Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench (EP)is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant, commonly known as purple coneflower and it belongs to the Asteraceae family. The Echinacea genus is originally from North America, in the United States, and its species are widely distributed throughout. There are nine different species of Echinacea, but only three of them are used as medicinal plants with wide therapeutic uses: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench, Echinacea pallida (Nutt.) Nutt. and Echinacea angustifolia DC. Several significant groups of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities have been isolated from Echinacea species. Numerous beneficial effects have been demonstrated about these compounds. The immunomodulatory effect was initially demonstrated, but over time other effects have also been highlighted. The present review gives a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, biological effects and therapeutical uses of purple coneflower. Research shows that such a well-known and recognized species needs to be further studied to obtain efficient products with a guarantee of the safety.

This study aimed at the relationship between antioxidant capacity, antimicrobial activity, and in vitro evaluation of the wound healing effect of the extract obtained from Echinaceae purpureae folium (EPF). This study’s objective was to assess the bioactive components (total phenol and flavonoid content) and antioxidant activity of EPF extracts using the DPPH test method. The antioxidant capacity and the quantities of the compounds with antioxidant capacity were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods. Antimicrobial activity has been investigated against various pathogenic microorganisms. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the microdilution method. Additionally, our work used a scratch test to examine the in vitro wound healing effects of EPF extract on NHDF cells. Statistical analysis was used to quantify the rate of migration and proliferation of fibroblast cells within the wound. Microscope pictures of fibroblast cells exposed to various EPF extract dosages were processed to estimate the width of the wound, area of the wound, and cell density inside the wound. The study proved that there was a relationship between the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing ability of EPF extracts.

Vitamin D plays a crucial role in bone health and immune function, with serum 25(OH)D levels influenced by genetic, dietary, and metabolic factors. Background/Objectives: This study investigated the impact of VDR rs731236, CYP2R1 rs10741657, and GC rs2282679 polymorphisms, body mass index (BMI), and dietary vitamin D intake on vitamin D status. Methods: A total of 230 adults were classified into four BMI categories: normal weight (NW), overweight (OW), obesity class I (OB), and obesity class II/III (OP). Participants completed a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and a 7-day Food Frequency Diary (FFD). Genotyping was performed using TaqMan assays, and serum 25(OH)D was quantified via spectrophotometry. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and multiple linear regression. Results: The VDR rs731236 CC genotype, CYP2R1 rs10741657 AG/GG, and GC rs2282679 AC/CC were associated with lower serum vitamin D levels. A higher BMI was significantly correlated with reduced serum 25(OH)D (p < 0.001), with BMI emerging as the strongest predictor of vitamin D status. FFQ-based dietary intake showed a modest positive correlation with 25(OH)D (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Conclusions: BMI and genetic variants in VDR, CYP2R1, and GC significantly influence vitamin D metabolism. Personalized interventions addressing genetic predispositions and weight management may improve vitamin D status.

Glechoma hederacea L. (GH) is an understudied species with significant phytotherapeutic potential, whose botanical characteristics and phytochemical profile have not previously been investigated from Bihor County, North-West Romania, namely Săldăbagiu de Munte (261 m a.s.l.) and Beiuș (553 m a.s.l.). In this study, we aimed to examine the species from both pharmacobotanical and phytochemical perspectives focusing on two populations originating from areas with different altitudes, which were selected as representative sites for collecting GH populations. The morphological analysis included both macroscopic and microscopic examinations performed with optical microscopy, complemented by phytochemical profiling and antioxidant activity evaluation. The phenolic profile was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Total phenolic content was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, while total flavonoid content was assessed by the aluminum chloride colorimetric assay. In addition, the total anthocyanin content was determined, too. The antioxidant properties of the samples were evaluated using cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. Our results indicate that GH from the higher-altitude area is a rich source of phenolics and exhibits notable antioxidant activity. Among the identified active compounds, apigenin and caffeic acid were found in the highest concentrations. These findings support the potential use of this species in phytopharmaceutical formulations.

Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. (CBP) is a species with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects. We have chosen to study this species because, although it is a common plant with a distinctive fruit appearance, its effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the histoanatomy of the vegetative, reproductive organs and to characterize CBP extracts in terms of bioactive compounds and its antioxidant capacity. This study investigated the quantitative chemical composition of this species using the HPLC method, revealing the total content in polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, and investigated the antioxidant potential through fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP assay), cupric ion (Cu²⁺) reduction, (CUPRAC assay), and a free radical scavenging method (DPPH). Our results show that CBP is a rich source of flavonoids, mainly from the extract obtained from the fruits; it has an antioxidant capacity, with the highest values being obtained from mature flowers and ripe fruits. Of the active principles, the highest amounts, according to HPLC determinations, were obtained in flowers and are represented by hyperoside. Thus, we can recommend the studied species for phytopharmaceutical preparations.

Nigella sativa L. is a species of the Ranunculaceae family and belongs to the genus Nigella, which comprises 14 species native to the regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and subcontinental India. Several significant groups of bioactive compounds, with pharmacological activities, have been isolated from the Nigella sativa L. species. Numerous beneficial effects have been demonstrated for these compounds. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the chemical constituents, bioactive compounds, modern administration methods, studies on the antidiabetic potential, evidence in commonly associated type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) conditions, and evidence of T2DM complications. Research shows that Nigella sativa L. can be successfully included in complementary and alternative therapy for T2DM pathology, having multiple benefits both in diseases associated with and in complications of T2DM.