These results show that Ramadan fasting period has no negative impact on asthma and may have some positive effect on asthma severity with regard to reduction of hs-CRP concentration and chest wheeze.

A B S T R A C TZataria multiflora Boiss (Z. multiflora) belongs to the Lamiaceae family is used traditionally for culinary and medicinal purposes. Different pharmacological effects have been described for the plant including; bronchodilation, vasodilation, and effect on lung inflammation. The plant is also used as a remedy against cough in the traditional medicine. In this article, 'pharmacological effects of Z. multiflora and its constituents focusing on their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties were reviewed' by searching various databases until 'June' 2016. The anti-inflammatory effects of the plant such as decreased total white blood cell, neutrophils, and eosinophils counts were demonstrated. The sprotective effects of Z. multiflora on serum levels of phospholipase A2 and total protein were showed. In addition, constituents of the plant, such as flavonoids and carvacrol, also showed anti-inflammatory effects. Z. multiflora also reduced oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals and can be used in the therapy of oxidative damage. Decreased level of malondialdehyde and protective effects of Z. multiflora on serum levels of nitric oxide were also shown. Improvement of the serum levels of IgE, reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine , and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-c and FOXP3) were shown for Z. multiflora and its constituents, carvacrol and thymol. These results indicated that carvacrol and thymol could be used for treatment of inflammatory diseases as new anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, Z. multiflora showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects which could be used for treatment of inflammatory and immune dysregulation diseases or disorders associated with increased oxidative stress.

Carum copticum L. commonly known as “Ajwain” is cultivated in many regions of the world including Iran and India, states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Traditionally, C. copticum has been used in the past for various therapeutic effects including bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, abdominal tumors, abdominal pain, respiratory distress, and loss of appetite. It has other health benefits such as antifungal, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and hypolipidemic effects. This plant contains different important components such as carbohydrates, glucosides, saponins and phenolic compounds (carvacrol), volatile oils (thymol), terpiene, paracymene and beta-pinene, protein, fat, fiber, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, iron, and nicotinic acid (niacin). In the previous studies, several pharmacological effects were shown for C. copticum. Therefore, in this paper, the pharmacological effects of the plant were reviewed.

The relaxant effects of carvacrol, a phenolic monoterpene, on tracheal smooth muscle and its preventive effect on asthmatic animals were reported. The effect of carvacrol in asthmatic patients was examined in the placebo group (Group P, n = 11) receiving placebo and treatment group (Group C, n = 12), which received carvacrol capsule (1.2 mg/kg/day) for 2 months in a double-blind manner. Pulmonary function tests, respiratory symptoms, hematological indices, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured before, 1 and 2 months after starting treatment. At the end of treatment period, Pulmonary function tests values in Group C were significantly increased (p < .05 to p < .001). Most respiratory symptoms were also significantly reduced in Group C at the end of 2-month treatment (p < .05 to p < .001). Total and differential white blood cell (p < .05 to p < .001), as well as serum levels of hs-CRP in Group C were also significantly reduced after 2-month treatment with carvacrol (p < .001). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hematocrit were changed in Group C (p < .05 and p < .01, respectively). However, in Group P, there was no significant changes in the evaluated parameters. Pulmonary function tests were increased but respiratory symptoms, inflammatory cells, and hs-CRP were reduced in asthmatic patients who received carvacrol that indicates its therapeutic effect on asthma.

Two-month treatment with CAR reduced inflammatory cells and oxidant biomarkers, whereas increased antioxidant biomarkers and improved PFT tests in SM-exposed patients.