Pharmacological effects of Zataria multiflora Boiss L. and its constituents focus on their anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects

Abstract

A B S T R A C TZataria multiflora Boiss (Z. multiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family is used traditionally for culinary and medicinal purposes. Different pharmacological effects have been described for the plant including; bronchodilation, vasodilation, and effect on lung inflammation. The plant is also used as a remedy against cough in the traditional medicine. In this article, 'pharmacological effects of Z. multiflora and its constituents focusing on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties were reviewed' by searching various databases until 'June' 2016. The anti-inflammatory effects of the plant such as decreased total white blood cell, neutrophils, and eosinophils counts were demonstrated. The sprotective effects of Z. multiflora on serum levels of phospholipase A2 and total protein were showed. In addition, constituents of the plant, such as flavonoids and carvacrol, also showed anti-inflammatory effects. Z. multiflora also reduced oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and can be used in the therapy of oxidative damage. Decreased level of malondialdehyde and protective effects of Z. multiflora on serum levels of nitric oxide were also shown. Improvement of the serum levels of IgE, reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine , and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-c and FOXP3) were shown for Z. multiflora and its constituents, carvacrol and thymol. These results indicated that carvacrol and thymol could be used for treatment of inflammatory diseases as new anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, Z. multiflora showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects which could be used for treatment of inflammatory and immune dysregulation diseases or disorders associated with increased oxidative stress.

Carvacrol ameliorates haematological parameters, oxidant/antioxidant biomarkers and pulmonary function tests in patients with sulphur mustard‐induced lung disorders: A randomized double‐blind clinical trial

“…The FDA allowed the use of CAR as a food additive, and it has been mentioned among the flavouring chemicals accepted by the Council of Europe . Several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and immunomodulatory, antitumor and antimicrobial effects were shown for CAR in previous studies. Carvacrol decreased inflammation by various mechanisms such as inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 and subsequently decreased prostaglandin E2 production, reduced production of inflammatory mediators (eg TNF‐α, IL‐6, iNOS and IL‐10), and diminished levels of IL‐4, endothelin, IgE and eosinophil peroxidase, whereas it increased IFN‐γ in the serum of CAR‐treated sensitized guinea pigs .…”

Potential role of medicinal plants for anti-atherosclerosis activity

“…The leaves and fruits of this plant have many important metabolites like butylated hydroxyanisole that help in the reduction of atherosclerosis lesions (Ali et al, 2014). Due to the presence of mentioned compounds in this plant, it is used to treat the oxidative stresses also as well as the reduction of cholesterol level and excess lipid deposition (Khazdair et al, 2017).…”

Multiple pharmacological approaches on Fibigia eriocarpa extracts by in vitro and computational assays

“…For instance, Z. multiflora has been documented to possess therapeutic uses including bronchodilation, vasodilation, and effect on lung inflammation. The plant is also used as a remedy against cough in the traditional medicine . On the other hand, the pharmacological properties of compounds from Croton tonkinensis on human HepG2 and Hep3b cell lines showed strong support to the potential interest of ent‐kaurane diterpenoids from this plant, alone or in combination with a cytotoxic agent, in cancer and more precisely against human hepatocellular carcinoma .…”