Background/Objectives: Pulmonaria officinalis L., commonly known as lungwort, is a medicinal plant traditionally used for respiratory ailments, but its biological activities have not yet been sufficiently researched. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and dose-dependent genotoxic/antigenotoxic properties of a 70% ethanolic extract. Methods: Quantification of polyphenols and GC–MS analysis were performed in order to chemically characterize the extract. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH, PFRAP, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and ferrous ion chelating assay (FIC). MTT and alkaline comet assay were used for investigation of cytotoxicity and geno/antigenotoxicity on normal fetal fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Results: The chemical analysis of the extract showed that the extract is rich in polyphenolics and that phytol is the most abundant compound, accompanied by terpenoids, fatty acids, alcohols, polyketides, and alkaloids. In addition, notable antioxidant capacity was detected in all tests applied. The extract reduced cell viability only at the highest concentration tested (33.7%). Furthermore, a dual dose-dependent effect was recorded since the genotoxic effect of the tested extract was observed at higher concentrations, while non-genotoxic concentrations showed protective effects against oxidative damage of DNA. Namely, pretreatment with lungwort extract reduced the DNA damage induced by H₂O₂, with the highest protective effect at the lowest tested concentration, indicating a hormetic mode of action. Conclusions: These results provide a solid foundation for future research into this medicinal plant, with the aim of its potential therapeutic use in the prevention of diseases associated with oxidative stress.

Ensuring the safety of food products is a major challenge, with biological and chemical spoilage as a significant risk. Since synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobials have been linked to health concerns, plants, and their secondary metabolites represent a promising alternative due to their various biological activities. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the polyphenol content, antioxidant, antibacterial, and antibiofilm effect of a 70% ethanolic-aqueous extract of Filipendula ulmaria. Colorimetric assays revealed significant total phenolic and flavonoid content. Antioxidant assays included DPPH, where notable scavenging activity was recorded, and ferrous ion chelating ability, which appeared to be lower. In the MIC assay, the most sensitive was S. aureus MRSA, while the highest inhibition of biofilm formation was detected for S. aureus and S. aureus MRSA. Based on its noted activity, flower extract of F. ulmaria offers a promising alternative to synthetic preservatives.

Genotoxicity refers to the ability of various agents, called genotoxins, to induce damage to genetic material. Given their involvement in various human diseases, exploring new protective compounds from natural sources, especially plants, is of crucial importance today. With that in mind, our study evaluated the potential antigenotoxic effect of methanolic and dichloromethane extracts of traditionally used plant Achillea millefolium on normal fetal fibroblasts (MRC-5). The screening of cytotoxicity was conducted using an MTT assay to determine non-cytotoxic concentrations of extracts on MRC-5 cells. Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were assessed using an alkaline comet assay. Non-genotoxic concentrations were determined for antigenotoxicity testing, which showed that extract AmDC and lower concentrations of AmM exhibited significant protective effects. The results of this study strongly encourage further investigations of the protective properties of A. millefolium.

Foodborne pathogens present a serious human health problem, especially in the era of growing antimicrobial resistance. To overcome the problem, the solution was sought in plants, rich in secondary metabolites. Cinnamon essential oil (EO) is recognized as a natural product with antibacterial potential. The aim of the study was to chemically characterize EO, to determine antibacterial and antibiofilm potential against foodborne pathogens, and to estimate cytotoxicity. HPLC pointed out eugenol as the most abundant component, while microdilution assay showed moderate antibacterial activity (the highest potential against Shigella flexneri, MIC 2.5 mg/mL). CV assay indicated a noticeable antibiofilm effect (up to 84% biofilm biomass inhibition on Enterobacter cloaceae). MTT assay, applied on normal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and colon cancer cells (HCT 116), showed notable, dose-dependent cytotoxicity. It can be concluded that EO exhibited great antibacterial potential against foodborne pathogens.

The increased frequency of bacterial resistance nowadays leads to the necessity for novel therapeutic strategies targeting bacterial virulence rather than its viability. Among numerous pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus represents a serious problem due to its resistance and numerous virulence factors. Thus, the aim of the study was to chemically characterize Symphytum officinale extract and investigate its antibacterial, antivirulence, and toxicity potential. LC-MS/MS analysis identified rosmarinic acid as the predominant compound. Although the extract showed no antibacterial activity against S. aureus, it inhibited staphyloxanthin production up to 26.5 %. Moreover, the MTT assay on the MRC-5 cell line demonstrated no cytotoxic effect at tested concentrations (0.03125 – 1 mg/mL). These findings suggest that S. officinale may represent a promising source of natural antivirulence compounds, but further investigations are needed.