Effect of alcoholic extract of Sheng and Ziziphora medicinal plants on physico-chemical properties and microbial quality of set yogurt

Background & Aim: Natural compounds can prolong the shelf life of food by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of Sheng and Ziziphora alcoholic extracts (at concentrations of 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm) on physico chemical properties and microbial quality of yogurt. Experimental: The sterilized extracts of the above plants were added to the yoghurt formulations in concentrations of 500, 1000 and 1500 ppm under sterile conditions. After inoculation, the inoculated milk was incubated at 45 ° C to reach 4 pH for approximately 3 hours. After reaching the desired pH, the yoghurts are cooled to a temperature of 6 ° C and then, at the same temperature were stored in order to undergo a secondary course of acidifying and producing aromatic compounds. After that, the physicochemical and microbial properties of yogurt were evaluated for 20 days on days 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20. Results & Discussion: Results showed thataddition of Sheng extract can control the acidity in yogurt and prevent yogurt from getting sour over time. It was found that the best concentration of Sheng extract for controlling acidity in yogurt and preventing it from being sourded over time was 1500 ppm. Adding both extracts did not have a negative effect on the viscosity of yogurt. In the case of sheng concentration of 1500 and Ziziphora with a concentration of 500 ppm, were more effective on viscosity over storage time. Also, adding both Shang and Ziziphora extracts at a concentration of 1500 ppm increased the shelf life of yogurt by reducing the growth of molds and yeasts. Industrial/ Practical recommendation: With the addition of alcoholic extract of Sheng and Ziziphora herbs to set yogurt, a product with a longer shelf life and expire time of more than 20 days can be produced.