Oxidative stress caused by an imbalanced metabolism and an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS) lead to a range of health disorders in humans. Our endogenous antioxidant defense mechanisms and our dietary intake of antioxidants potentially regulate our oxidative homeostasis. Numerous synthetic antioxidants can effectively improve defense mechanisms, but because of their adverse toxic effects under certain conditions, preference is given to natural compounds. Consequently, the requirements for natural, alternative sources of antioxidant foods identified in edible mushrooms, as well as the mechanistic action involved in their antioxidant properties, have increased rapidly. Chemical composition and antioxidant potential of mushrooms have been intensively studied. Edible mushrooms might be used directly in enhancement of antioxidant defenses through dietary supplementation to reduce the level of oxidative stress. Wild or cultivated, they have been related to significant antioxidant properties due to their bioactive compounds, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, vitamins, carotenoids and minerals. Antioxidant and health benefits, observed in edible mushrooms, seem an additional reason for their traditional use as a popular delicacy food. This review discusses the consumption of edible mushrooms as a powerful instrument in maintaining health, longevity and life quality.

Burn wounds represent a complex clinical challenge, primarily due to their high susceptibility to infections and the frequent formation of the biofilm, which significantly hinder the healing process. Therefore, effective infection prevention and management are critical components of burn wound care. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging antimicrobial strategies in burn management, with a particular focus on alternative approaches to conventional antiseptics and antibiotics. This manuscript highlights the role of metals and metal-based agents, including silver, zinc oxide, and copper compounds, alongside plant-derived bioactive substances such as aloe vera, marigold, and turmeric. Additionally, the potential of antimicrobial peptides and probiotics as innovative therapeutic options is explored, emphasizing their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-healing properties. Finally, this review presents an analysis of recent patents in the field of burn wound care, offering insights into current trends and future directions in the development of advanced wound dressings. By addressing both established and novel strategies, this review aims to provide a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, and innovators seeking to improve outcomes in burn wound management.

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea L.) has been known as a medicinal plant in folk medicine for generations and, as a member of the Lamiaceae family, is characterized with a high content of rosmarinic acid. The aim of the present study was to formulate delivery systems containing bioactive compounds from ground ivy in encapsulated form and incorporated into candies. Liposomes were examined as the encapsulation systems that were additionally coated with an alginate–plant protein gel to reduce leakage of the incorporated material. Bioactive characterization of the ground ivy extract showed a high content of total phenolics (1186.20 mg GAE/L) and rosmarinic acid (46.04 mg/L). The formulation of liposomes with the high encapsulation efficiency of rosmarinic acid (97.64%), with at least a double bilayer and with polydisperse particle size distribution was achieved. Alginate microparticles reinforced with rice proteins provided the highest encapsulation efficiency for rosmarinic acid (78.16%) and were therefore used for the successful coating of liposomes, as confirmed by FT-IR analysis. Coating liposomes with alginate–rice protein gel provided prolonged controlled release of rosmarinic acid during simulated gastro-intestinal digestion, and the same was noted when they were incorporated into candies.

This study developed phospholipid-based liposomes loaded with extract from wild thyme (Thymus serpyllum L.) tea processing residues to enhance polyphenol stability and delivery. Liposomes were prepared with phospholipids alone or combined with 10–30 mol% cholesterol or β-sitosterol. The effect of different lipid compositions on encapsulation efficiency (EE), particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, stability, thermal properties, diffusion coefficient, and diffusion resistance of the liposomes was investigated. Liposomes with 10 mol% sterols (either cholesterol or β-sitosterol) exhibited the highest EE of polyphenols, while increasing sterol content to 30 mol% resulted in decreased EE. Particle size and PDI increased with sterol content, while liposomes prepared without sterols showed the smallest vesicle size. Encapsulation of the extract led to smaller liposomal diameters and slight increases in PDI values. Zeta potential measurements revealed that sterol incorporation enhanced the surface charge and stability of liposomes, with β-sitosterol showing the most pronounced effect. Stability testing demonstrated minimal changes in size, PDI, and zeta potential during storage. UV irradiation and lyophilization processes did not cause significant polyphenol leakage, although lyophilization slightly increased particle size and PDI. Differential scanning calorimetry revealed that polyphenols and sterols modified the lipid membrane transitions, indicating interactions between extract components and the liposomal bilayer. FT-IR spectra confirmed successful integration of the extract into the liposomes, while UV exposure did not significantly alter the spectral features. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay demonstrated the extract’s efficacy in mitigating lipid peroxidation under UV-induced oxidative stress. In contrast, liposomes enriched with sterols showed enhanced peroxidation. Polyphenol diffusion studies showed that encapsulation significantly delayed release, particularly in sterol-containing liposomes. Release assays in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids confirmed controlled, pH-dependent polyphenol delivery, with slightly better retention in β-sitosterol-enriched systems. These findings support the use of β-sitosterol- and cholesterol-enriched liposomes as stable carriers for polyphenolic compounds from wild thyme extract, as bioactive antioxidants, for food and nutraceutical applications.