Prunella vulgaris L. (PV) is a well-known renewable drug resource full of different groups of biologically active substances with a wide range of pharmacological actions and applications in medicine. In this review, we present an updated comprehensive overview of the botany, extracting methods, chemical composition, and pharmacological activity of different parts of PV extracts. As a result of this review, it was found that chemical composition of PV depends on various factors ranging from the part of the plant to the method of extraction. We also highlight extraction methods that have not been previously used for obtaining PV extracts and may have high scientific interest. With this review, we hope to guide present and future professionals and provide possible previously unexplored areas to find new solutions associated with PV plant.

The aim of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, phytochemistry, and biological activities of eight Salvia species, namely Salvia aethiopis L., S. sclarea L., S. dumetorum Andrz. ex Besser, S. deserta Schang., S. trautvetteri Rgl., S. macrosiphon Boiss., S. virgata Jacq., and S. verticillata L., which are widespread in Kazakhstan. The genus Salvia is renowned for its diverse medicinal properties, and these species are no exception, contributing to the rich natural pharmacopoeia of the region. The botanical characteristics of these species, including their morphological features, distribution, and ecological adaptations, are discussed. The present review also explores the phytochemical composition of these plants, focusing on bioactive compounds such as terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and phenolic acids, which are responsible for their medicinal potential. Biological activities including antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and neuroprotective effects are evaluated based on available in vitro and in vivo studies. In addition, the review highlights the traditional uses of these species in local medicine and suggests avenues for future research to further elucidate their pharmacological potential. This synthesis provides valuable insights into the medicinal importance of these Salvia species in Kazakhstan and supports their continued exploration for therapeutic applications.

According to modern concepts, the genus Hyssopus L. includes seven plant species (Hyssopus ambiguus (Trautv.) Iljin ex Prochorov. & Lebel; Hyssopus cuspidatus Boriss; Hyssopus latilabiatus C.Y.Wu & H.W. Li; Hyssopus macranthus Boriss.; Hyssopus officinalis L.; Hyssopus seravschanicus (Dubj.) Pazij; Hyssopus subulifolius (Rech.f.) Rech.f.). The plants are rich in various groups of biologically active substances with a wide spectrum of pharmacological action. This review presents a modern comprehensive overview of the botanical research, extraction methods, chemical composition and pharmacological activity of plants of the genus Hyssopus L. As a result of the review, it was established that the chemical composition of plant extracts of the genus Hyssopus L. depends on various factors (place of growth, weather conditions, chemotypes, extraction methods, etc.). For the further use of the plants, the extraction methods and low-molecular metabolites isolated from them (mono- and sesquiterpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, etc.) are discussed. The data from the review provide an assessment of the relevance.

This review is devoted to a systematic analysis of studies aimed at investigating plant extracts, essential oils and phytochemical compounds capable of inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation. This paper investigates the effect of extracts, essential oils and individual plant compounds on inhibiting the biofilm formation of Streptococcus mutans, one of the major pathogens responsible for the development of dental caries. Using cultural microbiology and molecular biology techniques, the authors describe the mechanisms by which plant samples reduce Streptococcus mutans adhesion and growth. The results show that several plant components have antibacterial properties, contributing to the reduction of Streptococcus mutans colony numbers and inhibiting the synthesis of extract-exopolysaccharide matrices required for biofilm formation. This work highlights the potential of botanicals in inhibiting Streptococcus mutans biofilm formation, which can be applied as natural antimicrobial agents in the prevention and treatment of dental diseases. Views on the use of these plant extracts and their components in dental preparations such as toothpastes, rinses and gels aimed at preventing dental caries are evaluated. The review shows the relevance of the research to optimizing the use of plant extracts, essential oils, individual compounds and their active actions in the control of Streptococcus mutans biofilms.

Currently, the arsenal of the pharmaceutical market has significantly expanded with highly effective drugs of plant origin. More than 1000 essential-oil-bearing plants grow in the flora of Kazakhstan. Of great interest are some species from the families Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, Asteraceae, which have not been studied at all before, or for which there is only brief information about the chemical composition and biological properties. In this respect, the Lamiaceae L. family, which is one of the leading in the flora of Kazakhstan, is of interest. So, on the territory of the republic in this family, there are 233 species, united in 45 genera. Among them, the most famous are plants of the genus Dracocephalum, which are a rich and very common source of essential oils. The purpose of our study - to analyze the anatomical parameters of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L. and to reveal the diagnostic features of plants at the microscopic level. Materials And Methods. The object of the study was the aerial parts (leaves, inflorescences and stems) of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L.In the study of the aerial organs of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L., dry samples of raw materials were softened in a mixture of glycerin-alcohol-distilled water in a ratio 1:1:1 (Strauss-Fleming mixture). Surface preparations and sections were made manually. The slides were photographed using Altami Studio software; the photographs were processed using Paint 10.0. When describing the anatomical structure, the principles set forth in the works of V.N. Vekhova, L.I. Results and Discussion. Preliminary pharmacognostic investigation of vegetative material was done and diagnostic signs were identified. The detail microscopy revealed the presence of one type of trichrome on leaves’ epidermis; essential oil glandular. Type of mesophyll, structure of trichromes; form and location of epidermal cells, the presence of rare simple trichomes along the edge are discovered. Conclusion. As a results of the anatomical features of the raw material were established, among them the shape and structure of epidermal cells of the leaf and stem, the shape and location of essential oil glands and trichomes, the structure of the leaf and stem on the cross section are diagnostic features of the raw material of Dracocephalum ruyschiana L. and Dracocephalum nutans L.

The study of local medicinal plants has practical interest for the pharmaceutical industry in Kazakhstan, since the volume of domestic production satisfies not more than 10% of the total volume of consumed drugs. Nepeta pannonica L. is widespread herb used in folk medicine. The species can be used as a source of anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antispasmodic and other agents. To introduce the species into the State Pharmacopoeia of Republic of Kazakhstan, its macroscopic and microscopic examination was carried out. Medicinal raw materials were studied using morphological and anatomical methods. Based on the results of macroscopic analysis, the following characteristic features were determined: the shape and color of the stem, the structure of the leaf (upper and lower sides, the type of venation), the shape of the inflorescence, the structure and color of the calyx and corolla. The following were identified as diagnostic features at the microscopic level: the shape and structure of the epidermal cells of the leaf and sepal, the degree and severity of pubescence, the shape and location of essential oil glands, the structure of the leaf and stem on a cross-section. The results obtained were included in the draft analytical regulatory document for medicinal vegetative raw materials of Nepeta pannonica L.