Effects of Zataria oxymel on obesity, insulin resistance and lipid profile: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel (ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment; group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment and group C (control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × FBS (mg/dL)/405.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference (P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS. No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976N1.

Effect of Zataria multiflora Extract on Total and Differential White Blood Cell Count and Endothelin Level in Blood of Ovalbumin Sensitized Guinea Pigs / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on endothelin level, total and differential white blood cells (WBC) count of sensitized guinea pigs.@*METHODS@#Five groups of guinea pigs sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) were given drinking water alone (group S), drinking water containing three concentrations of Z. multiflora (0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 mg/mL as groups S+Z1, S+Z2 and S+Z3) and dexamethasone (group S+D), n=6 for each group. The endothelin levels as well as total and differential WBC count in blood of sensitized and control guinea pigs were evaluated using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay method, and hemocytometer and Wright-Giemsa's staining of blood sample smear respectively.@*RESULTS@#Blood endothelin levels, total and most differential WBC count were increased but lymphocytes decreased in sensitized animals compared to controls (allP <0.01). In groups S+D, S+Z2 and S+Z3 endothelin level, total and differential WBC counts were significantly improved compared with group S (P <0.01). Although, all measured parameters in group S+Z1 was lower than group S+D (P <0.01), some parameters in group S+Z3 were greater than in group S+D (P <0.05 toP <0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The results showed an anti-inflammatory effect of Z. multiflora extract in sensitized guinea pigs, which may suggest a therapeutic potential for the plant on asthma.

Pulmonoprotective Action of Zataria multiflora Ethanolic Extract on Cyclophosphamide-Induced Oxidative Lung Toxicity in Mice / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the protective effect of Zataria multiflora extract, an antioxidative medicinal plant, against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced oxidative lung damage in mice.@*METHODS@#Mice were intraperitoneally pre-treated with various doses of Zataria multiflora extract (50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) once daily for 7 consecutive days. Animals were then injected with a single 200 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of CP 1 h after the last administration of O. vulgare. Twenty-four hours later, mice were euthanized, the lungs were immediately removed, and biochemical and histological studies were conducted.@*RESULTS@#A single dose of CP markedly altered the levels of several biomarkers associated with oxidative stress in lung homogenates. Pretreatment with Zataria multiflora significantly inhibited the elevation of lipid peroxidation level and the depletion in glutathione content, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities induced by CP in lung. In addition, Zataria multiflora effectively alleviated CP-induced histopathological abnormality and pulmonary damages in mice lung tissues.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The results reveal that Zataria multiflora protects lung tissues from CP-induced toxicity and suggest a role for oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of lung toxicity produced by CP in mice. Because Zataria multiflora has been extensively used as an additive agent and is regarded as safe, it may be used concomitantly as a good supplement for reducing organ toxicity in patients undergoing chemotherapy, besides their consolidated ethnopharmacological uses.

Effects of Zataria oxymel on obesity, insulin resistance and lipid profile: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial / 中西医结合学报

BACKGROUND@#Obesity is a major public health problem and its occurrence is markedly increasing in developed and developing countries. However, few studies have investigated the use of natural products to treat obesity. The effects of taking a combination of oxymel and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (ZM), herein referred to as Zataria oxymel (ZO), on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance have not yet been studied.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study evaluates the effects of oxymel and ZO on obesity, lipid profile and insulin resistance.@*DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS@#In this randomized, controlled, triple-blind trial, overweight patients were randomly divided into three groups and received doses of study compounds twice per day for twelve weeks. Group A received 0.75 g ZM in 10 mL oxymel in each treatment; group B received 1.5 g ZM in 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment and group C (control) only received 10 mL of oxymel in each treatment.@*MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES@#Anthropometric parameters, including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and hip circumference, were measured at the time of registration. Blood tests were carried out at the beginning and once again at end of the study. Blood parameters included fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin levels, serum lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and liver enzymes (aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase). Serum creatinine was also measured at the beginning of the project and in monthly intervals for three months. The homeostasis model assessment index was calculated as fasting insulin (μIU/mL) × FBS (mg/dL)/405.@*RESULTS@#The results showed that patients receiving ZO experienced significant reduction in waist circumference in groups A, B and C, respectively (P < 0.001) but no significant change in BMI. Group A also experienced reduction in hip circumference (P = 0.01). Groups B and C had reduction in the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (P = 0.05 and P = 0.01, respectively), with no significant reduction in FBS. No effect on lipid profile, liver enzymes or serum creatinine was observed in the three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#In this study, treatment with ZO and oxymel reduced insulin resistance, and waist and hip circumferences in overweight patients. Nonetheless, the traditional Persian use of ZO as a beverage to improve the anthropometric indices in overweight individuals still requires further research with a larger sample size.@*TRIAL REGISTRATION@#Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials Code IRCT20171220037976N1.

Systematic review: The potency of Zataria multiflora Boiss in treatment of vaginal infections / Revisión sistemática: Potencia de la calendula Zataria multiflora para el tratamiento de infecciones vaginales

Vaginitis as female infectious disease is accompanied with some clinical symptoms such as vaginal abnormal discharges, itching, burning and many other unpleasant signs in patients. The responsible microorganisms in vaginitis are belonged to different kind of microorganisms including bacteria (Gardenella vaginitis), yeast (Candida albicans) and protozoa (Trichomonas vaginalis). The current treatments of these infections are chemical oral and vaginal drugs with many adverse effects for patients. Furthermore, appearance of resistant microorganisms to these drugs has intensified the treatment's problem. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the potency of "Zataria multiflora" essential oil in treatment of women's vaginitis. For preparing this manuscript, the information was extracted from different electronic and published resources. Investigation in different resources showed there were 6 clinical trials that evaluate it as suitable treatment for vaginitis. 5 clinical studies have been focused on 0.1% Z. multiflora essential oils in treatment of bacterial vaginosis (n=1), candidiasis (n=1) and trichomoniasis (n=1). Two clinical studies were related to treatments of bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and mixed infection. There is one clinical study for treatment of candidiasis by 1% Z. multiflora methanol extract. Z. multiflora was formulated in cream form and applied for 5-7 continuous days. The results of clinical trials showed that Z. multiflora essential oil (0.1%) can be used as safe and efficient alternative treatment for treatment of bacterial vaginosis, candidiasis and to a lesser extent for trichomoniasis.

La vaginitis es una enfermedad infecciosa femenina acompañada de algunos síntomas como flujo vaginal, prurito, sensación de ardor y otros síntomas de incomodidad para las pacientes. Los microorganismos responsables de vaginitis son variados e incluyen bacterias (Gardenella vaginitis), hongos (Candida albicans) y protozoos (Trichomonas vaginalis). Los tratamientos utilizados actualmente son medicamentos de uso oral o vaginal con potenciales efectos adversos. Adicionalmente se encuentran organismos resistentes a estos tratamientos, lo que ha llevado a la búsqueda de nuevas alternativas. El propósito de esta revisión sistemática fue evaluar la potencia del aceite esencia de "Zataria multiflora" para el tratamientos de la vaginitis. Se realizó una búsqueda en recursos bibliográficos y bases de datos electrónicos. Se encontraron seis ensayos clínicos que evaluaron este aceite para el tratamiento de la vaginitis. En 5 estudios clínicos se utilizó aceite esencial al 0.1% de Z. multiflora para el tratamiento de vaginosis bacteriana (n=1), candidiasis (n=1) y tricomoniasis (n=1) y en tres estudios se usó para tratamiento tanto de infecciones bacterianas, tricomoniasisi o mixtas. Se encontró un estudio para tratamiento de la candidiasis con extracto en metanol 1% de Z. multiflora. Se hizo formulación de Z. multiflora en crema tópica y aplicada por 5-7 días continuos. Los resultados mostraron que el aceite esencial de Z. multiflora (0.1%) puede ser usado de manera segura y eficiente como alternativa en vaginosis bacteriana, candidiasis y en menor grado para tricomoniasis.

Management of acute cough by Zataria multiflora Boiss as an alternative treatment / 中西医结合学报

Cough, as a defensive reflux mechanism, removes foreign objects and secretions from bronchi and bronchioles of airways. Zataria multiflora is a popular plant for treatment of cough in Iranian traditional medicine. The aim of this review was to evaluate the potency of Z. multiflora as an alternative treatment in management of acute cough and its possible mechanisms of action. Here the authors compiled information about Z. multiflora in the treatment of cough from all accessible resources and books. The results of this investigation showed that there were five clinical studies that evaluated the efficacy of Z. multiflora essential oil or extract alone (n = 1), in combination with Althaea officinalis (n = 2) or Foeniculum vulgare essential oil (n = 1), in the form of syrup (n = 3), oral drop (n = 1) and soft capsule (n = 1), for the treatment of acute cough in comparison with placebo or synthetic drugs (bromhexine, dextromethorphan and clobutinol). All clinical studies confirmed the efficacy of Z. multiflora in the amelioration of acute cough in pediatric (n = 1) and adult patients (n = 4) without any adverse effects. Different mechanisms, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, relaxant and immune-enhancement, may be responsible for the efficacy of Z. multiflora in cough relief. Other clinical trials can be performed with Z. multiflora in combination with ivy leaf extract or primrose root extract on patients with cough.

Antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Mentha longifolia L. and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. plants against important human pathogens

Objective: To determine the potential antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts from Mentha longifolia L. (M. longifolia) and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) against important human pathogens. Methods: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia). Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus aureus were kinds of pathogenic bacteria to determine the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of M. longifolia and hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora using broth microdiluation method. Results: The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL) were observed by the hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Serratia marcescens (2.5 and 5 mg/mL) were observed by the aqueous extracts of M. longifolia. Conclusions: In conclusion, it seems that Z. multiflora and M. longifolia extracts could inhibit the growth of all of the mentioned bacteria.

Antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts of Mentha longifolia L. and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. plants against important human pathogens

OBJECTIVE@#To determine the potential antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate and aqueous extracts from Mentha longifolia L. (M. longifolia) and hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) against important human pathogens.@*METHODS@#Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella dysenteriae, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumonia), Enterobacter cloacae, Salmonella typhi, Proteus mirabilis, Serratia marcescens, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus and Staphylococcus aureus were kinds of pathogenic bacteria to determine the antibacterial effect of aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts of M. longifolia and hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora using broth microdiluation method.@*RESULTS@#The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.25 and 2.5 mg/mL) were observed by the hydroalcoholic extract of Z. multiflora and the lowest minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values for K. pneumonia and Serratia marcescens (2.5 and 5 mg/mL) were observed by the aqueous extracts of M. longifolia.@*CONCLUSIONS@#In conclusion, it seems that Z. multiflora and M. longifolia extracts could inhibit the growth of all of the mentioned bacteria.

The potential effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil on growth, aflatoxin production and transcription of aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway genes of toxigenic Aspergillus parasiticus

This study aims at evaluating the effects of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) essential oil (EO) on growth, aflatoxin production and transcription of aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway genes. Total RNAs of Aspergillus parasiticus (A.parasiticus) ATCC56775 grown in yeast extract sucrose (YES) broth medium treated with Z. multiflora EO were subjected to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Specific primers of nor-1, ver-1, omt-A and aflR genes were used. In parallel mycelial dry weight of samples were measured and all the media were assayed by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) for aflatoxinB1 (AFB1), aflatoxinB2 (AFB2), aflatoxinG1 (AFG1), aflatoxinG2 (AFG2) and aflatoxin total (AFTotal) production. The results showed that mycelial dry weight and aflatoxin production reduce in the presence of Z. multiflora EO (100 ppm) on day 5 of growth. It was found that the expression of nor-1, ver-1, omt-A and aflR genes was correlated with the ability of fungus to produce aflatoxins on day 5 in YES medium. RT-PCR showed that in the presence of Z.multiflora EO (100 ppm) nor-1, ver-1 and omtA genes expression was reduced. It seems that toxin production inhibitory effects of Z. multiflora EO on day 5 may be at the transcription level and this herb may cause reduction in aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway genes activity.

Effect of Zataria multiflora Bois L. on histamine (H1) receptor of guinea pig tracheal chains.

The effects of three concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml) of aqueous-ethanolic extract of Z. multiflora bois, 10 nM chlorpheniramine, and saline on histamine (H1) receptors were tested on two groups of guinea pig tracheal chains [trachea incubated with indomethacin (Gr. 1), and indomethacin and propranolol (Gr. 2)]. The effective concentration of histamine causing 50% of maximum response (EC50) obtained in presence of chlorpheniramine in both groups, all concentrations of the extract in group 1 and its two higher concentrations in group 2 were significantly greater than those of saline. The values of concentration ratio minus one (CR-1) obtained in presence of all the three concentrations of the extract in group 1 and 10 mg/ml concentration in group 2 were significantly greater than those of chlorpheniramine. The values of EC50 obtained in presence of all the three concentrations of extract and CR-1 obtained in the presence of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml concentrations in group 2 were lower than group 1. There was not significant difference in maximum response obtained in presence of different concentrations of extract between two groups. There were parallel right ward shift in concentration response curves obtained in presence of all concentrations of the extract in both the groups. These results indicated an inhibitory effect of Z. multiflora at histamine H1 receptors.

Comparative efficacies of Zataria multiflora essential oil and itraconazole against disseminated Candida albicans infection in BALB/c mice / Eficiência comparada do óleo essencial de Zataria multiflora e itraconazol contra infecção disseminada de Candida albicans em camundongos BALB/c

Disseminated candidiasis is a serious problem in public health that results from the invasion of Candida species, in particular Candida albicans. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacies of Zataria multiflora essential oil and itraconazole in clearing C. albicans from the visceral organs of BALB/c mice suffered from disseminated candidiasis. Zataria multiflora essential oil was extracted using Clevenger-type apparatus and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). For clearance experiment, mice (20-25 g, N=8 per group) received essential oil at doses of 30, 48 and 64 mg/kg and itraconazole at dose of 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally (IP) 2 days before and after intravenous inoculation of 0.5×10(6) C. albicans blastospores. The treated animals were sacrificed on day 20, and 0.1 g of the tissue homogenates was plated onto specific media. In GC-Mass, the main components of the essential oil were carvacrol (61.29 percent) and thymol (25.18 percent). The results demonstrated that IP administration of 64 mg/kg of the essential oil had the highest efficacy in reducing C. albicans and produced 39.5, 21.8, 141.5, 174 and 501-fold reductions in mean CFUs per 0.1 gram in Candida infections of the liver, spleen, lungs, brain and kidneys, respectively, compared to positive control. Itraconazole showed significantly more responsiveness than the essential oil at dose of 30 mg/kg in clearing C. albicans from the kidneys (P<0.02), brain (P<0.02) and spleen (P<0.04), and less responsiveness than that of 64 mg/kg in clearing the organism from the brain (P<0.01), lungs (P<0.0005) and kidneys (P<0.0005), whereas no significant difference was observed between this drug and Z. multiflora at dose of 48 mg/kg. These data explain the increased rate of yeast clearance and reduced dissemination to the viscera of Z. multiflora treated mice.

A candidíase disseminada é um problema sério de saúde publica decorrente da invasão por espécies de Candida, e Candida albicans em particular. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a eficiência do óleo essencial de Zataria multiflora e itraconazol na remoção de C. albicans das vísceras de camundongos BALB/c com candidíase disseminada. O óleo essencial de Zataria multiflora foi extraído empregando um aparelho do tipo Clevenger e analisado por cromatografia a gás e espectrometria de massa (GC-MS). Para os experimentos de remoção, camundongos (20-25g, n=8 por grupo) receberam óleo essencial nas doses de 30, 48 e 64 mg/kg e itraconazol na dose de 200 mg/kg via intraperitoneal (IP) por dois dias antes e após a inoculação intravenosa de 0,5 x 10(6) blastósporos de C. albicans. Os animais tratados foram sacrificados no vigésimo dia e 0,1g dos tecidos homogeneizados foram semeados em meios específicos. De acordo com o GC-MS, os principais componentes do óleo essencial foram carvacrol (61,29 por cento) e timol (25,28 por cento). Os resultados mostraram que a administração IP de 64 mg/kg de óleo essencial apresentou a eficiência mais alta na redução de C. albicans e resultou na redução de 39,5, 21,8, 141,5, 174 e 501 vezes na contagem média de C. albicans por 0,1g do fígado, baço, pulmões, cérebro e rins, respectivamente, quando comparado ao controle positivo. O itraconazol apresentou redução de C. albicans maior do que o óleo essencial na dose de 30mg/kg nos rins (P<0,02), cérebro (P<0,02) e baço (P<0,04) e menor no cérebro (P<0,01), pulmões (P<0,0005) e rins (P<0,0005) na dose de 64 mg/kg, enquanto não houve diferença entre esse droga e óleo essencial na dose de 48mg/kg. Estes resultados explicam a remoção aumentada de leveduras e a disseminação reduzida para as vísceras de camundongos tratados com Z. multiflora.