SummaryThe prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases are a critical global public health concern. The search for novel therapeutic strategies, including the development of new, innovative, effective, and safe medicinal products, as well as the elucidation of their mechanisms of action, represents a rapidly expanding area of scientific research. A promising medicinal plant that has generated renewed therapeutic interest in recent years is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), which exhibits a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. This review provides a concise summary of the current state of knowledge regarding the neuroprotective potential of rosemary and its bioactive constituents, which include rosmarinic acid, carnosic acid, ursolic acid, carnosol, as well as essential oil fractions and aqueous–ethanolic and ethanolic extracts. These effects are mediated through multiple mechanisms at the molecular, biochemical, and cellular levels, including inhibition of cholinesterases, modulation of the dopaminergic system, and regulation of oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, rosemary has been shown to counteract the deleterious effects of β-amyloid, attenuate scopolamine-induced amnesic effects, and exert cytoprotective activity against numerous neurotoxic compounds of endogenous or environmental origin (xenobiotics), such as aluminium chloride, bisphenol, lipopolysaccharides (LPS; e.g. from Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp.), ibotenic acid (from Amanita muscaria), chlorpyrifos (an organophosphate pesticide), 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺), paraquat (1,1′-dimethyl-4,4′-bipyridinium dichloride), and acrylamide (ACR). Available clinical studies have also been analysed, indicating improvements in various types of memory following rosemary administration. The current state of knowledge was analysed using a selective review of the literature from PubMed, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect (Elsevier), selecting relevant keywords and restricting the scope to the past ten years.

<ns3:p>Introduction: The Indian gooseberry, also known as Amla, or Phyllanthus emblica L., is well known for its diverse phytochemical makeup and therapeutic uses. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the phytochemical profiles, antibacterial properties, and in-vitro antioxidant activity of various parts of P. emblica, including leaves, fruits, and seeds. Methods: Maceration extraction was performed using ethanol, petroleum ether, acetone and sterile distilled water. The phytochemicals in the extracts were analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively using standard laboratory techniques. The antioxidant activity was measured by DPPH and ABTS assays while antimicrobial activity was evaluated by antibacterial and antifungal in-vitro bioassays. Gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms were tested for antibacterial activity utilizing the agar well diffusion method. The antifungal activity against three fungus strains: Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. and Mucor spp. was assessed by diffusion method. Results: All three parts of P. emblica are rich in flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phenols, vitamin C, carboxylic acids, reducing sugars, coumarins and quinones. Ethanolic leaf extracts recorded the highest flavonoid (32.241.87 g QE/g) and tannin content (505.261.67 g TAE/g), while aqueous fruit extracts had significant phenolic content (24.831.73 g GAE/g). Alkaloids were most abundant in fruits (56.882.88 mg/g). Both assays revealed the highest radical scavenging potential in fruit ethanolic extract (IC50 value for DPPH assay = 130.6490.918 mg/ml, IC50 value for ABTS assay = 266.1780.777 mg/ml). Ethanolic fruit extracts exhibited the strongest antibacterial effects, with inhibition zones of 39.670.58 mm against S. aureus, 27.000.05 mm against E. coli, and 35.330.57 mm against P. aeruginosa. Antifungal activity was most pronounced against Fusarium spp., with growth inhibition percentage of 56.49% in ethanolic leaf extracts. Conclusions: The study emphasizes P. emblica's potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antibacterial agents while defending its conventional medical use.</ns3:p>

<ns3:p>Introduction: Mint species are extensively used in herbal medicine due to their immunomodulatoryproperties and effectiveness in managing secondary infections.Objective: This study aimed to determine and compare the chemical characteristics of essential oils, andethanolic extracts, and mineral content of two Mentha piperita (L.), varieties, i.e. white peppermint anda new cultivar in Poland, black peppermint cv. ‘Asia’.Methods: Essential oils were extracted through hydro-distillation and analysed using gas chromatographymassspectrometry (GC-MS). Ethanolic extracts were prepared from dried leaves and similarly examinedvia GC-MS. The mineral content of plant samples was determined using inductively coupled plasma opticalemission spectrometry (ICP-OES).Results: The major component of black peppermint oil was menthol (0.33–48.07%), while carvone (1.05–36.88%) was predominant in white peppermint. Significant differences were observed in mineral profilesof the two varieties, especially in levels of Zn, Mn and Na. Notable variations were also found in ratios of Fe/Ca, Fe/Mn, Fe/Zn and Na/Mn of black and white peppermint.Conclusion: The essential oil compositions of both peppermint varieties were consistent with typical Menthapiperita profiles, but the differences in their essential oil and extract characteristics may have resulted fromdistinct mineral content in plant tissues.</ns3:p>

<ns3:p>Background: Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory allergic disease linked to sleep disturbances in infants, often causing agitation in children and concern for parents. Aims: This research aimed to evaluate the topical application of chamomile and oserin oil on improving atopic dermatitis healing in Iran. Methods: It was a randomized double-blind clinical trial involving 52 infants (26 in the test group and 26 in the control group) aged from birth to 12 months. Drug usage was thoroughly explained and instructed, with scores assigned and medication prescribed for two weeks.The test group were given 60 cc of chamomile oil, while those in the control group received 60 cc of Oserin for treatment at no cost. Follow-up assessments were scheduled at zero, 7, and 14 days post-treatment, with recorded data. Improvement in infants' skin conditions was assessed using the Scorad index. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS version 24 software, including group statistics, independent sample tests, paired sample tests, and chi-square tests. Results: The study revealed no significant statistical difference in the severity and extent of atopic dermatitis between the two groups in preintervention(P&gt;0.05). However, qualitative and quantitative aspects of atopic dermatitis treatment in the test group were statistically significant, with no observed side effects during the study(P&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The clinical study highlighted significant and definite benefits of this treatment, including alleviation of skin itching, hydration of dry skin, and overall skin restoration, without necessitating additional drug usage due to acute side effects.</ns3:p>

Raw materials obtained from the natural environment: plant, mineral or animal origin, were used in ancient medicine, as well as throughout the centuries and in various geographical latitudes. Cosmetology is a relatively young field using therapeutic achievements of medicine, pharmacology, chemistry or phytotherapy. Numerous sources describe the composition and properties of raw materials produced by bees: honey, propolis (propolis), beeswax, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee venom and bee bread. Products of bee origin show a comprehensive effect of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer (cytotoxic - e.g. in the treatment of melanoma), estrogenic nature. Their physicochemical properties are used in the production of cosmetics, dermocosmetics and colour cosmetics. Raw materials produced by these insects are a very valuable and rich source of active substances with proven medicinal properties, used in both conventional and folk medicine and increasingly in cosmetics, and can be safely used in care, excluding people who have experienced a hypersensitivity reaction to bee products. In cosmetology, a holistic approach to care forces the search for the most optimal methods that affect the maintenance of the proper physiological state of the body, and thus delay the progressive aging process of the body. Professional, but also everyday anti-aging care, should be primarily focused on the use of products that have a beneficial effect on maintaining the function of the skin barrier, protect the skin from free radicals, stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen and intercellular matrix - improving the elasticity and firmness of the skin, protect against the formation of pigment changes, strengthen the immune function of the skin and have a beneficial effect on the strengthening of the endothelium of the skin vessels and with the content of substances acting similarly to botulinum toxin. The cosmetics industry, in line with the current trend focused on ecology and a healthy lifestyle, is constantly expanding its offer with products containing natural raw materials, especially those of bee origin. The article presents a review of current literature published in the last decade (2014-2024) available in scientific databases.

This study aimed to explore the biological properties and secondary metabolites present in extracts of Thymus species, including Thymus vulgaris, Thymus algeriensis, and Thymus broussonettii. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify various secondary metabolites, including alkaloids, steroids, catechic tannins, flavonoids, saponosides, and tannoids. Total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were quantified through assays. The antioxidant power of the extracts was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS tests. Among the Thymus species examined, Thymus broussonettii exhibited the highest levels of polyphenols (144.301 2.688 mg EAG/g) and flavonoids (134.4 1.162 mgEQ/g). Thymus vulgaris demonstrated superior IC50 values, with DPPH IC50 = 4.136 0.131 g/mL and ABTS IC50 = 39.592 0.226 g/mL. The extracts also displayed significant antibacterial and antifungal activities, particularly against Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus subtilis, and Coniophora puteana, with minimal inhibition concentrations &lt; 0.3 mg/mL. This study highlights the diverse secondary metabolites present in Thymus extracts and their potential biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Thymus vulgaris and Thymus broussonettii emerge as promising sources of bioactive compounds for further exploration and utilization in various applications.

Introduction: In order to prevent the loss of plant genetic diversity, in situ and ex situ conservation is undertaken, including medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) with rare and endangered wild species and cultivated herbs vulnerable to genetic erosion. One of methods of ex situ conservation of gene resources is DNA banking.Objective: The purpose of this work was to extract, evaluate, and bank the DNA of some crop and wild MAPs.Methods: In our research, 16 species/cultivars of important MAPs cultivated in Poland and 12 Arnica montana populations from ex situ collection, were selected. The DNA preparations obtained from young leaves or/and seedlings were subjected to spectrophotometric analyses.Results: Depending on the taxa and plant material used, the average DNA content of the samples ranged widely, from 12.83 to 909.47 ng/l. Some DNA preparations showed the 260/280 nm absorption ratio values slightly different from the optimum (1.8–2.0), which may indicate small RNA or protein contamination. In turn, the level of 260/230 ratio exhibited sample contamination by carbohydrates, proteins, or polyphenols in some cases.Conclusions: The method of automatic isolation of nucleic acid using magnetic beads made it possible to quickly obtain DNA preparations from different species, cultivars, and plant material (95% of samples analysed). Most of the samples contained adequate DNA concentrations of sufficient quality for further analyses without additional purification.

Introduction: Research among the Ukrainian (Carpatian) flora’s representatives is important for searching for new active compounds.Objective: The study aims to determine the potential of callus biomass of Delphinium elatum, Anemone nemorosa, and Pulsatilla alba to become an analog of medicinal plant raw material for the use in the pharmaceutical industry, to investigate the composition, antioxidant activity and antimicrobial activity of extracts of the callus biomass of the above-mentioned plants.Methods: The individual members of the family Ranunculaceae (Delphinium elatum L., Anemone nemorosa L., Pulsatilla alba Rchb.) were introduced into in vitro culture, and their callus induction was studied using the Folin-Ciocalteu spectrophotometric method, colorimetric analysis, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity methods.Results: The maximum content of flavonoids and phenolic compounds was observed in 40% hydro-ethanolic extracts of callus biomass and plant raw materials of D. elatum. 90.0% and 70.0% D. elatum extracts showed significant activity against Gram-positive microorganisms. 90.0/70.0/40.0% extracts showed significant activity against Bacillus licheniformis. 70.0 % extract showed significant antifungal activity against clinical and reference strains of Candida albicans. Conclusion: Summarizing experimental results, it was proved that the callus biomass of D. elatum, A. nemorosa, and P. alba have potential as analogs of medicinal plant raw materials, both for the content of biologically active substances and biological activities.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo L.) seed oil, as a non-drying oil, is a raw material used in cosmetics, foodand medical industries due to its biological and nutritional properties. It is a rich source of phytosterols,protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamins. This oil exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant and antiinflammatoryproperties. The oil is used by the cosmetics industry in anti-aging, protective and hair careproducts due to its bioactive compounds such as tocopherols, phytosterols and phenolic acids, which actas antioxidants. It also has a sunscreen effect, absorbing about 20% of harmful UVB rays.

Propolis is a bee product traditionally used for therapy in several diseases. The therapeutic activities of propolis, such as antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory, are commonly known. Propolis from the stingless bee (Wallacetrigonainsica) showed promising bioactivity essential for the criteria.