Agrobiodiversity for Improving Nutrition, Health and Life Quality

Determination of the Nutritional Properties and Biological Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices Grown in Syria

Jawa Hassan, Eva Ivanišová, Ivona Jančo, Emmanuel Duah Osei — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The present study provides an integrated evaluation of the nutritional composition, antioxidant capacity, and mineral profile of six medicinal herbs and spices cultivated or sourced from Syria: (Ocimum basilicum L.), mint (Mentha spp.), nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis Spenn.), clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.). Significant interspecific variations (p < 0.001) were observed across most measured parameters, indicating both genetic and environmental influences. Basil and mint exhibited the highest protein contents (14.79% and 14.44%, respectively) and elevated ash values (9.38% and 8.63%). Basil showed the highest concentrations of calcium (23,711 mg.kg^-1), potassium (31,000 mg.kg^-1), and zinc (63.25 mg.kg^-1), while mint contained the highest magnesium (514.7 mg.kg^-1) and iron (451.7 mg.kg^-1) levels. In contrast, nutmeg recorded the highest fat content (20.67%) but the lowest ash (2.41%) and mineral concentrations overall. Regarding antioxidant properties, rosemary demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity (98.77 mg TEAC.g^-1), followed by clove (91.37 mg TEAC.g^-1). Clove exhibited the highest total polyphenol content (60.71 mg GAE.g^-1), whereas mint showed the highest flavonoid (24.46 mg QE.g^-1) and phenolic acid contents (11.693 mg CAE.g^-1). Nutmeg presented the lowest flavonoid concentration (1.75 mg QE.g^-1). Overall, leafy herbs (basil and mint) were characterized by higher protein and mineral accumulation, whereas seed spices such as nutmeg were richer in lipophilic compounds but lower in mineral density. The marked variability in phytochemical and elemental profiles highlights the species-specific metabolic characteristics and the influence of environmental factors, supporting the potential of Syrian herbs and spices as valuable natural sources of bioactive compounds and essential nutrients.

Estimation of Madia sativa Molina and Solidago canadensis L. (Asteraceae Bercht. & J. Presl) Antioxidant Parameters

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Madia sativa Molina and Solidago canadensis L. are representatives of Asteraceae with numerous biological activities. This study aimed to evaluate the total polyphenol content (TPC), radical-scavenging activity by the DPPH method (DPPH), and antioxidant activity by the FRAP (FRAP) and ABTS (ABTS) methods of plant extracts of these species. Plant raw material was collected from the experimental plots of the Department of Cultural Flora and natural flora at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine during the vegetation in 2024-2025. Depending on the growth stage, M. sativa ethanol extracts had 21.64–78.11 mg GAE g^-1 of TPC, 41.28–65.78 mmol TE g^-1 of DPPH, 155.43–254.19 mmol TE g^-1 of FRAP, and 1.12–2.51 mmol TE g^-1 of ABTS. The S. canadensis extracts demonstrated 48.14–159.21 mg GAE g^-1 of TPC, 25.11–46.61mmol TE g^-1 of DPPH, 104.31–260.15 mmol TE g^-1 of FRAP, and 1.76–3.07 mmol TE g^-1 of ABTS. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive relationship between TPC and FRSA (r = 0.974) in M. sativa extracts, and between TPC and ABTS (r = 0.861) in S. canadensis extracts. The obtained data showed the highest TPC, FRSA, and FRAP values at the budding stage in M. sativa, whereas the highest ABTS values were observed at the flowering stage. In contrast, S. canadensis showed a more variable pattern, with maximum FRSA and FRAP values at the flowering stage, whereas TPC and ABTS activity peaked at the budding and early developmental stages, respectively. These results can be used for further pharmacological, biochemical investigations, and breeding work.

Comparative Characteristics of the Effect of Nickel and Lead on Sorghum bicolor nothosubsp. drummondii f. nigra and Raphanus sativus convar. oleifer Seedlings Formation

Nadiia Matvieieva, Volodymyr Duplij, Taisa Bohdanovych, Mykola Kuchuk — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The increasing levels of toxic metals in the environment are of growing concern. This problem has been significantly exacerbated by the russian military aggression in Ukraine, where military activities have resulted in extensive contamination of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Phytoremediation has attracted increasing attention as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to chemical methods of soil purification. Our studies were aimed at comparing the characteristics of Sorghum bicolor nothosubsp. drummondii f. nigra (black sorghum) and Raphanus sativus convar. oleifer (oil radish) seedlings in the early stages of growth in the presence of toxic metals. Seeds were germinated at a temperature of 24°C during 7 days on a filter paper in Petri dishes with water solutions of Ni(NO₃)₂ (0, 5, and 10 mg·L^-1 by Ni²⁺) and Pb(NO₃)₂ (100, 200, and 400 mg·L^-1 by Pb²⁺). Shoot and root weight and tolerance indices of seedlings were compared. Shoot tolerance index (TI_sh) of plants of the two species grown in the medium with Ni(II) was close to “1” with a slight predominance of TI_sh of oil radish, however, the root tolerance indices (TI_r) were quite different. The TI_r of black sorghum in the presence of Ni(II) was only 0.221 ±0.037 and 0.102 ±0.015, while TI_r in oil radish was 3-5 times higher. The tolerance index of shoots growing in the medium with Pb(II) was also close to “1” with a slight predominance of TI_sh of oil radish (up to 1.190 ±0.094). The TI_r of black sorghum was equal to 0.682, 0.341 and 0.0, respectively. The TI_r of oil radish was 1.052 ±0.121; 0.723 ±0.105 and 0.356 ±0.079. At the lowest concentration of Pb(II) – 100 mg·L^-1 – it was close to “1”, which indicates moderate resistance of plants to this metal. Thus, according to the TI_r index, oil radish plants turned out to be more resistant than black sorghum plants. Due to the fact that oilseed radish demonstrated higher resistance to both nickel and lead, plants of this species can be considered as potential objects for use in phytoremediation of lands contaminated with these metals, especially if they are present in relatively low concentrations.

Revaluing Underutilized Agrobiodiversity Through a Biocultural Indigenomics Framework

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Indigenomics is proposed as an integrative analytical framework for examining relationships between Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and ethnobotanical resources through interconnected ecological, cultural, and socioeconomic dimensions. The framework emphasizes four key components of biocultural value: ecological integration, collective well-being, cultural sovereignty, and monetary valuation. To operationalize this approach, we developed four participatory indices: the Ecological Integration Score (EIS), the Collective Well-being Index (CWI), the Cultural Sovereignty Index (CSI), and the Monetary Value Score (MVS). These indices were combined to generate a composite Indigenomics Index (II) and an Indigenomics Value Rating (IVR), enabling comparative assessment of plant species across multiple value domains. The framework was applied to underutilized palm species in northwest Nigeria using a mixed-methods design involving 86 participants from local communities. Results indicate variation in biocultural and socioeconomic valuation across species. Native palms generally exhibited higher composite scores across ecological, cultural, and well-being dimensions. In particular, Phoenix dactylifera L. showed the highest collective well-being (CWI = 9.0) and monetary value (MVS = ₦20,578,000; USD 13,645.19), as well as full recognition of cultural sovereignty (CSI = 100%). Borassus aethiopum Mart. and Hyphaene thebaica (L.) Mart. also demonstrated strong biocultural integration, as evidenced by high II values. In contrast, introduced species (Caryota mitis Lour. and Roystonea regia O.F. Cook) consistently recorded lower scores across all indices. These findings suggest that the Indigenomics framework can support the comparative assessment of biocultural values in agrobiodiversity systems, particularly in highlighting the interconnected ecological and cultural significance of native species. Further refinement and cross-regional validation are required to assess its broader applicability in sustainable agrobiodiversity governance.

Optimizing the Light Environment for the Cultivation of Ornamental Tree Species: the Influence of LED Spectra on the Photosynthetic Apparatus and Secondary Metabolism

Nataliia Zaimenko, Nataliia Didyk, Alla Liubinska — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

In urban environments, green areas often lack sunlight during the day and rely on artificial illumination at night, which reduces their ecological services. Application of LED illumination with specific spectral characteristics in green areas of megacities could enhance their aesthetic value and safety and optimize the health of urban vegetation. The effects of monochrome red, blue, and mixed red-blue LED lighting on photosynthetic pigments, flavonoids, anthocyanins, and tannin accumulation in the leaves of the shaded seedlings of ornamental woods Pinus sylvestris L., Rhododendron catawbiense Michx., Magnolia × soulangeana Soul.-Bod., Magnolia Kobus DC., and Ginkgo biloba L. were studied in pot experiments. The species specificity of physiological responses to LED illumination with a specific spectral composition was established. The contents of photosynthetic pigments and tannins in the leaves of the heliophytes M. × soulangeana, M. kobus, G. biloba, and P. sylvestris were the most effectively stimulated by monochrome red LED lighting. While the accumulation of flavonoids in the leaves of the mentioned test-plants was the highest at red-blue or monochrome blue LED lighting. In the shade-tolerant Rh. catawbiense the different tendency was observed: the highest levels of photosynthetic pigments in the leaves were observed in the plants treated with red-blue LED lighting, the highest content of flavonoids was observed in plants treated with monochrome red. The monochrome blue LED lighting had the highest promoting effect on anthocianin synthesis in all test-plants. Thus, using five ornamental tree species with different light requirements, it was demonstrated that supplemental red and blue LED lighting could effectively optimize photosynthesis and secondary metabolism in urban woody vegetation exposed to light deficiency.

Morphometric Traits, Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Capacity of Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Brown

Vladimíra Bella, Miroslav Bella — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Crataegus pinnatifida Bge. var. major N. E. Brown is a traditional medicinal plant and an economically important fruit species widely used in pharmacology and functional food production due to its rich content of bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the morphological characteristics of fruits and seeds of C. pinnatifida var. major grown under Slovak conditions and assessed their antioxidant potential and the levels of selected bioactive compounds. Morphometric analysis revealed large fruit dimensions (25.40–32.39 mm in length, 28.96–38.68 mm in width, and 10.91–20.36 g in weight) and seeds with lengths of 8.65–12.93 mm, widths of 4.83–9.54 mm, and a single-seed weight of 0.71–3.33 mg. The total polyphenol content differed markedly between fruit tissues, ranging from 13,382 to 14,169 mg.kg⁻¹ in the mesocarp, while substantially higher values were detected in the exocarp (17,683 to 18,714 mg.kg⁻¹), indicating a greater accumulation of phenolic compounds in the outer fruit tissues. Similarly, anthocyanin content was relatively low in the mesocarp (7.97 to 15.15 mg.kg⁻¹) but dramatically higher in the exocarp (277.75 to 315.12 mg.kg⁻¹), confirming that these pigments are predominantly localised in the peel. Antioxidant activity of the exocarp and mesocarp varied among tissues and extraction solvents. Acetone extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant activity in the exocarp (46.68%), whereas methanol showed the highest radical scavenging capacity in the mesocarp (34.78%), followed by ethanol (42.20% in the exocarp and 28.86% in the mesocarp). Water extracts provided consistently lower antioxidant values in both tissues (17.08% in the mesocarp and 16.02% in the exocarp). These findings highlight the high nutritional and functional value of C. pinnatifida var. major, support its potential use in health-promoting food products, and contribute valuable information for biodiversity conservation and genetic resource management.

Optimizing the Rooting Process in the Propagation in vitro of Clonal Cherry Rootstocks

Vasyl Riabyi — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The aim of this study was to optimize the technological cycle during the in vitro rooting stage of Krymsk®5, Krymsk®6, Krymsk®7, Gisela 5, Gisela 6, and Colt cherry rootstocks in order to improve micropropagation efficiency. Genotype-specific differences in shoot regeneration intensity (number of shoots per explant) were confirmed. The highest proliferation coefficient was obtained for Gisela 6, reaching 2.5 on MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg L⁻¹ BAP. The effect of different IBA concentrations (1, 2, and 3 mg L⁻¹) on in vitro rhizogenesis of stone fruit rootstocks was evaluated. The results demonstrated that genotype is the primary determinant of rooting success, whereas increasing auxin concentration showed a weak correlation (r = 0.12) and was associated with undesirable callus formation. MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg L⁻¹ IBA was identified as optimal for most genotypes, resulting in rooting rates up to 94.3%, an average of 8.8 roots per explant, and root lengths of up to 4.5 cm, particularly in Krymsk®7 and Gisela 5. Gisela 6 exhibited the highest root elongation (5.9 cm) but showed increased sensitivity to higher auxin concentrations. In contrast, a modified protocol with 2 mg L⁻¹ IBA was optimal for Krymsk®6. Overall, optimized in vitro conditions enabled high rooting efficiency across the studied genotypes, confirming strong genotype dependence and demonstrating the effectiveness of the developed micropropagation protocol.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) as a Multifunctional Medicinal Plant

Halina Tkaczenko, Natalia Brzeska, Lyudmyla Buyun, Natalia Kurhaluk — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Cichorium intybus L., commonly known as chicory, is a widely distributed medicinal plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It has been traditionally used in folk medicine to treat liver, digestive, inflammatory and metabolic disorders. In recent decades, it has attracted considerable scientific attention due to its rich phytochemical composition and exceptionally broad spectrum of biological activities. This review summarises the latest research on the botanical characteristics, phytochemical diversity and pharmacological properties of C. intybus, focusing on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective and antitumour effects. These activities are primarily attributed to polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, sesquiterpene lactones and inulin, which act synergistically to regulate oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, immune functions and key metabolic pathways. Other minor constituents, such as coumarins, sterols, terpenoids, and volatile compounds, also contribute to the plant’s pharmacological profile. Evidence from in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies suggests that chicory extracts and isolated compounds have significant therapeutic potential in treating various pathological conditions, including diabetes, liver disease, infections, cardiovascular disorders and cancer. Importantly, emerging data also highlight its role in modulating gut health, endothelial function and neuroinflammatory processes, thereby expanding its relevance beyond traditional applications. While the accumulated evidence strongly supports the pharmacological importance of C. intybus, further standardised clinical trials, studies to optimise dosage, and investigations into its mechanisms are required to validate its efficacy, safety, and therapeutic potential in evidence-based medicine.

Phytochemical Markers of Cydonia oblonga Mill. Cultivars of Ukrainian Breeding

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), one of the earliest domesticated fruit crops, combines high adaptability with stable productivity, making it a promising source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to compare three Ukrainian quince cultivars (Maria, Darunok Onuku, and Kharkivska) with respect to their total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity in fruit extracts. The plants were grown in 2024 at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Kyiv). Total flavonoid content was determined spectrophotometrically using the reaction with AlCl₃. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical assay. Significant differences in total flavonoid content were observed among the studied cultivars, ranging from 1.19 ±0.08 to 2.48 ±0.07 mg RE g⁻¹ fresh weight, with the highest values recorded in cv. Maria. Antioxidant activity, assessed using EC₅₀ values, also varied among cultivars and followed a similar pattern. The lowest EC₅₀ value (18.49 ±1.6 mg) was observed for cv. Maria, indicating the highest antioxidant capacity, whereas higher values were obtained for cv. Kharkivska (20.59 ±1.8 mg) and cv. Darunok Onuku (23.68 ±1.8 mg). A clear relationship between flavonoid content and antioxidant activity was observed. Since all cultivars were grown under identical conditions, the detected differences can be attributed primarily to genotypic variation. The results highlight the potential of the studied cultivars, particularly cv. Maria is a promising source of natural antioxidants for use in food and nutraceutical applications.

Bioactive Compounds, Antioxidant Activity, and Potentially Toxic Elements in Onion (Allium cepa L.) Cultivars

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Onion (Allium cepa L.) is one of the most widely consumed vegetables globally, valued not only for its culinary applications but also for its nutritional and functional properties. It is a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic substances, which are strongly associated with antioxidant activity and potential health benefits. However, onions may also accumulate potentially toxic elements from the environment, posing risks to food safety. This study aimed to evaluate the total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA), vitamin C content, and the concentrations of selected potentially toxic elements (cadmium, lead) in three onion cultivars (Medusa, Conservor F1, Karmen). Significant differences (p <0.05) were observed among cultivars for all evaluated parameters. The highest TPC and AA were recorded in the cultivar Karmen (781.3 mg GAE.kg^-1, 1.54 mmol TE.kg^-1), followed by Konzervor (597.8 mg GAE.kg^-1, 0.49 mmol TE.kg^-1) and Medusa (512.2 mg GAE.kg^-1, 0.32 mmol TE.kg^-1), confirming the strong association between phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. Vitamin C content showed less pronounced variability, with a range from 68.3 to 75.3 mg.kg^-1. Regarding food safety, Cd concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 0.09 mg.kg⁻¹, and Pb concentrations from 0.29 to 0.36 mg.kg⁻¹. When compared with the maximum levels established by Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/915, all samples exceeded the Pb limits, and all samples except one exceeded the Cd limits. Overall, the results demonstrate that onions serve as both a valuable source of bioactive compounds and a potential pathway for dietary exposure to toxic elements, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and optimized agricultural practices to ensure food safety and nutritional quality.

Phytoremediation of Potentially Toxic Elements: Applications, Advantages, Limitations, and Future Perspectives

Viktor Husak, Jurii Vakiv, Olena Bobrova, Uliana Karbivska, Volodymyr Lushchak — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Phytoremediation is an environmentally sustainable strategy for reducing the mobility, bioavailability, and ecological risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in contaminated soils and aquatic environments. This review analyzes the main mechanisms and approaches of phytoremediation, including phytoextraction, phytostabilization, and phytovolatilization, emphasizing their advantages, limitations, and practical applications. This review provides a comparative overview of plant species and their capacity to remove or immobilize contaminants such as cadmium. Particular attention is also given to Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) as a high-biomass C3 bioenergy crop with documented potential for phytoremediation of soils contaminated with Cd, Hg, and multiple metals, as well as for subsequent biomass conversion into biofuels and value-added bioproducts. Additionally, the review discusses the differences between C3 and C4 photosynthetic pathways and their influence on plant tolerance to stressful environmental conditions, highlighting how C4 species often exhibit higher stress resistance and remediation potential under drought and high-temperature conditions.

Medicinal Plants and Bioactive Compounds in the Management of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Part I)

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a common metabolic disorder characterised by chronic hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and progressive beta-cell dysfunction. It is often accompanied by dyslipidaemia, low-grade inflammation and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. While pharmacological therapies are effective in controlling blood sugar levels, their long-term use may be limited due to variable efficacy, adverse effects and an inability to sufficiently prevent complications in certain patient groups. Consequently, there has been a growing focus on medicinal plants and dietary bioactive compounds as complementary strategies with multi-target metabolic actions. This review summarises the current evidence regarding the anti-hyperglycaemic potential of various medicinal plants, such as Cinnamomum spp., Panax spp., Zingiber officinale, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Aloe vera, Sesamum indicum, Azadirachta indica, Momordica charantia, Ocimum tenuiflorum and Curcuma longa. The emphasis is on their phytochemical profiles, mechanisms of action, and findings from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies. The antidiabetic effects of these plants are mainly attributed to compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, saponins, and terpenoids, which modulate key metabolic pathways. Reported mechanisms include the inhibition of carbohydrate-digesting enzymes, the improvement of insulin secretion and sensitivity, the enhancement of glucose uptake (e.g. via the AMPK/GLUT4 pathways), and the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation. Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that these plant-derived compounds may contribute to improved glycaemic control, including reductions in fasting glucose and HbA1c. However, clinical evidence remains inconsistent due to heterogeneity in study design, plant composition, dosage, and patient characteristics. Future research should prioritise the standardisation of formulations, rigorous clinical validation and the evaluation of long-term safety, in order to support the integration of these compounds into evidence-based diabetes management.

Vitamin C Content in Fruits of Common Raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) Cultivar Polka Depending on Storage Methods

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Сommon raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) are highly perishable fruits rich in bioactive compounds, including vitamin C, which is highly sensitive to post-harvest processing and storage conditions. Preservation of their nutritional quality remains an important challenge for both producers and consumers. This study investigated the effect of different processing and storage methods on the vitamin C (ascorbic acid) content in fruits of Rubus idaeus cultivar Polka collected in the Chernihiv region. The aim was to identify the most effective method for preserving the nutritional value of the fruits during post-harvest handling. Vitamin C content was determined using the Tillmans titration method. The studied preservation techniques included drying at 40 °C and 60 °C, freezing at −17 °C, boiling, and treatment with 0.4% chitosan solution. The results showed that drying at 40 °C was the most effective traditional method for vitamin C retention, followed by freezing, while boiling caused the greatest losses of ascorbic acid. Chitosan treatment demonstrated the highest efficiency in preserving vitamin C during storage and significantly reduced nutrient degradation compared to untreated fruits. Thus, chitosan coating represents a promising natural and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional preservation methods, effectively maintaining the nutritional quality of raspberry fruits by reducing vitamin C degradation and microbial spoilage, while also extending shelf life during storage.

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst. as a Multi-Target Anticancer Agent

Zbigniew Mazur, Halina Tkaczenko, Lyudmyla Buyun, Natalia Kurhaluk — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Ganoderma lucidum (Curtis) P. Karst., commonly known as reishi or lingzhi, is one of the most extensively studied medicinal mushrooms. It has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries and is now increasingly recognised in modern biomedical research. It contains a wide range of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides, triterpenoids, sterols, phenolic compounds, alkaloids and immunomodulatory proteins, all of which contribute to its pharmacological properties. Of these, its anticancer activity has attracted significant attention due to its multi-target mechanisms, which involve the modulation of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, the reduction of oxidative stress, the activation of the immune system, and the regulation of tumour-related signalling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, NF-κB and p53. This review summarises the latest preclinical research demonstrating the inhibitory effects of G. lucidum and its derivatives on various cancers, including breast, liver, lung, gallbladder, osteosarcoma and colorectal cancers. Consistent results from both in vitro and in vivo studies show that bioactive compounds from G. lucidum suppress tumour proliferation, induce apoptosis, modulate the tumour microenvironment, and enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Although limited, emerging clinical data suggest potential benefits in improving immune function, quality of life, and survival outcomes in cancer patients, particularly when used as an adjuvant therapy. Importantly, toxicological and safety assessments indicate a favourable safety profile. No significant adverse effects were observed in animal models or clinical trials at commonly used doses. However, potential interactions with anticoagulant, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic drugs emphasise the importance of careful clinical supervision. Despite the promising results, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of the precise molecular mechanisms of action and in the establishment of standardised dosing regimens. Therefore, well-designed clinical trials are required to validate its therapeutic efficacy fully and facilitate its integration into evidence-based oncology.

Evolution of Knowledge About the Euphorbiaceae Juss. Family: from Ancient Treatises to Modern Research

Nataliia Levchyk, Natalia Zaimenko, Nataliya Horbenko, Hanna Skrypka — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

The article provides a comprehensive historical, cultural, religious, and scientific study of plants of the Euphorbiaceae Juss. (Springs) family from the earliest written mentions on Sumerian tablets, in Egyptian medical papyri, and in ancient texts, including Dioscorides, Theophrastus, and Hippocrates, to sacred books such as the Bible and the Koran, and to the works of researchers from the Middle Ages and modern times. It describes the advancement of the family’s systematics from utilitarian and morphological classifications to natural and evolutionary systems. The paper considers the contributions of heraldicians, gardeners, prominent researchers, and artists to the accumulation of floristic material, the creation of herbaria and botanical gardens, the production of illustrations and engravings, and the study of spurges’ medicinal and poisonous properties. The modern stage is characterized by phylogenetic and molecular studies that have clarified the classification and intrageneric relationships of plants in the Euphorbiaceae family. The 20th century marked a breakthrough in chemical, physiological, and clinical studies, which allowed the establishment of the qualitative and quantitative composition of biologically active components of these plants, the introduction of methods for stabilizing their particularly labile components, and the fostering of their cultivation and industrial use. The article concludes that the centuries-old scientific school created a sound knowledge base on the morphology and biochemistry of Euphorbiaceae plants and revealed broad prospects for their practical use in modern medicine, pharmacology, industry, energy, and landscape design.

Seasonal Variation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. Antioxidant Capacity

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

Lavandula angustifolia Mill. is one of the most widely used medicinal and aromatic plants, known for its diverse biological activities attributed to its secondary metabolites. The present study aimed to evaluate the total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic acid content (TPAC), as well as antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH radical scavenging assay (FRSA) and molybdenum-reducing power (MRP) in ethanol extracts of different plant parts of L. angustifolia during the vegetation period. Plant material was collected from experimental fields of the Institute of Climate Smart Agriculture of the National Academy of Agrarian Sciences of Ukraine during 2024–2025. The ethanol extracts exhibited considerable variation depending on growth stages and plant organs. Specifically, TPC ranged from 22.02 to 80.84 mg GAE g⁻¹, TFC from 10.27 to 36.18 mg QE g⁻¹, TPAC from 4.61 to 39.04 mg CAE g⁻¹, MRP from 26.97 to 172.94 mg TE g⁻¹, and FRSA from 3.64 to 9.20 mg TE g⁻¹. The highest levels of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were observed in bud extracts, indicating that the budding stage is the most favorable period for harvesting biologically active raw material. Strong correlations between phenolic content and antioxidant activity further confirmed the key role of polyphenols in the antioxidant potential of L. angustifolia extracts. Overall, the obtained results suggest that bud-derived material of L. angustifolia represents a promising source for pharmacological and breeding applications. These findings also provide a basis for further biochemical investigations of Lavandula species across different stages of vegetation.

Bioactive and Nutritional Properties of Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A Potential Role in Cardiometabolic Disease Prevention

Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study evaluated the nutritional and bioactive potential of sea buckthorn oil (Hippophae rhamnoides L.), with emphasis on its possible use in the prevention of chronic diseases. The antioxidant activity (AA; DPPH method), total polyphenol content (TPC; Folin–Ciocalteu method), fatty acid profile (GC-FID), and health-related lipid indices were determined. Commercially available cold-pressed sea buckthorn oils were analyzed. The samples originated from a Slovak producer (sample 1) and from a German producer (sample 2). Antioxidant activity was 54.33 ±1.88% in sample no. 1 and 61.48 ±1.66% in sample no. 2 (p <0.001). Statistically significant differences (p <0.001) were also found between the evaluated samples in TPC. The sample from the Slovak producer reached 44.67 ±3.18 mg GAE.L^-1, while the sample from the foreign producer reached 99.58 ±3.15 mg GAE.L^-1. Fatty acid profile analysis revealed a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in both samples. The most abundant fatty acids were linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. The n-6/n-3 ratio was 1.391 and 2.189, respectively. The low atherogenic and thrombogenic indices in the tested matrices also indicated a favorable lipid profile with potential benefits for cardiometabolic health. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that sea buckthorn oil is a promising natural raw material with high biological value. Its favorable composition, antioxidant content, and suitable fatty acid profile support its potential application in functional nutrition and in the prevention of chronic diseases.

Changes in Malondialdehyde, Anthocyanin, and Hydroxycinnamic Acid Contents in Shoots and Buds of Prunus L. Representatives Induced by Cold Stress

Volodymyr Levon, Iryna Golubkova — Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 +0200

This study is devoted to the assessment of cold tolerance in selected cultivars of the genus Prunus L., including P. persica, P. cerasifera, and P. domestica, during winter dormancy based on biochemical markers associated with oxidative stress and antioxidant defense. The contents of anthocyanins, hydroxycinnamic acids, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined in shoots and buds of eleven cultivars, and an integrated Cold Tolerance Index (CTI) was calculated using Max-normalized biochemical parameters. The results demonstrated that buds generally accumulated higher levels of anthocyanins and hydroxycinnamic acids than shoots across all studied Prunus species, indicating enhanced antioxidant activity in generative organs. The highest anthocyanin contents were recorded in P. persica cv. Antotsianovyi, P. domestica cv. Oda and Stanley, while elevated hydroxycinnamic acid levels were characteristic of P. domestica (cv. Oda and Stanley), P. cerasifera cv. Kubanska Kometa, and P. persica cv. Antotsianovyi. In contrast, MDA content varied considerably among cultivars and species and reflected the intensity of lipid peroxidation under low-temperature stress, with generally higher values observed in P. persica compared to P. cerasifera and P. domestica. Cultivars of P. domestica, particularly Oda and Stanley, combined relatively low MDA accumulation with high CTI values, suggesting an efficient and stabilized adaptation strategy. The CTI values ranged from 42 to 72%, revealing substantial interspecific and intraspecific differentiation in cold tolerance. The highest cold tolerance was observed in P. domestica cultivars, whereas several P. persica cultiars, including Suputnyk, Lisostepovyi, and Osinnii Siurpryz, showed increased sensitivity to cold stress. Cluster analysis (UPGMA, Euclidean distance) identified distinct groups of genotypes differing in adaptive strategies across species. A significant inverse correlation between MDA content and CTI (R² = 0.6499) confirmed the key role of oxidative membrane damage in determining cold tolerance in Prunus species. Overall, the study demonstrates that cold tolerance in Prunus is strongly species-dependent, with P. domestica showing the highest adaptive potential, P. cerasifera intermediate responses, and P. persica the greatest variability, highlighting the importance of species-level differentiation in biochemical adaptation to low-temperature stress.