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.

Lilium spp. bulbs are traditionally valued for their medicinal properties, yet their phytochemical profile and biomedical potential remain underexplored. This study aims to assess the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and dermatocosmetic potential of ethanolic macerates from five Lilium spp. cultivars. Bulb macerates were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol and evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), condensed tannins (CTC), mineral composition, and antioxidant activity (DPPH assay). Spectroscopic (FTIR) and antimicrobial analyses were also performed. Macerates from Lilium “Dark Secret” (LD-70) and Lilium asiaticum “White” (LA-70) exhibited the highest levels of TPC (225 and 162.5 mg GAE/100 g f.w.), TFC (26.12 and 21.75 mg QE/100 g f.w.), and antioxidant activity (81.5 and 58.75 mg GAE/100 g f.w.). FTIR confirmed the phenolic composition, while mineral analysis revealed a high potassium content and negligible toxic metals. Selective antimicrobial activity was observed against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, particularly for LD-70 and LA-70 macerates. Based on these findings, stable hydrogel formulations incorporating LD-70 and LA-70 were developed, showing favorable pH, rheology, and sustained antioxidant activity over 60 days. These findings support the integration of Lilium-derived macerates into dermatocosmetic formulations targeting skin protection and microbial defense.

Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum (syn. Matricaria inodora) are two closely related species in the Asteraceae family that are often mistaken for one another due to their similar appearance. However, they differ significantly in their chemical composition and biological activities. This study offers comparative characterisation through microscopy, phytochemical profiling, and biological assays. Microscopic observations revealed distinct morphological differences in the structure of the receptacle and the size of the pollen grains between the two species. Total phenol and flavonoid contents were quantified using spectrophotometry, while essential oils were extracted through hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). M. chamomilla was found to have a higher phenol content (20.48 mg GAE/g DW), whereas T. inodorum showed a greater flavonoid concentration (15.93 mg RE/g DW). The essential oils from each species displayed different chemical composition: M. chamomilla was dominated by bisabolol oxides and chamazulene, while T. inodorum primarily contained β-farnesene and cis-lachnophyllum ester. The antioxidant activity of both species was evaluated using the DPPH assay and found to be moderate compared to standard antioxidants, such as ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ < 5 µg/mL). The IC₅₀ values for M. chamomilla ranged from 17.7 to 21.5 µg/mL, while for T. inodorum, they ranged from 8.4 to 10.2 µg/mL. In antimicrobial tests, the essential oil of T. inodorum inhibited both Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, while M. chamomilla was only active against C. albicans. These findings highlight important morphological and chemical markers that differentiate the two species and affirm T. inodorum as a promising source of bioactive compounds.

Matricaria chamomilla and Tripleurospermum inodorum are closely related Asteraceae plants that share morphology but differ in chemistry and bioactivity. This study investigated both species using an integrative approach combining microscopy, phytochemical profiling, and biological evaluations. Phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified spectropho-tometrically, and essential oils analyzed by hydrodistillation–GC–MS. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay, and antimicrobial effects assessed. Microscopy confirmed diagnostic differences. M. chamomilla contained more polyphenols (20.48 vs. 17.88 mg GAE/g DW), whereas T. inodorum showed higher flavonoid levels (15.93 vs. 13.87 mg RE/g DW). Their oils exhibited distinct chemotypes: in M. chamomilla, oxygenated ses-quiterpenes predominated (76.8%), mainly bisabolol oxide A (39.5%), bisabolol oxide B (18.7%), bisabolone oxide A (12.7%), β-farnesene (8.0%), trans-lachnophyllum ester (6.2%), and chamazulene (4.2%); in T. inodorum, the oil was dominated by β-farnesene (11.6%) and cis-lachnophyllum ester (11.6%), with a late signal tentatively assigned to 1,3-naphthalenediol. Antioxidant activity was moderate (IC₅₀ 17.7–21.5 µg/mL for M. chamomilla; 8.4–10.2 µg/mL for T. inodorum). Antimicrobial tests showed T. inodorum active against S. aureus and C. albicans, while M. chamomilla was effective only against C. albicans. These results underline chemical markers differentiating the taxa and support T. inodorum as a complementary source of bioactive compounds.

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.