Tanacetum parthenium, also known as feverfew, is rich in bioactive compounds, namely sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and volatile oils. Sesquiterpene lactones possess anti-migraine activity, while phenolic compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action. Phytochemical composition determines the pharmacological activity and so profiling is essential in quality assessment. The study aimed to evaluate cultivated feverfew plants’ phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity. Eleven phenolic compounds were identified in the samples of feverfew in Ukraine. Hydroxycinnamic acids predominate in the quantitative content of all the samples, namely chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 3,4-dicaffeoylquinic acid and 4,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. The total content of flavonoids ranged from 0.8 to 2.6%; the content of hydroxycinnamic acids varied from 3.3 to 6.5%. The obtained data testify to the prospects of using Ukrainian feverfew as a raw material with a significant content of phenolic substances to develop new herbal medicines.

Bee pollen (BP) is a very valuable bee product, and its value depends on its proteins, lipids, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and biologically active compounds such as phenolic compounds, which may change depending on the method of pollen preparation after collection and its storage conditions. Therefore, it is very important to determine when the decline in bioactive compounds in BP occurs during storage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in the content of ascorbic acid and phenolic compounds, and to determine the antioxidant activity of BP extracts depending on their preparation method and storage conditions over a 15-month period, with assessments conducted every 3 months. Dried pollen (at +28 °C on the first day and +35 °C on the second day) and frozen (−20 °C and −80 °C) BP samples were prepared. After 3 months of storage, there was no decrease of ascorbic acid in frozen BP; however, it decreased by 20% in dried BP (p < 0.05). It was determined that in frozen BP, the content of total phenolic compounds decreased by 12–14% (p < 0.05) after 6 months, and in dried BP, it decreased by 7% (p < 0.05) after 3 months. The levels of flavonoids decreased by 10–17% (p < 0.05) in BP after 6 months. Chlorogenic and p-coumaric acids have been observed as the most abundant phenolic acids in BP. During storage (the 6–15-month period), the strongest antiradical and reducing activity in vitro was estimated in the frozen (−80 °C) BP, which was 1.8–3.4-fold and 2.6–3.1-fold higher, respectively, compared to the dried BP extracts. In conclusion, significant results were obtained, showing better stability of phenolic compounds and ascorbic acid during storage in frozen BP compared to dried pollen. Melisopalynological analysis revealed a polyfloral pollen mixture, with Salix spp. and Brassica napus L. predominating in all samples, comprising 34.3% and 36.8%, respectively. Among these, Acer platanoides L., Malus domestica Borkh., and Taraxacum officinale L. were important minor pollens present in the samples examined.

Renal ischemia/reperfusion is a serious condition that not only causes acute kidney injury, a severe clinical syndrome with high mortality, but is also an inevitable part of kidney transplantation or other kidney surgeries. Alterations of oxygen levels during ischemia/reperfusion, namely hypoxia/reoxygenation, disrupt mitochondrial metabolism and induce structural changes that lead to cell death. A signature mitochondrial phospholipid, cardiolipin, with many vital roles in mitochondrial homeostasis, is one of the key players in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced mitochondrial damage. In this study, we analyze the effect of hypoxia/reoxygenation on human renal proximal tubule epithelial cell (RPTEC) cardiolipins, as well as their metabolism and mitochondrial functions. RPTEC cells were placed in a hypoxic chamber with a 2% oxygen atmosphere for 24 h to induce hypoxia; then, they were replaced back into regular growth conditions for 24 h of reoxygenation. Surprisingly, after 24 h, hypoxia cardiolipin levels substantially increased and remained higher than control levels after 24 h of reoxygenation. This was explained by significantly elevated levels of cardiolipin synthase and lysocardiolipin acyltransferase 1 (LCLAT1) gene expression and protein levels. Meanwhile, hypoxia/reoxygenation decreased ADP-dependent mitochondrial respiration rates and oxidative phosphorylation capacity and increased reactive oxygen species generation. Our findings suggest that hypoxia/reoxygenation induces cardiolipin remodeling in response to reduced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in a way that protects mitochondrial function.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and cultivation strategies for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.)) in Lithuania’s temperate climate, focusing on its biological activity. Employing innovative grafting techniques and clear plastic film mulching, we successfully countered fusarium wilt while promoting growth and bioactive compound accumulation. Our analysis showed significant cultivar-dependent variations in total phenolic content (ranging from 94.34 ± 8.12 to 327.42 ± 9.14 mg GAE/kg fw in pulps and from 120.46 ± 7.52 to 364.27 ± 6.85 mg GAE/kg fw in rinds), lycopene (ranging from 1.15 ± 0.42 to 103.60 ± 1.69 mg/kg fw in pulps), sugar, and nitrate levels, revealing the influence of genetics and environment on the fruit’s phytochemical profile. Moreover, several Lithuanian watermelon cultivars exhibited comparable or superior levels of key bioactive compounds relative to imported varieties. These findings underscore the potential of watermelon rind and pulp as valuable sources of antioxidants and other bioactive phytochemicals, relevant for nutritional enhancement and medicinal applications. The results contribute to a deeper understanding of watermelon cultivation in Lithuania and highlight opportunities for optimizing agricultural practices to enhance the health benefits associated with this important fruit.

Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) biosynthesis using propolis extracts as capping and reducing agents presents multiple opportunities for solving many biological challenges. This study demonstrates a sustainable, low toxicity, and high production cost phytochemical synthesis of AgNPs using propolis extracts and microwaves. Biosynthesized with propolis, AgNPs are analyzed by various methods: phytochemical, physicochemical, and morphological, such as TEM. The determined antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of propolis extracts is compared with the activity of green synthesized AgNPs with propolis. The green synthesized AgNPs are spherically shaped with an average size ranging from 6 to 40 nm. The biosynthesized AgNPs demonstrate potential antibacterial activity on tested microorganism strains two folds higher than pure propolis extracts.

Bee pollen (BP) is a nutritionally valuable natural product whose biological activity is strongly influenced by its amino acid profile. This study evaluated qualitative and quantitative changes in free amino acids in Lithuanian BP subjected to freezing (−20 °C and −80 °C) or low-temperature drying and stored for 15 months. Seventeen amino acids, including all nine essential amino acids, were identified using UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS, accounting for 47–48% of the total amino acid content (TAAC). Arginine, proline, and aspartic acid were the predominant free amino acids. Both frozen and dried samples showed a statistically significant decrease in TAAC after nine months of storage (p < 0.05), resulting in a 1.5–1.7-fold reduction after prolonged storage. Frozen storage at −20 °C and −80 °C better preserved free amino acids, particularly alanine, glutamic acid, and proline, whereas dried BP stored at room temperature exhibited accelerated degradation. Sulfur-containing amino acids, especially cysteine and methionine, were highly unstable under all storage conditions. These results provide practical guidance for selecting storage strategies that minimize amino acid losses and help maintain the nutritional quality of bee pollen during long-term storage.