This study aims to investigate the vegetative buds from Picea abies (spruce), naturally found in a central region of Romania, through a comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition to identify bioactive compounds responsible for pharmacological properties. Using HPLC/derivatization technique of GC-MS and quantitative spectrophotometric assays, the phenolic profile, and main components of an ethanolic extract from the buds were investigated. The essential oil was characterized by GC-MS. Moreover, the antioxidant activity with the DPPH method, and the antimicrobial activity were tested. Heavy metal detection was performed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The main components of the alcoholic extract were astragalin, quercetin, kaempferol, shikimic acid, and quinic acid. A total content of 25.32 ± 2.65 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of dry plant (mg GAE/g DW) and of 10.54 ± 0.083 mg rutin equivalents/g of dry plant (mg RE/g DW) were found. The essential oil had D-limonene, α-cadinol, δ-cadinene, 13-epimanool, and δ-3-carene as predominant components. The spruce vegetative buds exhibited significant antioxidant activity (IC50 of 53 μg/mL) and antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Cd were below detection limits, suggesting that the material was free from potentially harmful contaminants. The results confirmed the potential of this indigenous species to be used as a source of compounds with pharmacological utilities.

Three poplar species widely distributed in southern Romania were investigated for their chemical composition and bioactivity. Male buds from black poplar (Populus nigra L.), white poplar (Populus alba L.), and Euroamerican hybrid poplar (Populus × euramericana (Dode) Guinier.) were analyzed using HPTLC, HPLC, GC-MS, and spectrophotometric assays. The analysis revealed predominantly polyphenolic compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, secondary metabolites recognized for their antioxidant properties, particularly valuable in alleviating oxidative stress disorders. Heavy metal content was measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy, and antioxidant capacity was assessed through DPPH and FRAP assays alongside a cytotoxicity evaluation. Polyphenolic content ranged from 19.26 to 33.37 mg GAE/g DW and flavonoid content from 2.15 to 4.45 mg RE/g DW. All three species demonstrated notable antioxidant capacity and cytotoxic activity. Hydroethanolic extracts of P. nigra and P. euramericana showed higher antioxidant activity than aqueous extracts, with P. nigra achieving the lowest IC₅₀ value overall, highlighting the influence of solvent choice on antioxidant efficacy. Furthermore, poplar hydroethanolic extracts exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against fibroblast-like human osteosarcoma MG63 cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 42.55 µg/mL for P. nigra, 40.87 µg/mL for P. × euramericana, and 132.49 µg/mL for P. alba, underscoring significant interspecies variability in cytotoxic potency. These findings suggest that male floral buds from Romanian poplar species may serve as valuable sources of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential.

A new trend in the use of indole alkaloids from natural products is the preparation of topical pharmaceutical formulations with applications in the field of regenerative medicine. These formulations can be characterized through the ease of administration, the proven healing action of indole alkaloids, the protection of skin lesions, and the assurance of oxygen permeability. Based on the numerous benefits that indole compounds extracted from the Vinca minor plant show externally, the purpose of this study was to develop new semi-solid biocomposites for topical application obtained from hydroalcoholic macerates of 40%, 70%, and 96% concentrations from the stems and leaves of the Vinca minor L. plant from the Dobrogea area. A total of 12 pharmaceutical formulations (named P1–P12) were prepared for which the physicochemical properties, pH, thermal stability, spreading capacity, and rheological behavior were determined. The optimal formulas with antioxidant and antimicrobial capacity were evaluated and determined (P3, P4, P9, and P10). Antioxidant activity was elicited using the photochemiluminescence method. The microorganisms used for the evaluation of antimicrobial activity were Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Gram-negative Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and a fungal species, Candida albicans (ATCC 900288). The study of the rheological profile for the obtained composites revealed Newtonian, pseudoplastic, and thixotropic fluid behaviors. Following determinations using the photochemiluminescence method, the best antioxidant activity was obtained in the P3 and P9 preparations. The results of the antimicrobial analysis confirmed that both the leaves and the stems of the Vinca minor plant represent a valuable source of antibacterial substances, and the biocomposites analyzed may represent an alternative in the realization of new pharmaceutical preparations with topical applications based on hydroalcoholic macerates obtained from the Vinca minor plant.

This study provides a comparative evaluation of two Salvia species, the widely cultivated Salvia sclarea L. and the comparatively underexplored wild species Salvia pratensis L., integrating phytochemical profiling, chemical safety assessment, and biological activity investigation. Dried hydroethanolic extracts and essential oils obtained from aerial parts were analysed. HPLC–PDA analysis revealed distinct phenolic acid profiles, with S. sclarea characterized by higher levels of rosmarinic and protocatechuic acids, whereas S. pratensis contained greater amounts of hydroxycinnamic acids such as caffeic, p-coumaric, and ferulic acids. The total phenolic content was higher in S. pratensis (79.22 mg GAE/g dry extract) than in S. sclarea (52.50 mg GAE/g). GC–MS analysis showed that the essential oil of S. sclarea was dominated by oxygenated monoterpenes, mainly linalyl acetate and linalool, while S. pratensis exhibited a linalool-rich profile accompanied by sesquiterpene derivatives. Chemical safety assessment indicated minimal contamination, with pesticide residues detected only in S. sclarea at levels below regulatory limits and low concentrations of cadmium and lead in both species. The extracts showed strong antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ values of 6.67 µg/mL for S. sclarea and 3.16 µg/mL for S. pratensis) and moderate broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity (MIC 312.5–2500 µg/mL). In vitro assays on HEK 293 and HaCaT cells confirmed low cytotoxicity, with no evidence of membrane damage or pro-inflammatory effects. Overall, the results highlight the significant bioactive potential of the less studied S. pratensis, demonstrating that this wild species represents a promising alternative source of natural antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds comparable to the widely cultivated S. sclarea.

Multifunctional dressings capable of maintaining a moist environment, supporting tissue regeneration, and delivering bioactive compounds are increasingly being explored as promising strategies for burn wound management. In this study, alginate-based emulgel patches incorporating hydrophilic and lipophilic plant extracts were developed by extrusion-based 3D printing as potential topical systems for burn wound applications. The formulation included sodium alginate, hyaluronic acid, and hydroglyceric extracts of Calendula officinalis, Matricaria chamomilla, and Plantago major, as well as oily extracts of Hippophae rhamnoides and Hypericum perforatum. The emulgel was evaluated for pH, rheological behaviour, spreadability, physical stability, apparent hydrodynamic size distribution, zeta potential, total polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity. Following Ca²⁺-induced crosslinking, uniform and flexible 3D-printed patches were obtained and further characterised for pharmacotechnical, physicochemical, structural, functional, and biological properties. The emulgel exhibited suitable characteristics for extrusion-based printing, while the resulting patches showed good dimensional uniformity, flexibility, swelling capacity, water vapour transmission, and surface pH compatible with topical application. FTIR, DLS, SEM, and SEM–EDX analyses supported the formation of a Ca²⁺-crosslinked alginate network and confirmed the presence of structurally heterogeneous domains with homogeneous calcium distribution. The patches retained plant-derived bioactive compounds, with a total polyphenol content of 0.2878 ± 0.016 mg GAE/g hydrated patch, and showed improved antioxidant activity compared with the corresponding emulgel. In vitro release studies indicated the time-dependent diffusion of polyphenols over 24 h, with cumulative release reaching 64.42%. The patches also exhibited a water vapour transmission rate of 1270 ± 93 g/m²/24 h, indicating adequate moisture regulation. HaCaT cell viability remained above 90% at lower tested concentrations, demonstrating a favourable biocompatibility profile. Overall, the developed 3D-printed alginate emulgel patches represent promising multifunctional systems for potential burn wound management and warrant further preclinical investigation.

This study provides a comparative chemical and antioxidant characterization of two Arabica coffee varieties, one originating from the Dominican Republic and one processed as a multicomponent blend in Romania. Qualitative analyses confirmed the presence of alkaloids and caffeine in all samples. Spectrophotometric determinations revealed that hot-water infusions exhibited higher total polyphenol and flavonoid contents compared to cold-brew extracts. Heavy-metal analysis indicated low levels of cadmium and lead, demonstrating satisfactory sanitary quality. Antioxidant evaluation showed strong radical-scavenging activity in the DPPH assay (88.11–88.98%) with minimal variation between extraction methods. In contrast, the FRAP assay highlighted significant differences influenced by both geographical origin and extraction technique, with reducing capacities ranging from 868 to 1062 μmol Fe²⁺/g. These findings underline the substantial antioxidant potential of Arabica coffee and emphasize the combined role of origin-dependent phytochemical variability and extraction parameters in determining its functional properties.