Gratiana - Ruse

Mrs. Gratiana - Ruse


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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27 January 2025 in Pharmaceuticals
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Journal Article
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GRGratiana - Ruse
Gratiana - Ruse
Alex Robert JijieAlex Robert Jijie
Alex Robert Jijie
Elena Alina MoacaElena Alina Moaca
Elena Alina Moaca
DPDalia Maria Patrascu
Dalia Maria Patrascu
FAFlorina Ardelean
Florina Ardelean
DTDiana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Diana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Background: Coffea arabica, commonly known as Arabica coffee, has garnered attention in recent years for its potential applications in dermato-cosmetic formulations. This review aims to critically evaluate the emerging role of Coffea arabica as an active ingredient in skin care products, focusing on its bioactive compounds derived from both the leaves and beans, mechanisms of action, and efficacy in dermatological applications. A comparative analysis between the bioactive profiles of the leaves and beans is also presented to elucidate their respective contributions to dermato-cosmetic efficacy. Results: This review synthesizes findings from various studies that highlight the presence of key bioactive compounds in Coffea arabica, including caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and flavonoids. Notably, the leaves exhibit a higher concentration of certain phenolic compounds compared to the beans, suggesting unique properties that may enhance skin health. These compounds have demonstrated significant anticellulite, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, photoprotective, anti-aging, antibacterial, and moisturizing properties. Discussion: This article delves into the biochemical pathways through which bioactive compounds derived from both the leaves and beans of Coffea arabica exert their beneficial effects on skin and hair health. Furthermore, this review highlights the growing trend of incorporating natural ingredients in cosmetic formulations and the consumer demand for products with scientifically substantiated benefits. Conclusions: The findings of this review underscore the potential of Coffea arabica as a valuable active ingredient in dermato-cosmetic applications. Its multifaceted bioactivity suggests that it can contribute significantly to skin health and cosmetic efficacy. Future research should focus on clinical trials to further validate these benefits and explore optimal formulation strategies for enhanced delivery and stability in cosmetic products.

17 November 2024 in Plants
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Journal Article
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JAJojic Alina-Arabela
Jojic Alina-Arabela
SLSergio Liga
Sergio Liga
DUDiana Uțu
Diana Uțu
GRGratiana - Ruse
Gratiana - Ruse
LSLiana Suciu
Liana Suciu
DTDiana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Diana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Common Juniper (Juniperus communis L.) is a gymnosperm that stands out through its fleshy, spherical female cones, often termed simply “berries”. The cone berries and various vegetative parts (leaves, twigs and even roots) are used in traditional phytotherapy, based on the beneficial effects exerted by a variety of secondary metabolites. While the volatile compounds of Juniperus communis are known for their aromatic properties and have been well-researched for their antimicrobial effects, this review shifts focus to non-volatile secondary metabolites—specifically diterpenes, lignans, and biflavonoids. These compounds are of significant biomedical interest due to their notable pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer effects. The aim of this review is to offer an up-to-date account of chemical composition of Juniperus communis and related species, with a primary emphasis on the bioactivities of diterpenes, lignans, and biflavonoids. By examining recent preclinical and clinical data, this work assesses the therapeutic potential of these metabolites and their mechanisms of action, underscoring their value in developing new therapeutic options. Additionally, this review addresses the pharmacological efficacy and possible therapeutic applications of Juniperus communis in treating various human diseases, thus supporting its potential role in evidence-based phytotherapy.

10 June 2026 in Antioxidants
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JAJojic Alina-Arabela
Jojic Alina-Arabela
NPNicoleta Anamaria Pascalau
Nicoleta Anamaria Pascalau
GAGabriela Antal
Gabriela Antal
DUDiana Uțu
Diana Uțu
Delia MunteanDelia Muntean
Delia Muntean
DTDiana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Diana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
The cone berries of Juniperus communis L. are rich in bioactive compounds, but biological properties of extracts are strongly influenced by the solvents used to obtain them. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of solvent fractionation on the targeted polyphenolic profile and associated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities of pseudo-fruit extracts. The crude ethanolic extract was subjected to liquid–liquid partitioning to obtain ethyl acetate and n-butanol-soluble fractions, which were characterized by HPLC–MS and FTIR, while total polyphenol content was determined using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method and biological activities were assessed through DPPH, antimicrobial assays, and in vitro cytotoxicity on A375 melanoma and HaCaT keratinocyte cell lines. The ethyl acetate-soluble fraction showed the highest polyphenol content (361.08 ± 17.72 mg chlorogenic acid equivalents/g extract) and was enriched in hyperoside, whereas the n-butanol-soluble fraction contained lower phenolic levels and higher rutoside content; both fractions exhibited antioxidant activity correlated with phenolic content and weak-to-moderate antimicrobial activity, particularly against Streptococcus pyogenes. Cytotoxicity assays revealed a dose-dependent antiproliferative effect, with the ethyl acetate fraction displaying higher activity and greater selectivity toward melanoma cells, confirmed by apoptosis-related morphological changes. These findings demonstrate that solvent polarity plays a critical role in enriching bioactive phytochemicals and support the potential of J. communis fractions as sources of antioxidant and selective anticancer compounds.

13 May 2026 in Plants
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Journal Article
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GRGratiana - Ruse
Gratiana - Ruse
SAStefana Avram
Stefana Avram
AMAndreea-Maria Munteanu
Andreea-Maria Munteanu
AIAndrada Oana Iftode
Andrada Oana Iftode
Laurian VlaseLaurian Vlase
Laurian Vlase
DTDiana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Diana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Green seeds of Coffea arabica represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to compare the butanol-soluble (CA-BU) and the ethyl acetate-soluble (CA-EtAc) fractions in terms of their phytochemical composition and biological activity. As a first step, the fractions were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) in order to investigate the major constituents. Subsequently, CA-BU and CA-EtAc were evaluated for antioxidant effect, antimicrobial activity, antiproliferative properties, effects on the mitochondrial function, and on the chorioallantoic membrane. The CA-EtAc fraction was enriched in chlorogenic acids and catechins and showed superior antioxidant activity, whereas CA-BU displayed a broader profile of semi-polar polyphenols, conferring moderate antimicrobial effects and stronger antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, although with limited selectivity compared with HaCaT non-tumorigenic cells. Respirometric analysis demonstrated that CA-BU selectively inhibited mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation Complex I (OXPHOS CI), without affecting Complex II (CII) or basal respiration, indicating a specific mitochondria-targeted mechanism. Both fractions were non-irritant and well tolerated in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay; CA-BU reduced vascular density. These findings demonstrate a clear mechanistic differentiation between the fractions, highlighting the decisive role of solvent polarity in obtaining extracts with distinct and targeted biological effects.

24 September 2025 in Proceedings
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Conference Paper
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Alex Robert JijieAlex Robert Jijie
Alex Robert Jijie
Elena Alina MoacaElena Alina Moaca
Elena Alina Moaca
GDGeorge Andrei Draghici
George Andrei Draghici
AIAndrada Oana Iftode
Andrada Oana Iftode
DPDalia Maria Patrascu
Dalia Maria Patrascu
CRISTINA ADRIANA DEHELEANCRISTINA ADRIANA DEHELEAN
CRISTINA ADRIANA DEHELEAN
Introduction: Taxus baccata L

19 September 2025 in Proceedings
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GRGratiana - Ruse
Gratiana - Ruse
Elena Alina MoacaElena Alina Moaca
Elena Alina Moaca
A(Alexandra Denisa Semenescu (Scurtu)
Alexandra Denisa Semenescu (Scurtu)
SAStefana Avram
Stefana Avram
AMAndreea Munteanu
Andreea Munteanu
DTDiana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Diana Simona Tchiakpe-Antal
Introduction: Green coffee (Coffea arabica L