the role of zataria multiflora essence (iranian herb) on innate immunity of animal model

background: herbal medicines have been used since ancient times for treatment of a range of diseases and have represented stimulatory effects on the function of innate immunity. objective: to evaluate the effects of zataria multiflora (z. multiflora) on the function of innate immunity including phagocytic activity and tnf-α secretion in animal model. methods: eight balb/c mice were divided into two equal groups. in group a, z. multiflora essence was injected intraperitoneally to the mice, in group b, distilled water was injected. blood was obtained from 4 mice in each group, 4 and 7 days following injection. the amounts of phagocytosis (respiratory burst) and tnf-α secretion were assessed by chemiluminescence and elisa method, respectively. results: significant increase in phagocytosis and tnf-α secretion was observed in group a compared with the control group at days 4 and 7. conclusion: z. multiflora essence can remarkably stimulate innate immunity function and it may be used to immunize individuals alone or in combination with other immunostimulatory agents.