effect, with possible mechanisms indicating its bronchodilatory effect in obstructive pulmonary diseases. In experimental animal models of different respiratory diseases, the preventive effect of various extracts and constituents of N. sativa was demonstrated by mechanisms such as antioxidant, immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory effects. Bronchodilatory and preventive effects of the plant and its components on asthma, COPD and lung disorders due to exposure to noxious agents as well as on allergic and immunologic disorders were also shown in the clinical studies. Various extracts and constituents of N. sativa showed pharmacological and therapeutic effects on respiratory, allergic and immunologic disorders indicating possible remedy effect of that the plant and its effective substances in treating respiratory, allergic and immunologic diseases.

Safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy subjects: a phase I clinical study.

This study was designed to assess safety and tolerability of carvacrol in healthy individuals. Subjects were randomly divided into two groups receiving 1 and 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol. Before and after carvacrol administration, routine blood and urine laboratory tests and spirometry were performed for all participants. The results showed that one-month treatment with carvacrol did not significantly affect the measured variables. In the group receiving 1 mg/kg/day carvacrol, calcium, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), mean cell volume (MCV), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (HCT) levels were significantly reduced but creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) was significantly increased, after treatment compared to baseline values (p < 0.05-p < 0.001). There was significant reductions in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), total bilirubin, amylase, iron, red blood cells (RBC) count, and HCT after one-month treatment with 2 mg/kg/day carvacrol compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). Although, triglyceride (TG), phosphorus, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), prothrombin time (PT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were significantly increased after treatment with carvacrol 1 mg/kg/day (p < 0.05-p < 0.001), all post-treatment measured parameters were within normal range. Treatment with carvacrol 2 mg/kg/day for one month increased FEV1 (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in measured variables except LDH, MCH, MCHC, and MCV (p < 0.05-p < 0.01), between the two groups. The results of this phase I study regarding carvacrol effects on healthy subjects, showed clinical safety and tolerability for this agent.

Increased age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood cells count are associated with higher COVID-19 mortality.

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) caused by the highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, was first reported from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The present study assessed possible associations between one-month mortality and demographic data, SpO2, underlying diseases and laboratory findings, in COVID-19 patients. Also, since recent studies on COVID-19, have focused on Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as an independent risk factor of the in-hospital death and a significant prognostic biomarker of outcomes in critically ill patients, in this study, we assessed predictive potential of this factor in terms of one-month mortality. METHODS: Patients admitted to Imam Reza hospital, affiliated to Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran, from March to June 2020, with positive RT-PCR results for SARS-CoV-2, were included in this study. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were used to respectively estimate one-month mortality since admission and determine factors associated with one-month mortality. RESULTS: In this retrospective cohort study, 219 patients were included (137 men and 82 women (mean age 58.2 ± 16 and 57 ± 17.3 years old, respectively)). Hypertension, ischemic heart disease and diabetes were respectively the most common comorbidities. Among these patients, 63 patients were admitted to the ICU and 31 deaths occurred during one-month follow-up. With respect to mean peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2), 142 patients had SpO2 ≤ 90%. Based on our analysis, older age and increased Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and White blood cells (WBC) count were associated with increased risk of one-month mortality. Patients with SpO2 ≤ 90% had a 3.8-fold increase in risk of one-month death compared to those with SpO2 > 90%, although the difference did not reach a significant level. CONCLUSION: Multivariate analysis introduced age, WBC count, and NLR as predictors of one-month mortality in COVID-19 patients.

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.

A Randomized, Doubled-Blind Clinical Trial on the Effect of Zataria multiflora on Clinical Symptoms, Oxidative Stress, and C-Reactive Protein in COPD Patients.

The effects of Zataria multiflora on clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, oxidative stress, and C-reactive protein levels in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were evaluated. Forty-five patients were allocated to 3 groups: placebo group and 2 groups that received 3 and 6 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora extract (Z3 and Z6) for 2 months. Clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, oxidative stress, and serum C-reactive protein levels were evaluated pretreatment (step 0) and 1 (step I) and 2 (step II) months after treatment. Clinical symptoms including breathlessness and chest wheeze in Z3- and Z6-treated groups and sputum production only in the Z6-treated group were significantly improved 1 and 2 months after treatment compared with baseline values (P < .01 to P < .001). The FEV1 was significantly increased after 2 months of treatment with Z3 and Z6 (P < .05 to P < .01). Malondialdehyde and nitrite levels were significantly decreased after a 2-month treatment with Z6 compared with step 0 (P < .05 to P < .01). The thiol contents in the Z6 group as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in both groups treated with the extract were significantly increased in step II compared with step 0 (P < .05 to P < .01). The C-reactive protein level at the end of the study was significantly reduced compared with the step 0 in both treated groups (P < .05 for both cases). Two-month treatment with Z. multiflora improved clinical symptoms, pulmonary function tests, oxidative stress, and C-reactive protein in COPD patients. The results suggest that this herbal medicine could be of therapeutic value as a preventive drug for the treatment of COPD.