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The effect of γ‐irradiation on the composition of cumin extracts and also their antioxidant properties were considered. The seeds before and after irradiation (10 and 25 kGy) were subjected to Clevenger extraction to obtain essential oils, and the constituents were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. In parallel, the hydroalcoholic extract was used for measuring flavonoid content, free‐radical scavenging (2,2‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl assay) and antioxidant properties (β‐carotene bleaching test). The results of 10 fractions separated by GC/MS indicated that the total percentage was not affected by γ‐irradiation. γ‐irradiation of cumin seeds also resulted in a nonsignificant change in flavonoid content of the hydroalcoholic extracts. The antioxidant activities of both extract showed potent activities which were not further altered in irradiated samples. These data suggest that γ‐irradiation to cumin seeds is effective for maintaining the composition and antioxidant properties of the seeds. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Cumin is a traditional plant, originally cultivated in Iran and the Mediterranean region. Cumin is one of the most popular spices in the world widely used as a food flavoring agent. It is also used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of different diseases. Considering the contaminations of the seeds by microorganisms, their decontamination by γ‐irradiation seems to be useful. In this study, the compositions and antioxidant activities of the extracts derived from γ‐irradiated cumin seeds in comparison with nonirradiated ones will be achieved.

Context: Mentha longifolia L. (Lamiaceae), a traditional medicinal herb, has been highly valued for exhibiting antimicrobial, antioxidant and antispasmodic properties. Objective: For the first time, the synergetic anti-inflammatory effects of deuterium depleted water (DDW) and M. longifolia essential oils (ML) were investigated in experimental sepsis. Materials and methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups ( n = 10): negative control (laparotomy), CLP, treatment groups including the combination of DDWs (15 and 30 ppm) and ML (100 mg/kg b.w) and indomethacin. At 24 h after CLP induction, lipid peroxidation (LP), glutathione (GSH), glutathione in S -transferases (GST), ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and COX-2 expression were determined in the plasma and liver tissues. Results: Compared with the CLP group, the administration of DDWs and ML significantly ( p < 0.05) prevented the increase of LP, COX-2 and PGE2 levels and liver enzymes. Additionally, the decreased levels of FRAP and GSH induced by sepsis were remarkably ( p < 0.05) risen by the administration of DDWs and ML in comparison to the CLP group. However, no significant ( p > 0.05) differences were observed regarding GST, ALP and bilirubin levels. Our results also proved the synergistic anti-inflammatory activities of the DDWs and ML. The anti-inflammatory effects of the DDWs and ML were confirmed by histopathological studies. Discussion and conclusions: The combination of DDWs and ML exerted synergistic anti-inflammatory activity against CLP-induced sepsis possibly through modulating oxidative stress/antioxidant parameters.