Biological Properties of Iranian Zataria Multiflora Essential Oils: A Comparative Approach

Zataria multiflora Boiss, known as Avishan-eShirazi in Persian, with traditional pharmacological properties take advantage of being useful medicinal plant. In this study, the chemical composition of different parts of Iranian Z. multiflora Boiss oils and also its antioxidant and antibacterial properties have been considered. The results showed that the main oil components especially thymol and carvacrol are identical in the oils exctracted derived from leaf, flower and aerial parts of the plant. In addition, the different part oils indicated the high radical scavenging and antioxidant properties. Also, E. coli and P. aeroginosa are more sensitive to the effects of the oil samples. However, the flower and aerial part oils of Z. multiflora are more efficient than the leaf in sensitivity to these microorganisms. These findings suggest the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the oils derived from the leaf, flower and aerial parts of Z. multiflora regarding thymol and carvacrol as the major components. With a view to these biological properties, the applications of the oils in medicinal purposes are promising findings.