Explore the vast range of titles available.

Geographic location and connected environmental and edaphic factors like temperature, rainfall, soil type, and composition influence the presence and the total content of specific plant compounds as well as the presence of a certain chemotype. This study evaluated whether geographic, edaphic, and climatic information can be utilized to predict the presence of specific compounds from medicinal or aromatic plants. Furthermore, we tested rapid analytical methods based on near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) coupled with gas chromatography/flame ionization (GC/FID) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analytical methods for characterization and classification metabolite profiling of Zataria multiflora Boiss. populations. Z. multiflora is an aromatic, perennial plant with interesting pharmacological and biological properties. It is widely dispersed in Iran as well as in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Here, we studied the effect of environmental factors on essential oil (EO) content and the composition and distribution of chemotypes. Our results indicate that this species grows predominantly in areas rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and aluminum, with mean rainfall of 40.46 to 302.72 mm·year−1 and mean annual temperature of 14.90°C to 28.80°C. EO content ranged from 2.75% to 5.89%. Carvacrol (10.56–73.31%), thymol (3.51–48.12%), linalool (0.90–55.38%), and p -cymene (1.66–13.96%) were the major constituents, which classified 14 populations into three chemotypes. Corresponding to the phytochemical cluster analysis, the hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) based on NIR data also recognized the carvacrol, thymol, and linalool chemotypes. Hence, NIR has the potential to be applied as a useful tool to determine rapidly the chemotypes of Z. multiflora and similar herbs. EO and EO constituent content correlated with different geographic location, climate, and edaphic factors. The structural equation models (SEMs) approach revealed direct effects of soil factors (texture, phosphor, pH) and mostly indirect effects of latitude and altitude directly affecting, e.g., soil factors. Our approach of identifying environmental predictors for EO content, chemotype or presence of high amounts of specific compounds can help to select regions for sampling plant material with the desired chemical profile for direct use or for breeding.

Fried foods are popular globally, but their high oil absorption, lipid oxidation, and toxic substances, particularly acrylamide, during deep‐fat frying pose health risks to consumers. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of using an active coating based on zedo gum containing Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZE) and tarragon essential oils (TE) to maintain the quality of fried potatoes. Zedo gum coating (1% v/w) containing 1% (v/v) essential oils was prepared and potato strips were immersed in the produced coating solutions for 5 min. The strips were deep‐fried in a fryer at 180°C for 5 min, and then physicochemical, oxidative and sensory tests were performed on the samples. The coated strips experienced significantly lower oil uptake, moisture loss, acrylamide formation, and lipid oxidation during frying compared to the control. Additionally, coatings improved the total phenol content, antioxidant activity, and color of the strips (p < 0.05). The quality, acceptance, and shelf life of fresh and fried potato strips were enhanced. The highest TPC (40.23 mg GAE/g), antioxidant activity (45.94%), moisture content (64.16%) and the lowest amount of acrylamide (89.84 μg/kg) were observed in ZE coated strips, and this treatment also had low oil content (9.23%) and the highest oxidative stability (in terms of peroxide, anisidine, TBA, and acid values) and scored high sensory acceptance; it was selected as the best treatment in this study. Zedo gum coatings with Zataria multiflora Boiss and tarragon essential oils reduce oil uptake, acrylamide formation, and lipid oxidation in fried potatoes. Coated potato strips exhibit enhanced antioxidant activity, total phenol content, and improved sensory attributes. The active coating improves the quality, safety, and shelf life of fresh and fried potato strips, offering a healthier fried food option.

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.

Zataria multiflora essential oil (ZEO) is a natural complex of compounds with a high apoptotic potential against breast cancer cells and minor toxicity toward normal cells; however, similar to many essential oils, ZEO utilization in pharmaceutical industries has limitations due to its labile and sensitive ingredients. Nanoemulsification based on natural polymers is one approach to overcome this issue. In this study, an apple pectin-ZEO nanoemulsion (AP-ZEONE) was prepared and its morphology, FTIR spectra, and physical properties were characterized. Furthermore, it was shown that AP-ZEONE substantially suppresses the viability of MDA-MB-231, T47D, and MCF-7 breast cancer cells. AP-ZEONE significantly induced apoptotic morphological alterations and DNA fragmentation as confirmed by fluorescent staining and TUNEL assay. Moreover, AP-ZEONE induced apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells by loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) associated with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), G2/M cell cycle arrest, and DNA strand breakage as flow cytometry, DNA oxidation, and comet assay analysis revealed, respectively. Spectroscopic and computational studies also confirmed that AP-ZEONE interacts with genomic DNA in a minor groove/partial intercalation binding mode. This study demonstrated the successful inhibitory effect of AP-ZEONE on metastatic breast cancer cells, which may be beneficial in the therapy process.

This study aimed to produce electrospun gliadin nanofibers containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) (5, 10, and 15% w/w), thereby developing active, sustained‐release antimicrobial mats. By increasing the level of the ZMEO, the zeta potential and electrical conductivity increased, but the viscosity and consistency index decreased. All feed solutions demonstrated shear‐thinning behavior, and the power law model was the best model. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images proved that the gliadin nanofibers showed a uniform, beaded‐free structure at different levels of ZMEO, with an average diameter of between 403.87 ± 15.29 and 522.19 ± 11.23 nm. Increments in the level of ZMEO decreased the mats' tensile strength and Young's modulus but increased their elongation at break. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed that the ZMEO was well loaded within these structures, augmenting its thermal stability. The studied Gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were more resistant to the ZMEO than the Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus). The Peleg model was the most suitable model for describing the ZMEO release behavior, the mechanism of which was primarily Fickian diffusion. Electrospinning‐assisted fabrication of gliadin was performed. The effects of processing parameters on morphology and properties were studied. The Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) was electro‐encapsulated in the nanofibers. Kinetic modeling on the ZMEO release from gliadin nanofibers was applied. Different release behaviors of the ZMEO were studied.

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

Gums are polysaccharide biopolymers that have a high potential for food coating and packaging. The use of these polymers preferred to synthetic polymers due to several factors such as their availability, non-toxicity, environmental friendliness and cheapness. Nowadays, demand for polysaccharide gums of natural origin for the development of innovative edible coatings has been intensified. Application of edible coating having plant essential oils is a novel technique to extend the normal shelf life of foodstuffs. In the current study, the effect of Zedo gum (ZG) containing Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZMEO) as an edible coating was investigated on the quality and shelf life of buffalo slices during 9 days storage at 4 °C. The results revealed that coated buffalo samples with ZMEO-loaded ZG edible coating had a substantial antimicrobial effect on the tested microorganisms, i.e. total viable and psychrotrophic counts, E. coli, coliforms, S. aureus and fungi count. Meat coating also inhibited the weight loss and pH change of meat slices (p < 0.05). At the end of 9-day refrigerated storage, pH of control and coated sample containing 1% ZMEO were 6.43 and 6.01 and the moisture contents were 60.21 and 67.23, respectively. Microbiological, physicochemical and sensorial results revealed that as the ZMEO concentration increased, the shelf life of coated buffalo meat samples significantly improved. In conclusion, ZMEO-rich ZG edible coating could slow meat deterioration and significantly extend the shelf life of fresh meat buffalo.

Introduction: Mosquitoes transmit several diseases to humans. New and environmentally safe methods are needed to control mosquito populations effectively. This study aimed to evaluate the larvicidal and repellent properties of extracts and silver nanoparticles synthesized from Zataria multiflora (Shirazi thyme). Methods: To determine the larvicidal and repellent properties of Z. multiflora, we tested different concentrations of synthesized silver nanoparticles and crude extract against this malaria vector. Results: The crude extract exhibited weak larvicidal activity, with an LC50 of 616.52 μg/mL and an LC90 of 1109.74 μg/mL. However, the synthesized silver nanoparticles are highly active on the larvae of Anopheles stephensi, with an LC50 at 51.07 μg/mL and an LC90 at 119.04 μg/mL. Both the crude extract (ED50: 0.00031 μg/cm²; ED90: 0.0018 μg/ cm²) and silver nanoparticles (ED50: 0.000072 μg/cm²; ED90: 0.00048 μg/cm²) demonstrated significant repellent activ­ity. Particle size analysis revealed a range of 24.56 to 63.76 nanometers, with an average size of 52.7 nanometers. Conclusion: This study showed that Z. multiflora silver nanoparticles have significant larvicidal properties, so they are suggested as a nature-friendly larvicide.

Cisplatin (CP), as an anti-neoplastic drug, causes testicular damage. Zataria multiflora Boiss (ZM), a medicinal plant, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ZM against CP-induced testicular toxicity. In this experimental study, thirty-two adult male mice were randomly divided into four groups. The control group received normal saline with oral gavage during 7 days; ZM group received ZM (200 mg/kg) during 7 days by gavage; CP group received CP (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) in the 5 day of study; ZM + CP group received ZM during 7 days and CP was injected in 5th day. Sperm parameters, biochemical (MDA, GSH, and PC) levels, serum testosterone levels, and histopathological and immunohistochemical assays of testis were examined one day after the last drug treatment. CP treatment caused significant damage via changed sperm parameters (sperm motility, count, viability rate, and abnormalities), increased oxidative stress (increased MDA and PC levels, and decreased GSH level), histological changes (degeneration, necrosis, arrest of spermatogenesis, congestion, and decrease in thickness of the germinal epithelium, diameter of seminiferous tubules, and Johnsen's Score), decreased serum testosterone level, and increased caspase-3 immunoreactivity. ZM preserved spermatogenesis and mitigated the toxic effects of CP on the testis tissue. In addition, treatment with ZM significantly reduced caspase-3 immunoreactivity. The findings of this study suggest that ZM as a potential antioxidant compound and due to free radicals scavenging activities has a protective effect against CP-induced testicular toxicity.

The production of biodegradable food packaging has gained a great deal of attention due to the environmental concerns associated with the accumulation of plastic waste. In this study, chitosan (Cs)/gelatin (Gel) nanofibers (NFs) containing Zataria multiflora extract (ZME) were prepared through the electrospinning technique. Morphological characteristics of NFs were determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). NFs were cross-linked via a green process using citric acid and heat treatment. The effect of NF cross-linking on the structure, water stability, and mechanical behavior of the scaffolds was investigated. The antibacterial effectiveness of the prepared mats was studied by the colony counting method. In addition, the scaffolds were applied in the preservation of edible mushrooms. SEM analysis revealed smooth and bead-free Gel70-Cs30-ZME NFs with an average diameter of 188 nm. Cross-linked NFs possessed higher water contact angle (0° vs. 65.9°), swelling degree (45% vs. 1079%), and mechanical properties (tensile strength of 0.14 MPa vs. 0.45 MPa) than as-spun mats. Weight loss and water vapor permeability were reduced after cross-linking from 96 to 34% and from 6.7 to 5.2 g mm/kPa h m 2 , respectively. Cross-linked Gel70-Cs30-ZME NFs exhibited satisfactory antibacterial activity with about 3 and 2 Log CFU/mL reduction of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli populations, respectively. Electrospun mats delayed the deterioration of mushrooms in comparison with the commonly used polyethylene films. Therefore, cross-linked Gel70-Cs30-ZME scaffold with improved mechanical and functional properties has potential applications in fruit and vegetable packaging. Graphical abstract