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Background and purpose: Nowadays, adding natural preservatives is one of the main methods for increasing shelf-life. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Zataria multiflora hydroalcoholic extract and its antibacterial effect on Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, after collection and extraction of Zataria multiflora, total amount of phenols and flavonoids as well as flavonols were colorimetrically determined. The antioxidant activity was evaluated by β-Carotene bleaching assey. Then the effect of different concentrations of Zataria multiflora extract (0.0, 0.5 and 1.5%) in 4±1ºC at different storage times (0, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 days) was evaluated on growth of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Results: Total phenol content in Zataria multiflora extract was 283.43±11.06 mg/gr as gallic acid equivalent. Total flavonoid and total flavonol contents were 131.23±4.5 and 92±5.67mg/g as rutin equivalent, respectively. Antioxidant activity was 71±4 percent. Also Zataria multiflora extract in 4±1ºC decreased the growth rate of Staphylococcus aureus in hamburger. Conclusion: These findings showed that Zataria multiflora had antibacterial effect and could be used as an antibacterial preservative in hamburger or other meat products.

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Background and purpose: Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers and the second common cause of cancer death worldwide. Surgery is the only treatment for gastric cancer but about 50% percent of patients have inoperable tumors. For these patients, combined chemotherapy is the primary treatment which has some side effects. CXCR4 that is expressed on the surface of tumor cells plays a role in metastasis and chemotaxis of tumor cells to different tissues. Licorice compounds are known to have anticancer properties, so this study aimed at investigating their effects on the expression of CXCR4 receptor in gastric cancer AGS cells. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 106 cells were poured in all wells of 6 pieces plates and exposed to various concentrations of Glycyrrhetinic acid and Glycyrrhizic acid for 24 hours. The CXCR4 gene expression levels were determined by Real−Time PCR and the level of expression in the groups was compared using ANOVA and Dunntt's post hoc test in prism software. P <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in CXCR4 gene expression in cells exposed to acid Glycyrrhizic and acid Glycyrrhetinic at 24 hours compared with that of the control group. In fact, decreased expressions of CXCR4 reduced the rates of metastasis and chemotaxis Conclusion: The compounds used in this study reduced the CXCR4 gene expression, so, they could be used as effective treatments for gastric cancer.

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Background and purpose: Lavender is a medicinal plant with antioxidant activity. Stroke causes long term disability and is associated with oxidative stress. The present study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of lavender extract against blood brain barrier permeability and its possible mechanisms in an experimental model of stroke. Materials and methods: In this experimental study, 42 male Wistar rats weighing 250 to 300 g were used. The rats were divided into 6 groups (n= 7 per group). Group 1 was ischemic, groups 2 and 3 were ischemic that were given 100 and 200 mg/kg lavender extract, respectively. Group 4 were intact and groups 5 and 6 were intact groups which received lavender extract with dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg. Group 7 was also considered as the sham. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in rats by the transient occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 1 hr. Data were analysed with SPSS and comparison of means were compared using One Way Anova. Results: The ethanolic extract of lavender at 200 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood brain barrier permeability in rat stroke model compared with ischemic group. Conclusion: The results indicate that lavender extract has neuroprotective activity against cerebral ischemia and alleviated neurological function in rats.