Zataria multiflora Boiss. with the

Zataria multiflora Boiss. with the Persian name of Avishane Shirazi grows and is cultivated only in warm parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan . This aromatic medicinal plant which is also called Sattar or Zattar, belongs to Labiatae family . The plant’s long-held popularity in traditional medicine has arisen from its versatile use such as flavoring and preserving foods and drinks , treatment of respiratory tract infections, managing the irritable bowel syndrome and using as antispasmodic, anesthetic, antinociceptive agents . Moreover its antibacterial and antifungal activities have also long been demonstrated .
Antioxidants are known as molecules capable of inhibiting oxidation process in body so preventing of forming free radicals (Sikorski, 2001). Application of some synthetic antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxytoluene and butylated hydroxyanisole are known to be associated with some malignancies, hepatic damages and toxicities in laboratory animals. Thus, the need for natural antioxidants has never been greater than it is today . They can be found naturally in biological materials or food; and because of their safety, therapeutic and nutritional properties have drawn a considerable amount of attention .

The studies carried out by many authors on the medicinal plants indicate the influence of geographical origin of variety and harvest season on the chemical composition and functional activity of essential oil . Regarding to Z. multiflora Boiss., many studies have focused on chemical and functional characteristics of the plant purchased from local groceries where the origin of the plant was unknown. . To our best knowledge, no comprehensive and comparative work has been carried out on chemical composition as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activity with respect to geographical variation of Z. multiflora Boiss. in Iran. Therefore, the current study was accomplished to analyze chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of five ecotypes of Z. multiflora Boiss. grown mainly in central and southern parts of Iran.