The extract of Zataria multiflora affect tracheal responsiveness, serum levels of NO, nitrite, PLA2, TP and histamine in sensitized Guinea pigs

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.

Inhaled paraquat-induced lung injury in rat, improved by the extract of Zataria multiflora boiss and PPARγ agonist, pioglitazone

The effects of a PPAR-γ agonist, pioglitazone and Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced lung oxidative stress, inflammation, pathological changes and tracheal responsiveness were examined. The study was carried out in control rats exposed to normal aerosol of saline, PQl and PQh groups exposed to aerosols of 27 and 54 mg/m3 PQ, groups exposed to high PQ concentration (PQh) and treated with 200 and 800 mg/kg/day Z. multiflora, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day pioglitazone, low doses of Z. multiflora + pioglitazone, and 0.03 mg/kg/day dexamethasone. Increased tracheal responsiveness, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) and lung pathological changes due to PQh were significantly improved by high doses of Z. multiflora and pioglitazone, dexamethasone and extract + pioglitazone, (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). In group treated with low doses of the extract + pioglitazone, the improvements of most measured variables were significantly higher than the low dose of two agents alone (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Z. multiflora improved lung injury induced by inhaled PQ similar to dexamethasone and pioglitazone which could be mediated by PPAR-γ receptor.

Effects of Lamiaceae family plants and their bioactive ingredients on coronavirus-induced lung inflammation

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are a family of viruses that cause infection in respiratory and intestinal systems. Different types of CoVs, those responsible for the SARS-CoV and the new global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in people, have been found. Some plants were used as food additives: spices and dietary and/or medicinal purposes in folk medicine. We aimed to provide evidence about possible effects of two Lamiaceae family plants on control or treatment of CoVs-induced inflammation. The keywords including coronaviruses, Thymus vulgaris, Zataria multiflora, thymol, carvacrol, antivirus, and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were searched in various databases such as PubMed, Web of Sciences (ISI), and Google Scholar until September 2022. The medicinal herbs and their main ingredients, thymol and carvacrol, showed antiviral properties and reduced inflammatory mediators, including IL-1β; IL-6, and TNF-α, at both gene and protein levels but increased the levels of IFN-γ in the serum as anti-inflammatory cytokine. These medicinal herbs and their constituents also reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant capacity. The results of molecular docking analyses also indicated that polyphenol components such as thymol, carvone, and carvacrol could inhibit the entry of the viruses into the host cells in molecular docking analyses. The antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of these plants may be due to actions of their phenolic compounds that modulate immune response and may be useful in the control and treatment of CoV-induced lung disorder.

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.

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 and its main ingredient, carvacrol, affect on the renal function, histopathological, biochemical and antioxidant parameters in adriamycin-induced nephrotic rats

Oxidative stress has a major role in the nephrosis. In the present study, the effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and carvacrol (CAR) were evaluated on the renal damage induced by adriamycin (ADR). The animals accidentally divided into four groups including: Control, ADR, ZM + ADR and CAR + ADR. The renal tissue, urine, and blood samples subjected to biochemical markers and histopathological evaluation. ADR significantly decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) while escalated urine protein excretion as well as protein clearance (p < .01 to p < .001). Also, ADR significantly reduced the antioxidants and boosted the malondialdehyde (MDA) compared to the control (p < .05 to p < .01). In groups treated by ZM and CAR, GFR, and antioxidants significantly increased, whereas urine protein excretion and MDA decreased (p < .05 to p < .001). ZM and CAR induced an improvement in ADR-induced renal damage by improving renal function as well as antioxidant activity.

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.

The Possible Therapeutic Effects of Some Medicinal Plants for Chronic Cough in Children

The use of plants or their isolated bioactive components for the prevention and treatment of various disorders has been developed. Here, we aim to identify effective medicinal plants for relief of cough and respiratory symptoms in children. The data of this review article were obtained from published articles in scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, until December 2019. The keywords, including "Zataria multiflora Boiss." OR "Portulaca oleracea L." OR "Ferula assa-foetida L." OR "Nigella sativa L." AND "respiratory symptoms" OR "airway inflammation" OR "smooth muscle relaxant effects," were searched individually or combined. The mentioned medicinal plants decreased total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, and eosinophils counts of blood and lung lavage in animal model-induced respiratory disorders. These plants also have protective effects on serum immunoglobulin, antibody titer, eosinophil count, and proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence from the studies indicated that the abovementioned medicinal plants have smooth muscle relaxant properties (bronchodilator effects) via stimulation of β-adrenoceptor or inhibition of muscarinic receptors (in vitro) and also improved the pulmonary function test in clinical settings. These medicinal plants are safe and easy to use. Based on the anti-inflammatory, anti-antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects, the clinical benefit may be assumed, therefore considering a place for these medicinal plants in relieve of chronic cough and symptoms of children's allergy, asthma, and common cold.

Zataria multiflora induced bronchodilatoion comparable to theophylline syrup in asthmatic patients

OBJECTIVE

The bronchodilatory effect of hydro-ethanolic extract of Z. multiflora was examined in asthmatic patients.

DESIGN

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were measured before and 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min after administration of the extract (20 mg/kg) in 18 asthmatics and after theophylline syrup (6 mg/kg) in 12 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The extract of Z. multiflora significantly increased all PFT values, 30 to 180 min post-administration similar to the effect of theophylline (all, p<0.001). Increased PFT values due to the extract were significantly declined 180 min but the effects of theophylline were declined 150 min after administration (p<0.05 to p<0.001). Values of PFTs at baseline, 30 and 180 min after drugs administration were not singnificantly different between the extract and theophylline.

CONCLUSIONS

Z. multiflora showed a bronchodilatory effect in asthmatic patients comparable to theophylline effect but with a longer duration of action.

Essential oils and its bioactive compounds modulating cytokines: A systematic review on anti-asthmatic and immunomodulatory properties

BACKGROUND

Asthma, the main inflammatory chronic condition affecting the respiratory system, is characterized by hyperresponsiveness and reversible airway obstruction, recruitment of inflammatory cells and excessive production of mucus. Cytokines as biochemical messengers of immune cells, play an important role in the regulation of allergic inflammatory and infectious airway processes. Essential oils of plant origin are complex mixtures of volatile and semi volatile organic compounds that determine the specific aroma of plants and are categorized by their biological activities.

PURPOSE

We reviewed whether essential oils and their bioactive compounds of plant origin could modulate cytokines' immune responses and improve asthma therapy in experimental systems in vitro and in vivo.

METHODS

Electronic and manual search of articles in English available from inception up to November 2018 reporting the immunomodulatory activity of essential oils and their bioactive compounds for the management of asthma. We used PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and Web of Science. Publications reporting preclinical experiments where cytokines were examined to evaluate the consequence of anti-asthmatic therapy were included.

RESULTS

914 publications were identified and 13 were included in the systematic review. Four articles described the role of essential oils and their bioactive compounds on bronchial asthma using cell lines; nine in vivo studies evaluated the anti-inflammatory efficacy and immunomodulating effects of essential oil and their secondary metabolites on cytokines production and inflammatory responses. The most important immunopharmacological mechanisms reported were the regulation of cytokine production, inhibition of reactive oxygen species accumulation, inactivation of eosinophil migration and remodeling of the airways and lung tissue, modulation of FOXP3 gene expression, regulation of inflammatory cells in the airways and decreasing inflammatory mediator expression levels.

CONCLUSION

Plant derived essential oils and related active compounds have potential therapeutic activity for the treatment of asthma by modulating the release of pro-inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8), Th17 (IL-17), anti-inflammatory (IL-10), Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13) cytokines and the suppression of inflammatory cell accumulation.

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.

The effect of Zataria multiflora on inflammatory cytokine and respiratory symptoms in veterans exposed to sulfur mustard

The effect of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on serum cytokine, chemokines, and respiratory symptoms in the veterans exposed to sulfur mustard (SM) more than two decades (27-30 years) ago was conducted in 2018. Thirty-four patients were randomly assigned to the placebo group (P, mean age (54.40 ± 5.51)) and two treated groups with Z. multiflora extract 5 and 10 mg/kg/day (Z5 and 10; mean age, 58.50 ± 3.60 and 55.18 ± 4.11, respectively). Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), forced expiratory volume-one second (FEV₁), and respiratory symptoms including chest wheeze (CW), night wheeze (NW), night cough (NC), and cough and wheeze during exercise (ECW) were assessed at the baseline (phase 0), 1 and 2 months after starting treatment (phase I and II, respectively). The value of FEV₁ was significantly increased in Z10 in phase I and II compared with that in phase 0 (p < 0.01 for both) and in Z5 in phase II compared with phase I and 0 (p < 0.001for both). All respiratory symptoms significantly decreased in Z5 and 10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Serum levels of TNF-α and VEGF were decreased in Z5 and 10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Serum levels of MCP-1 and EGF were decreased in Z10 in phase I and II compared with those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The percent change of respiratory symptoms, serum levels of cytokines during the treatment period, was significantly improved in the treated groups compared with that in the placebo group. Two months' of treatment with Z. multiflora improved cytokine levels, respiratory symptom, and FEV₁ values in SM-exposed patients.

Effect of Zataria multiflora on serum cytokine levels and pulmonary function tests in sulfur mustard-induced lung disorders: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and has several traditional uses owing to its antiseptic, aesthetic, antispasmodic, analgesic, and antidiarrheal properties.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to investigate the effect of Z. multiflora on serum cytokine levels and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients exposed to sulfur mustard (SM) for a long term (27-30 years).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients were randomly assigned to the placebo group (P) and two experimental groups treated with Z. multiflora extracts, i.e., 5 and 10 mg/kg/day (Z5 and Z10). Serum levels of cytokines including IL (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10) and IFN-γ as well as PFT indices such as maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF) and maximum expiratory flow at 25, 50, and 75% of vital capacity (VC) (MEF25, 50, and 75) were assessed at the beginning (phase 0) and at the end of 4 and 8 weeks (phases I and II, respectively) after starting the treatment.

RESULTS

Serum levels of IL-2, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly decreased, while serum levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ were significantly increased in the Z5 and Z10 treatment groups in phases I and II as compared to those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). MMEF and MEF25, 50, and 75 values were significantly increased in the Z5 group in phase II and in the Z10 group in phases I and II compared to those in phase 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The percent change in serum cytokine levels and the change in MEF25, 50, and 75 during the two-month treatment period were significantly higher in the treatment groups than in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS

Two months of treatment with Z. multiflora reduced inflammation, while it enhanced anti-inflammatory cytokines and improved PFT indices in SM-exposed patients.

Zataria multiflora extract and carvacrol affect cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin in rat

Background Because of the antioxidant effects of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and carvacrol (CAR) and also the role of oxidative stress in the induction of cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin (ADR), the aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effects of ZM extract and CAR on cardiotoxicity induced by ADR in rats. Methods Twenty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to four groups including (1) the control group; (2) the ADR group, which received ADR intravenously at the beginning of the study and the (3) ZM+ADR and (4) CAR+ADR groups, which received ZM and CAR by gavage for 28 consecutive days and ADR as single dose. Blood samples were collected on days 0 and 28 to determine serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, cardiac tissue was removed for redox marker evaluation. Results In the ADR group, malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiol contents significantly reduced, as compared with the control group, while CAR administration significantly improved this condition. Treatment with ZM significantly increased the SOD activity and total thiol content, as compared with the ADR group. The level of LDH significantly increased on day 28 in the ADR group compared to the control group, and administration of ZM and CAR significantly decreased it. The SGPT and SGOT levels in the ADR group significantly increased, and CAR administration significantly reduced them. Conclusion The results indicate that the administration of ZM hydroalcoholic extracts and its active ingredient, CAR, could reduce the oxidative stress damage through promotion of the cardiac and systemic antioxidant system. Also, CAR administration demonstrated better improvement in cardiotoxicity with ADR in rats.

Insights on the molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effect of formula from Islamic traditional medicine: An in-silico study

Background and aim

Traditional medicine is an important source for drug discovery. However, many challenges face the scientific community to develop novel drugs from it. To investigate the rationale behind the medical legacy of centuries of precious knowledge from traditional medicine, we aimed at performing virtual screening to identify potential leads from the middle-age textbook, The Canon of Medicine.

Experimental procedure

A database of chemical constituents of plants mentioned within the book was built and docked against different molecular targets associated with inflammation such as phospholipase A2, p38 alpha mitogen activated protein kinase, cyclooxygenase-2 and leukotriene B4 dehydrogenase, after that literature survey was done to determine the consistency of traditional uses and molecular docking results with the current knowledge obtained from previous studies and reports.

Results and conclusion

The in-silico study revealed the ability of several chemical constituents, in the plants under investigation, to bind effectively to different targets associated with inflammation, which was consistent with previous reports, indicating that Islamic traditional medicine can be considered as a reliable promising source for developing new anti-inflammatory agents with low toxicity and minimal side effects.

The effect of Zataria multiflora on pulmonary function tests, hematological and oxidant/antioxidant parameters in sulfur mustard exposed veterans, a randomized doubled-blind clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Sulfur mustard is an alkylating agent which cause to short and long term incapacitations on various organs including lung. There is no definite treatment for lung disorders induced by SM exposure. In the present study, the preventive effect of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on hematological parameters, oxidant/antioxidant markers and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in veterans, 27-30 years after exposed to SM were studied.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty seven veterans allocated to three groups included: placebo group (P) and two groups treated with 5 and 10 mg/kg/day of Z. multiflora (Zat 5 and Zat 10). Drugs were prescribed in a double-blind manner for two months. Total and different WBC, hematological indices, oxidant/antioxidant markers and PFT values included; force vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) were assessed at the beginning (step 0), one and two month (step I and II, respectively) after starting treatment.

RESULTS

Total and different white blood cell in Zat 5 and 10 mg/kg treated groups in Step I and II were significantly decreased compared to Step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The levels of thiol, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in Zat 5 and 10 mg/kg treated groups in step I and II were significantly increased (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001) but the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly decreased in two treatment groups compared to Step 0 (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). FVC and PEF values were significant increase in Zat 5 and 10 mg/kg treated groups in step I and II compared to step 0 (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Furthermore, FVC and PEF values in Zat 5 mg/kg were also increased in step II compared to step I (p < 0.01 for both). The percentage improvement of total and differential WBC, oxidant/antioxidant markers, FVC and PEF values during two moth treatment period significantly improved in the treated groups compared to the placebo group.

CONCLUSION

Z. multiflora reduces inflammatory cells and oxidant biomarkers, while increase antioxidant biomarkers and improved PFT tests in SM exposed patients in a two moth treatment period.

The Effect of Zataria multiflora on Th1/Th2 and Th17/T Regulatory in a Mouse Model of Allergic Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease with no definite treatment and more research is needed to overcome this condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) as a medicinal plant on cytokine genes expression in an experimental mouse model of asthma. Adult mice were randomly divided into the following groups: control (C), untreated asthma (A), asthmatic groups treated with dexamethasone (D) and Z. multiflora extract (200, 400, and 800 μg/mL; Z1, Z2, and Z3, respectively), (for groups C, A, and D n = 5 and for groups Z1, Z2, and Z3 n = 6). For induction of the mouse model of asthma, animals were sensitized with intraperitoneal injection and inhalation of ovalbumin (OVA). The number of T helper (Th) subtype cells (using flow cytometry) and the levels of IFN-γ, FOXP3, IL-4, TGF-β, IL-17 gene expression (by real time PCR) were assessed in mice splenocytes. The observed changes in spleen cells of group A compared to group C were increased number of Th₂ and Th₁₇ cells, enhancement of gene expression of IL-4, IL-17, and TGF-β (p < 0.001 for all cases), reduction of Th₁ cells and Th₁/Th₂ ratio (p < 0.001 for both cases) and decrease in gene expression of IFN-γ, FOXP₃ and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (p < 0.01 for IFN-γ and p < 0.001 for other cases). The observed changes in spleen cells of treated compared to untreated A group were enhancement of Treg cells and Th₁/Th₂ ratio (p < 0.001 for both cases), increase in IFN-γ (p < 0.05) and FOXP₃ (p < 0.001) gene expression and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio (p < 0.01) as well as reduction of Th₂ and Th₁₇ cells (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001), decrease gene expression of IL-4, IL-17, and TGF-β (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The findings showed that the extract of Z. multiflora decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in asthma (IL-4 and IL-17 and TGF-β) but increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ) gene expression and the number of Treg (FOXP3) in splenocytes of asthmatic mice which may indicate the specific therapeutic effect of the plant extract in allergy, autoimmunity, and infectious diseases via potentiating Th₁ and suppressing Th2 and Th₁₇ cells.

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in ovalbumin-sensitized rat

BACKGROUND

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of curcumin have been shown. In this study, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of curcumin in sensitized rat were evaluated.

METHODS

Six groups of rats including control (C), ovalbumin-sensitized (as a rat model of asthma, S), S groups treated with curcumin (Cu 0.15, 0.30, and 0.60 mg/mL), and 1.25 μg/mL dexamethasone (S + D) were studied. Curcumin and dexamethasone were given in animals' drinking water during sensitization period. Total and differential WBC count, PLA2, TP, IFN-γ, IL-4, IgE, oxidant, and antioxidant biomarker levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined.

RESULTS

Total WBC, neutrophil and eosinophil counts, levels of PLA2, TP, IgE, IL-4, NO₂ , NO₃ , and MDA in BALF were increased but lymphocyte percentage, SOD, CAT, thiol, and IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio decreased in S animals compared to controls (P < 0.001 for all cases). Treatment with all concentrations of curcumin significantly improved total WBC, PLA2, TP, IgE, IL-4, IFN-γ, IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio, SOD, thiol, NO₂ , and NO₃ compared to S group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001). Two higher concentrations of curcumin significantly decreased neutrophil and eosinophil counts and MDA level but increased IFN-γ, CAT and lymphocyte values compared to S group (P < 0.001 for all cases). Dexamethasone treatment also significantly improved most of the measured parameters (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) but it did not change IL-4 and IFN-γ levels and IFN-γ/IL-4 ratio.

CONCLUSION

Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of curcumin with more specific immunomodulatory effect on Th1/Th2 balance compared to dexamethasone in sensitized rats was shown. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(4):567-576, 2017.

Immunomodulatory effect of characterized extract of Zataria multiflora on Th1, Th2 and Th17 in normal and Th2 polarization state

The effect of the extract of Zataria multiflora (Z. multiflora) on IFN-γ, FOXP3, IL-4, TGF-β, and IL-17 gene expression was evaluated in cultured splenocytes obtained from control, nontreated asthma or sensitized mice (group S), Sensetized animals treated with dexamethasone or three concentrations of Z. multiflora extract (200, 400 and 800 μg/ml) (n = 6, for each group). IFN-γ and FOXP3 gene expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.001 for both cases) but IL-4 (P < 0.001) and IL-17 (P < 0.05) were increased in group S compared to control group. Z. Multiflora extract 800 μg/ml, significantly upregulated IFN-γ gene expression (P < 0.01) and its 400 and 800 μg/ml concentrations increased FOXP3 gene expression (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) compared to group S. Z. multiflora extract at all concentrations (200, 400 and 800 μg/ml) decreased TGF-β gene expression and its lowest concentration significantly reduced IL-17 gene expression compared to group S (P < 0.001 for all cases). Only IL-4 and TGF-β gene expression was significantly decreased following treatment with dexamethasone (P < 0.001 for both cases). The results indicated an increase in IFN-γ and FOXP3 but decrease in TGF-β and IL-17 gene expression profile in sensitized splenocytes treated with the extract, which might be partially due to the presence of one of its constituent, carvacrol.