Lichens are a source of various biologically active compounds. However, the knowledge about them is still scarce, and their use in medicine is limited. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of the lichen Platismatia glauca and its major metabolite caperatic acid in regard to their potential application in the treatment of central nervous system diseases, especially neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumours, such as glioblastoma. First, we performed the phytochemical analysis of the tested P. glauca extracts based on FT-IR derivative spectroscopic and gas chromatographic results. Next the antioxidant properties were determined, and moderate anti-radical activity, strong chelating properties of Cu²⁺ and Fe²⁺ ions, and a mild effect on the antioxidant enzymes of the tested extracts and caperatic acid were proved. Subsequently, the influence of the tested extracts and caperatic acid on cholinergic transmission was determined by in vitro and in silico studies confirming that inhibitory effect on butyrylcholinesterase is stronger than against acetylcholinesterase. We also confirmed the anti-inflammatory properties of P. glauca extracts and caperatic acid using a COX-2 and hyaluronidase inhibition models. Moreover, our studies show the cytotoxic and pro-apoptotic activity of the P. glauca extracts against T98G and U-138 MG glioblastoma multiforme cell lines. In conclusion, it is possible to assume that P. glauca extracts and especially caperatic acid can be regarded as the source of the valuable substances to finding new therapies of central nervous system diseases.

Invasive plant species are responsible for changing colonized ecosystems by occupying new areas and creating a threat to the functioning of the native flora and fauna populations. Alien plants can produce allelochemicals, substances completely new to indigenous communities. This study investigated the germination seed reactions of Festuca rubra L. and Raphanus sativus L. var. radicula Pers. cv. Rowa on the extracts from the roots, stalks, leaves, and flowers of Rosa blanda. Aqueous extracts at concentrations of 1%, 2.5%, and 5% were used in order to determine the allelopathic potential of this alien rose for Europe. With the increase in the concentration of extracts, a decrease in the germination capacity of seeds of the tested species was observed. R. blanda extracts inhibited the growth of seedlings. Depending on the concentration and type of the extract, changes in biomass and water content in Red Fescue and Red Radish seedlings were also shown. The highest differences in the electrolyte leakages were noted in seedlings treated with 5% rose extracts. The study showed that the aqueous extracts of R. blanda leaves and flowers had the greatest allelopathic potential.

Iron metabolism plays a crucial role in athletic performance, and iron storage levels may influence its regulation in athletes. However, the potential mechanisms through which iron stores modify metabolic responses to intense exercise remain unclear. This study examined 16 trained male rowers from the Polish Youth National Team during the preparatory phase of training. Athletes were divided based on baseline serum ferritin (SF) levels: SF < 75 µg/L and SF > 75 µg/L. Participants performed a 2000-m exercise test on a rowing ergometer. Blood samples were collected before the test, after exercise, and after 1 h of restitution. The SF < 75 µg/L group showed a temporary post-exercise increase in serum iron, followed by a sharp decline after 1 h, while ferritin levels remained stable. In contrast, the SF > 75 µg/L group exhibited only a decrease in serum iron after 1 h, with a ferritin increase. No significant changes were observed in hepcidin and interleukin-6 levels. Differing post-exercise responses in iron and ferritin levels between groups suggest that baseline iron stores may influence the regulation of free iron. This could indicate the involvement of distinct iron chelation mechanisms depending on initial ferritin levels. Understanding these mechanisms could affect optimizing iron management strategies in elite endurance athletes.

The study investigated compounds present in the invasive grass Hordeum murinum L. subsp. murinum and tested the allelopathic potential of this plant against common meadow species Festuca rubra L. and Trifolium repens L. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) performed separately on the ears and stalks with leaves of wall barley revealed 32 compounds, including secondary metabolites, that may play an important role in allelopathy. Two compounds, N-butylbenzenesulfonamide (NBBS) and diphenylsulfone (DDS), were described for the first time for wall barley and the Poaceae family. The presence of 6,10,14-trimethylpentadecan-2-one (TMP) has also been documented. Aqueous extracts of H. murinum organs (ears and stalks with leaves) at concentrations of 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5% were used to evaluate its allelopathic potential. Compared to the control, all extracts inhibited germination and early growth stages of meadow species. The inhibitory effect was strongest at the highest concentration for both the underground and aboveground parts of the seedlings of the meadow species tested. Comparing the allelopathic effect, Trifolium repens proved to be more sensitive. In light of the results of the study, the removal of wall barley biomass appears to be important for the restoration of habitats where this species occurs due to its allelopathic potential.

Standard procedure for the identification of lichen refuges: a case study of the Krajeńskie Lakeland area in Poland

This paper presents a study on the distribution of hawthorns and wild roses of the Middle Noteć River Valley region in north-west (NW) Poland. The main purpose of the study was to provide a full list of wild Crataegus and Rosa taxa growing in the examined area. Field studies (2016-2017) and formerly published data, made it possible to recognize 10 taxa (including one rose hybrid within the rank of species). Four new taxa were found in the explored area during studies. These were: Crataegus rhipidophylla Gand., C. ×macrocarpa Hegetschw., C. ×subsphaericea Gand. and Rosa ×subcanina (H. Christ) Vuk.