Starting from estrone 3-benzyloxy-17β-hydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-16-one oxime (3b) was synthesized, which underwent Beckmann fragmentation giving the 3-benzyloxy-17-oxo- 16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (4b). Sodium borohydride reduction of this compound afforded 3-benzyloxy-17-hydroxy-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (5b). The deprotection of the 3-hydroxy group was achieved by action of hydrogen upon derivatives4band5bin presence of Pd/C as a catalyst, yielding 3-hydroxy-17-oxo-16,17-secoestra- 1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (4a) and 3,17-dihydroxy-16,17-secoestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-16-nitrile (5a). In biological tests on experimental animals, compounds4a,4b,5aand5bshowed virtually a complete loss of estrogenic activity, whereas compounds4a,5aand5bexhibited moderate antiestrogenic effect.

Novel steroid O -alkylated 3-oxyimino derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their antitumor properties. The obtained data indicate the potential of these functionalities for the development of new candidates for tumor treatment.

Ionic liquids (ILs) are well known for their physicochemical properties that recommend them for many purposes. However, many ILs are not environmentally friendly. Bearing these facts in mind, a series of imidazoliumand salicylate-based ILs with low general toxicity were designed and their pharmacological potential studied. Herein, their antiproliferative effect against human cancer cell lines and antimicrobial activity on selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and Candida strains are presented. ILs with 1-butyl- -3-methylimidazolium or imidazolium cation (IL 1 and compound 5), with the lowest dipole moments and highest lipophilicity, exerted highest cytotoxicity against colon and/or lung cancer cells, manifesting high selectivity to the normal cells. The most non-polar IL with the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation expressed the strongest anticancer potential, but it was also toxic against normal cells, although its cytotoxicity was less than the cytotoxic effect of commercially used chemotherapeutic agents. The same compounds, IL 1 and compound 5, expressed modest effect on the bacterial strain that causes serious lung diseases and pulmonary infections (Staphylococcus aureus) or which are included in colon cancer formation (Esherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis). Salicylate itself was toxic against lung cancer cell line A549 and affected some Candida strains.

Fomes fomentarius (L.) Fr. has been valued since the 15th century across Europe, including the Balkan region, for its medicinal and traditional uses such as tinder production, spiritual practices, wound healing, and hemostasis. This study analyzes three Balkan strains, focusing on micro- and macroelements, polyamines (PAs), and phenolic compounds in hot water (H₂O), chloroform (CHCl₃), hydroethanolic (EtOH), and hydromethanolic (MeOH) extracts. Micro- and macroelements were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), while PAs were quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD). Phenolic profiles were determined using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), with total phenolic content (TPC) assessed using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated via DPPH, ABTS, NO scavenging, lipid peroxidation inhibition, and FRAP assays, alongside anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activity assessments. This study represents the first investigation of PA profiles in F. fomentarius, with total PA levels ranging from 32.67 to 2910.09 nmol/g dry weight (d.w.). The Bosnian strain exhibited the highest PA levels, with spermidine (SPD) concentrations ranging from 899.96 to 2910.09 nmol/g d.w. LC-MS/MS analysis identified several bioactive phenolics, including amentoflavone, baicalein, chrysoeriol, esculetin, and scopoletin—reported here for the first time in this fungus. The H₂O and EtOH extracts from the Croatian and Serbian strains showed higher TPC levels, correlating with notable antioxidant activity. The EtOH and MeOH extracts demonstrated significant anti-acetylcholinesterase and antiproliferative activities, emphasizing their medicinal potential. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of polar extracts from Balkan F. fomentarius.