Article

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from three ecotypes of Zataria multiflora

2,3, 4★, 2, 4, 2, 2, 2,3, 5★ Corresponding author

  1. 1Center of Basic Researches in Infectious Diseases, Iran.
  2. 2Departments of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Post code 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran.
  3. 3Department of Horticultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran.
  4. 4Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Post code 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran.

CORRESPONDENCE

M. J. Saharkhiz

Medical Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Post code 71348-45794, Shiraz, Iran.

saharkhiz@shirazu.ac.ir

Received: 09-09-2010; Revised: 08-12-2010.

Volume 7, Issue 25 · pp. · 2011 · DOI: 10.4103/0973-1296.75902

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ABSTRACT

Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss. is a traditional and popular spice in Iran. The effects of 3 ecotypes (ECTPs) of Z. multiflora essential oils (EOs) against most common causes of food-borne and nosocomial infections were evaluated.Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activities of the EOs were examined by broth microdilution method as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The chemical compositions of the EOs from 3 ECTPs of Z. multiflora have been analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.Results: Analysis of the EOs indicated that 3 chemotypes were present in Z. multiflora, including carvacrol, thymol- carvacrol, and linalool, whereas previous studies have only found carvacrol and thymol. Inhibition studies showed that the tested EOs entirely inhibited the growth of yeasts at concentrations of less than 1 µL/mL. Moreover, the oils exhibited significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 8 µL/ mL.Conclusion: These results suggest that the EOs from Z. multiflora should be investigated further for possible use in antimicrobial products and food preservatives.

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    Zomorodian, K., Saharkhiz, M. J., Rahimi, M. J., Bandegi, A., Shekarkhar, G., Bandegani, A., Pakshir, K., & Bazargani, A. (2011). Chemical composition and antimicrobial activities of the essential oils from three ecotypes of Zataria multiflora. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 7(25). https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.75902